ChCh Hairdresser In Line For International Award

Thursday February 12, 2004

CHRISTCHURCH HAIRDRESSER IN LINE FOR INTERNATIONAL AWARD.

Christchurch hairdresser Mike Hamel, who already has a hat trick of New Zealand Master Hairdresser awards, is looking to add a fourth to his trophy cabinet this month.

The 43-year old sports enthusiast who played senior and age-representative cricket in Christchurch, has been selected as one of three New Zealand finalists vying for the 2004 New Zealand Master Hairdresser of the Year award. The award, chosen by an international panel of judges, is given to the outstanding hairdresser in each of the various countries, Britain, Asian, Australia and New Zealand. It attracted 290 entries from the world's top hairdressers. The accolade will be announced at a gala function in Sydney on February 29.

The other two New Zealand finalists are Derek Elvy of Wellington and Bronwyn Illingworth of Auckland.

Hamel's success in the award began in 2000 when he was the first New Zealander to win the Australian Hairdressers Journal Master Hairdresser award. He won the prestigious award in the following two years and was a finalist last year. To earn master hairdressing status, Hamel, who runs Ginger Megg's hair salon in Merivale with his wife Glynis, has had to demonstrate leadership in the industry. His hairdressing excellence is judged on a portfolio of hairstyles, but the award also takes into account his teamwork, industry development, peer recognition and community involvement.

Tennis is the latest sport of many community organisations to benefit from his generosity and he is driving a South Island initiative to identify and nurture young talent, aimed at taking New Zealand back to a world force in the sport. Hamel whose two children, 11 and 8, are involved in the Canterbury junior development programme, feels strongly that New Zealand has not produced a player in the world's top 20 for many years.

His other sporting passions are cricket, snowboarding, surfing and he has also represented New Zealand in table tennis.

ENDS

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