BusinessNZ Welcomes Regulatory Trim

BusinessNZ welcomes today’s announcement by Minister for Regulation Hon David Seymour that Cabinet has approved the revocation of the outdated Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980.

Small business owners in the hairdressing and barbering sector will no longer have to operate under unnecessary regulations, including mandatory chair spacing and regulated lighting levels, with dogs banned from salons and restrictions on refreshments served.

With the hairdressing regulations revoked, local authorities will no longer be required to monitor the industry. The industry will still be required to meet health and safety regulations, with any risks managed under general legislation applying to all businesses.

This slashing of regulations follows BusinessNZ’s October 2024 report Reducing Compliance Burden on New Zealand Businesses, which outlined red tape burdens in a number of sectors including hairdressing and barbering.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the outcome for the hairdressing sector bodes well for the Ministry for Regulation’s ongoing work reducing unnecessary and restrictive red tape.

"BusinessNZ applauds the methodical and evidence-based approach the Ministry for Regulation has taken in this review. It’s a model for how to tidy up the rules across other sectors. The engagement with businesses, councils and industry bodies was thorough, and the end result is a commonsense solution that still protects public health while removing duplicative and inconsistent regulation," Mrs Rich said.

The Ministry for Regulation’s next review will be of the telecommunications sector.

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