New changes to how Council manages hairdressers and barbers

The Minister for Regulation, Hon David Seymour, recently announced that the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 will be revoked by the end of July 2025. This follows a comprehensive sector review led by the Ministry for Regulation, which found that the current rules were outdated, inconsistently applied, and no longer necessary to support public health and safety outcomes.

What does this mean?

• From the end of July, the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 will no longer exist or be enforceable.

• Local councils, including Queenstown Lakes District Council, will no longer process annual licensing or conduct routine inspections for hairdressing and barbering businesses under these regulations.

• Annual licensing payments and renewals will no longer be required for hairdressers and barbers.

• The Health (Registration of Premises) Regulations 1966 will remain in place for other industries but will no longer apply to the hairdressing and barbering sector.

What regulations still apply?

While the 1980 regulations will be revoked, other general legislation will continue to apply, including:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

• The Health Act 1956

• Relevant building and public health requirements

The Ministry of Health is preparing updated guidance to help hairdressing and barbering businesses maintain safe and hygienic practices. This guidance is being developed in consultation with industry bodies and is expected to be published before the regulations are revoked.

The Ministry for Regulation will continue to monitor the impacts of these changes and report back to Cabinet after two years to assess whether public health risks are being managed appropriately or if further government intervention is required.

If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Environmental Health team on 03 441 0499 or email:

environmentalhealth@qldc.govt.nz