Whitireia and WelTec students earn 17 New Zealand Hair Awards nominations

Five students from Whitireia and WelTec have received a total of 17 finalist nominations for the 2026 New Zealand Hair Awards. The nominations highlight the talent within the institutes' barbering and hairdressing programmes.

Manaia Seligman leads the group with six nominations across the Editorial Barber of the Year, Editorial Barber Next Generation, and Editorial Barber New Talent categories. Aliyah Davis has secured five nominations, including the Patrick Cameron Bridal Challenge Next Generation and the Derek Elvy Visionary Avant-Garde Award.

Timothy Rempala earned three nominations, including the Derek Elvy Visionary Avant-Garde Award and two spots in Editorial Stylist Next Generation. Other finalists include Francesca D'Oriano, nominated in the Editorial Barber New Talent and Editorial Barber Next Generation categories, and Trelise Hood, a finalist in the Editorial Stylist New Talent category.