Welcome to the New Zealand Association of Registered Beauty Professionals

Update on Regulatory Efforts for Our Industry

This year, the Association has made significant progress in advocating for the introduction of regulations to ensure the safety and professionalism of our industry, particularly to prevent untrained individuals from performing skin therapy.

Our first meeting with Dr. Shane Reti took place in July, where we had an open and productive conversation about the current state of the industry. Kim Ryan, our Government Regulations portfolio holder, along with Tanya Morrison from the Environmental Protection Association (EPA), provided Dr. Reti with a comprehensive overview of the industry's situation. Dr. Reti agreed that regulation was necessary and suggested that it might fall under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCAA).

 Following this meeting, Kim and Tanya were tasked with presenting a supplementary report covering the following key areas:

• Do we fall under the current HPCAA?
• What are the risk factors within our industry?
• What are the international trends in Australia and the UK?
• What are the existing bylaws and their application across New Zealand?

 They met with Dr. Reti again on November 7th, where he confirmed their findings that the industry does not fully fall under the HPCAA (documentation on this is available for anyone interested). Instead, our industry is more appropriately governed by the Health Act 1956. Dr. Reti supported this conclusion and acknowledged that, unfortunately, there is no room for new legislation in this term of government. However, this is not the end of the road.

 Dr. Reti has asked us to draft a comprehensive bylaw that addresses the needs of our industry. He has committed to endorsing this bylaw and will advocate for its adoption by local councils as an interim solution. This bylaw will serve as a stopgap until we can push for full legislation in the next government term.

 Next Steps

Kim, Tanya, and other key stakeholders, will now work on revising the bylaws, using the Dunedin City Council's framework as a template. The updated bylaw will include the following key provisions:

• All individuals practicing beauty therapy, cosmetic tattooing, manicures, pedicures, etc., must hold the relevant qualifications.
• Practitioners must adhere to health and safety guidelines.
• All treatments must be carried out within the practitioner's scope of practice.

 If you have any specific suggestions or additional points you'd like to see included in the bylaw, please reach out to Dee so we can incorporate them. This is a crucial opportunity to have your voice heard and contribute to shaping the future of our industry.

 The biggest challenge now is ensuring that all councils are on board with the same bylaws. Achieving consistency across councils will give us the momentum needed to move toward national legislation. Dr. Reti has requested another meeting in the first quarter of next year to review the bylaw and assist with its rollout.

 Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we work towards meaningful regulatory change.

NZARBP Advisory:

Caution Regarding Non-Compliant Equipment Purchases

The New Zealand Association of Registered Beauty Professionals (NZARBP) strongly advises all members to exercise caution when purchasing equipment for their professional use.

Recent reports have highlighted issues with equipment that:

• Does not comply with New Zealand safety standards
• Lacks adequate safety mechanisms
• Offers limited or no post-purchase support, warranties, or servicing options

Such equipment poses potential risks to both practitioners and clients, including:

• Increased likelihood of malfunction or injury
• Non-compliance with industry regulations, risking legal and insurance implications
• Challenges with repairs or maintenance due to lack of local support

What You Should Do:

1. Verify Standards: Ensure any equipment you purchase meets New Zealand regulatory and safety standards. Request certifications from the supplier.
2. Research Suppliers: Purchase only from reputable suppliers with a proven track record of compliance and support.  For further peace of mind seek out Distributor members of the NZARBP.
3. Seek Expert Advice: Consult peers, industry advisors, or the NZARBP if unsure about a product or supplier.
4. Read the Fine Print: Review warranty terms and post-purchase servicing options thoroughly before committing to a purchase.

By prioritizing compliant and safe equipment, you not only protect your clients and your business but also uphold the high standards of professionalism that the NZARBP represents.

For further guidance or questions, feel free to contact the NZARBP team.