Kay Nelson, Contribution to the Industry 2026

Celebrating excellence was the theme of the night at the BeautyNZ Association Awards 2026. HITO’s own Kay Nelson was amongst the award winners.

Sustainable futures are the focus

Kay Nelson, HITO Chief Executive, was celebrated and presented the Contribution to Industry Award at the BeautyNZ Association Awards 2026, held on Saturday, 28 February.

The NZ Beauty Association nominated Kay for her impact on the beauty industry over a period of change. Highlighting her innovation and steady leadership in education and building a sustainable future for the industry through HITO’s on-the-job training qualifications.

In Kay’s own words on the night, she expressed her gratitude.

Kay Nelson, Chief Executive.

“I’m very grateful. I’m very honoured and it’s been an honour actually to be at HITO, it’s been 10 years. It’s been such a journey, so exciting, and you are the most inspiring, innovative special people to work with. And I’m talking about you all as an industry. That has kept me engaged and excited to make sure that your industry has sustainability going forward for the future. Thank you very much for this.”

In the words of the BeautyNZ Association

“Kay’s impact on the beauty industry has been driven from a strong foundation in education. A leader in innovation and change, she has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of small business and customer care qualities that led her into an education career.

Kay began as a tutor and then progressed to lead a Centre for Service Industries, which included the beauty sector. From there, she went on to become Chief Executive of a polytechnic, all while completing her MBA. Kay later spent time in the Pacific. Establishing a new tertiary training institute. Before her current role at HITO, she served as Chief Executive of Student Job Search.

Kay is the Chief Executive of HITO, New Zealand’s leading provider of apprenticeships for the beauty industry. Through HITO, apprentices, employers and secondary school students across the Beauty, Hair and Barbering sectors are supported through a range of programmes designed to strengthen and future-proof our industries.

Since joining HITO, Kay has navigated significant and ongoing change, particularly through government-led reforms that began in 2019 and continue today. Throughout this period, the NZARBP acknowledges how fortunate it has been to have Kay’s steady leadership, strategic insight and unwavering commitment, pointing out that Kay seems to thrive in times of challenge and transformation.”