Notice of the Passing of former CEO Erica Cumming

It is with sadness that the HISO Board and the management and staff of HITO share the news of the passing of former Chief Executive Erica Cumming on Wednesday 20th May.

Erica worked at HITO for 19 years in total, serving as a moderator, assessor and examiner  then National Moderator before serving as Chief Executive for 13 of those years. Erica was a powerful advocate for the hairdressing and barbering industries and was very instrumental in HITO, remaining a stand-alone ITO at the time when there were mergers of other small ITO’s happening.

Erica started her own journey as a hairdressing apprentice at 15 years old and went on to own her own business at just 19 in Southland.  Erica’s journey contributed greatly to her passion for industry training and apprenticeships, and we are sure many of our industry will be saddened by this news.

HISO and HITO wish to acknowledge Erica’s service to our industries and apprenticeship training and send condolences to all her family and friends.