Christchurch’s Hair Art & Beauty Centre has won the ‘Most Outstanding Social Impact’ award at the David Business Awards.
Salon coordinator Emily told chrislynchmedia.com, over the past 25 years in Christchurch, the team has strived to be more than just a salon.
“We’ve built a positive social impact both locally and internationally while setting a high standard for sustainability in the beauty industry,” Emily said.
“Our approach to social impact is community-first, deeply embedded in our daily operations and partnerships.”
Locally, Hair Art & Beauty works closely with groups such as Dress for Success, Avon Hockey Club, and St Albans School, supporting everything from education and wellness to broader community-building efforts. One initiative the salon takes particular pride in is the annual ‘Purse With Purpose’ campaign.
“We collect pre-loved handbags, which we then fill with beauty and hygiene essentials for women in need,” Emily explained. “This initiative, supported by our clients and team, is about so much more than practical items—it’s a way to offer a sense of dignity, self-care, and confidence to women facing challenging circumstances.”
Hair Art & Beauty’s reach extends beyond New Zealand through its involvement in La Biosthetique’s Colour With Care programme. The salon makes donations to Doctors Without Borders, funding essential medical aid in crisis-affected areas worldwide.
“We also contribute to the Retiti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya, supporting their work in rehabilitating orphaned elephants and preserving wildlife habitats. These partnerships reflect our belief that social responsibility knows no borders,” said Emily.
Environmental sustainability has long been a core value for the salon. Hair Art & Beauty is proud to be a Carbon Neutral business, offsetting 100% of its emissions through biodiversity and reforestation projects across New Zealand. Thanks to its partnership with Sustainable Salons, the salon recycles over 95% of its waste. “Chemical waste is converted into water for roadworks, while hair clippings are transformed into mats for oil-spill cleanups,” said Emily.
“Even our remaining food waste finds a purpose, supporting a team member’s farm animals. Every aspect of our operations has been examined and optimised for environmental responsibility, demonstrating our dedication to creating a positive ecological footprint.”
The salon’s latest project—a purpose-built beauty facility opening this month—pushes its sustainability commitment even further. From reclaimed wood and low-VOC paints to water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient LED lighting, every detail was chosen with the environment in mind. Solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and a native garden complete with a salon beehive will support local biodiversity.
“It’s our vision of a truly eco-conscious business space, and we’re thrilled to showcase how small businesses can lead by example when it comes to environmental care,” Emily said.
Emily expressed her gratitude for the award, saying, “Winning this award is both an honour and a reminder of why we do what we do.
“By prioritising our community, embracing a global perspective on social impact, and continuously pushing the boundaries of sustainability, we aim to inspire our industry and uplift those around us. We’re excited to continue on this journey—creating positive change one meaningful initiative, one recycled bottle, and one client at a time.”
