2024 AHIA Creative New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year - Andrew Cobeldick

By Louise May

Andrew Cobeldick’s victory as the 2024 AHIA CREATVE New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year marks a monumental moment in his career, celebrating a journey defined by growth, passion, and relentless dedication to his craft. This prestigious accolade goes beyond technical expertise, embodying the countless hours Andrew has devoted to perfecting his skills, exploring innovation, and staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of hairstyling.

For Andrew, this achievement is both humbling and affirming, a recognition of the risks he has taken, the lessons he has embraced, and the invaluable collaborations that have shaped his path. Professionally, it opens doors to new opportunities, reinforces the trust of his clients, and fuels his commitment to mentoring and empowering others within the industry. Winning this award reflects how far Andrew has come and inspires him to continue creating, innovating, and sharing his passion with the hairstyling community.

Editor of Mocha Hair – Louise May, chats with Andrew about his recent win, and industry journey.

What do you think made your entry stand out to the judges this year?

Good question! And a hard one! I believe my entry stood out to the judges because of its compelling story, exceptional technical skill, and unrelenting passion. Each look was designed to evoke emotion and take the viewer on a journey, showcasing a balance of precision cutting, intricate styling, and innovative texture work.

The collection reflected my dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in hairstyling while staying true to my creative vision. Every detail was crafted with intention, highlighting not only my technical ability but also the deep love I have for the artistry of hair , leaving a powerful and timeless impact.

Can you share the inspiration behind your collection and how you brought it to life?

The inspiration was... Step into the whimsical and exhilarating world of my latest hair collection, where the grandeur of the Met Gala collides with the prestige of the Oscars, but with an unexpected twist – it’s 3 AM, and the night is still young as you find yourself frolicking through the city streets.

Infused with the euphoria of a night to remember, each hairstyle in this collection exudes an air of carefree exuberance and untamed beauty.

I wanted to bring something fun and Avante Garde but something that also had a story and something captivating about it. I love being able to read emotion in my creation weather its light or dark, happy or sad! But truly 3 days before I shot this collection, I found out I was going to lose my beautiful 4-legged best friend and funnily enough here name is Gigi and that’s where the name comes from is in tribute to her!

You have worked closely with Richard Kavanagh for over a decade, What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned and how have they shaped you?

Working closely with Richard Kavanagh for over a decade has been one of the most transformative experiences of my career. His approach to creativity and innovation has taught me the value of constantly pushing boundaries and thinking beyond the ordinary. Richard’s emphasis on storytelling has shown me how to craft not just beautiful hair, but meaningful narratives that resonate with people.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of precision and discipline in mastering technical skills, while still allowing space for experimentation and play. Richard’s ability to balance those elements has inspired me to develop my own style that is both technically strong and creatively bold. Not only that but LISTENING! Taking it all in. Sometimes less is more.

He’s also instilled in me the power of collaboration and mentorship—sharing knowledge generously and encouraging others to grow. This mindset has shaped how I work with brands, my team and everyone and everything! Ultimately, Richard’s guidance has taught me to approach every opportunity with curiosity, humility, and the courage to innovate.

As someone who has been mentored and now mentors’ others, what do you hope to instil in the next generation of stylists, and how do you see your role in shaping the future of the hairdressing industry?

As someone who has been both mentored and now mentors others, I hope to instil in the next generation of stylists a passion for lifelong learning, a commitment to their craft, and the confidence to push creative boundaries.

I want to inspire them to embrace both technical precision and artistic expression, encouraging them to see hairdressing as more than a skill—it’s a platform for storytelling, innovation, and connection.

My role in shaping the future of the industry is to lead by example, sharing not just techniques but also the values of resilience, collaboration, and adaptability. By nurturing their unique visions and providing opportunities for growth, I aim to cultivate a new wave of hairstylists who are fearless, curious, and ready to redefine the industry’s future. Together, we can build a community that values creativity, inclusivity, and continuous evolution.

You’ve conducted numerous workshops across Australasia. What is your favourite part about teaching?

My favourite part about teaching workshops is witnessing those “lightbulb moments” when students grasp a new concept or technique and feel empowered to take their creativity to the next level.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their confidence grow as they realize their potential. I love the energy and exchange of ideas in a workshop environment—it’s a space where everyone, including me, can learn and be inspired.

To inspire creativity, I tailor my sessions to be highly interactive and adaptable to each group’s skill level and interests. I encourage students to experiment, make mistakes, and think beyond traditional techniques.

By incorporating storytelling, innovative approaches to styling, and hands-on demonstrations, I aim to create an environment where they feel both challenged and supported. My goal is to ignite their passion and equip them with the tools to express their unique vision through hair.

Your journey as a hairstylist has transcended borders, earning you esteemed recognition on the international stage. Can you tell us about this?

My journey as a hairstylist has been a whirlwind of creativity, growth, and collaboration that has led to recognition on the international stage. Working beyond borders has allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures, styles, and techniques, broadening my perspective and inspiring my artistry. From collaborating on global editorial shoots to presenting at prestigious events and conducting workshops, each experience has been a chance to showcase my vision and connect with like-minded creatives around the world.

Earning international recognition is deeply humbling, as it reflects not just the quality of my work but also the stories, I’ve been able to tell through hair. It’s a testament to years of dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries. These opportunities have not only shaped me as a stylist but also fuelled my passion to share knowledge, mentor others, and continue contributing to the global hairdressing community.

How do you balance the demands of running a successful career with staying creatively inspired and continuing to push boundaries in your work?

I DONT! ha-ha . I call in Harmony but... Balancing the demands of a successful career while staying creatively inspired and pushing boundaries is a constant, but rewarding, challenge. I approach it by being intentional about carving out time for both professional responsibilities and personal creativity. Staying connected to what inspires me—whether it’s art, fashion, nature, or travel—fuels my imagination and keeps my work fresh.

I also prioritize collaboration with other creatives, like makeup artist Serena, as those partnerships often spark new ideas and perspectives. Mentoring Buoy Salon apprentices has been another source of inspiration, as teaching often reignites my passion and challenges me to innovate.

On a practical level, I ensure I stay organized and delegate where possible, which allows me to focus on the aspects of my work that truly excite me. Most importantly, I’m committed to lifelong learning—attending workshops, exploring new techniques, and challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone. This balance between structure and creativity helps me maintain both my career and the drive to push boundaries in everything I do.

Can you tell us about your charity work? Why is volunteering and giving back so important to you?

My charity work has often revolved around contributing to organizations whose values resonate deeply with me, such as the SPCA, where I’ve supported initiatives that ensure animals receive the care and love they deserve, and the Mary Potter Hospice, which provides compassionate end-of-life support to individuals and their families.

Volunteering is a way for me to honour the connections we share with both humans and animals, recognizing that even small gestures can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. The loss of my beloved deaf dog, Gigi, who brought unconditional love and taught me the importance of empathy and understanding, further motivates me to give back, as it’s a reminder that every living being deserves kindness, comfort, and dignity.

What is on the agenda for the next 12 months?

Over the next 12 months, I’ll be hitting the ground running with over twenty workshops across NZ and fingers crossed internationally! focusing on mentorship, hands-on demonstrations, and creative inspiration designed to push both emerging talent and established stylists to the next level. I’m planning several new hair collections that not only showcase innovative techniques and storytelling but also highlight the importance of giving back to our communities.

Collaboration will remain at the heart of everything I do—partnering with likeminded creatives, supporting charitable initiatives, and staying true to my guiding principle of being the best version of myself. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire everyone I connect with, whether that’s through teaching, creating, or simply sharing ideas. And of course, keep an eye on Andrew Cobeldick the BRAND... there are a few exciting things in the pipeline, so watch this space!

@andrew.cobeldick