Marlborough’s appearance service providers have had their say on the potential implementation of a bylaw to regulate their industry, and now Council’s Environmental Health Team wants to hear from you.
The team is investigating whether to introduce a bylaw to regulate the industry and set a required standard to protect members of the public when undergoing appearance-related procedures.
The appearance industry covers many procedures including waxing, manicure/pedicure, derma-blading, microneedling, tattooing and body piercing, to name a few.
Twenty-three industry members have had their say, with 17 of them indicating they would like to see regulation put in place. A further four said they weren’t sure, while two said ‘no’ to the idea.
A second survey is now open to the public.
Environmental Health Officer Georgia Murrin said it was important to get feedback from both the providers and users of appearance industry services.
Some procedures have the potential to cause adverse health outcomes if not done hygienically, she said.
“This includes risks that can lead to time off work, medical costs, or even hospitalisation. Setting clear standards helps to manage and reduce these risks. Industry support for regulation has been strong, but we also want to hear from users about their experiences, both positive and negative.”
Currently, concerns can be investigated under the Health Act 1956, but enforcement powers are limited.
There are no national regulations for New Zealand’s appearance industry; however, 16 councils across the country already have bylaws in place. Feedback from the public will help determine whether Marlborough should follow suit.
Under the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA), councils may create bylaws to protect, promote and maintain public health and safety.
The public survey is open now and closes on 31 March.
The findings from both surveys will be presented to Council in July.
Go to the public survey on the Have Your Say webpage
