Ria Wikio from D'or Hair Stylists in Arrowtown is a cut above the other hairdressing apprentices.
At the weekend, she was named Apprentice of the Year at the Hairdressing Industry Training Organisation annual award ceremony in Wellington.
The finalists were judged on a portfolio showing examples of their work.
Miss Wikio had included photographs from her work as hairstylist for the musical Les Miserables this year and for work on the bridal show at this year's Autumn Festival in Arrowtown.
"I am so passionate about what I do, and this award has been a focus for me this year.
"My manager, Rosemary Chalmers, has been very supportive all along.
"I am both proud and excited to bring this award back to my salon," she said.
Ria Wikio's win is made more remarkable by the fact that she is only in the second year of her apprenticeship, while most of the other finalists were in their third and final year.
She hopes to join the line-up for the award again next year.
