Mana wahine in the beauty therapy sector

Her strong belief in Mana Wāhine finding a space in the world of beauty therapy is all part of Naomi Hita’s identity and motivation to study and work in this industry.

Her goals got a boost this week when she was awarded the prestigious Silk Skin Spa Scholarship 2025/26. It’s offered to a first-year Beauty Therapy student who is progressing to the NZ Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 5) in 2026.

Naomi - Ngāpuhi, Tūhoe - says she’s loved the course and has found her true calling.

Charlotte Ward, who sponsors the scholarship as creator and owner of New Plymouth business Silk Spa, presented the award. In her heartwarming speech, she urged students to back themselves in pursuing their careers.

Diverse skills – personal and technical – are needed to succeed. From learning a wide range of therapeutic treatments to good communication skills, being a team player and hard worker, “you need to use your brains, your trade and people skills in this industry," she says.

She felt the winning applicant, Naomi, expressed a deep care for people and a genuine desire to succeed in the sector.

The scholarship, worth over $1000 in total, includes a cash payment and professional training at Silk Skin Spa. Three other applicants each received $50 treatment vouchers to use at Silk Ski Spa.

Captions: (top) Charlotte Ward (Silk Skin Spa), Naomi Hita and WITT Beauty Therapy tutor Haley Maindonald and (below) with WITT students Lucy Hancock, Shanika Spragg, Kate Dawkins who each received vouchers.