Whitireia and WelTec students in both hairdressing and makeup artistry gained career-defining experience at this year’s 2025 World of WearableArt (WOW) Show: RISE – an international event that offers a rare opportunity for ākonga to work at the highest level.
Among them were hairdressing student Eliana Matheson and makeup student Hannah Robottom, who both graduated last month. Together with their peers, they worked backstage to prepare dancers, models and aerialists for the stage, collaborating with industry professionals and experiencing first-hand the pace and professionalism of a world-class live production.
“The pace was intense, and I had to adapt quickly,” says Eliana, who lives in Wainuiomata. “We used far more product and techniques than in class. At first, I was nervous but by the second night I was flying. I loved the challenge and the professionalism.”
Performers soon noticed her skill and consistency, with one model returning to her chair each night. “It was such a boost to know they trusted me,” she says. “It made me more confident in my abilities as a hairdresser.”
Hannah, who grew up on a farm near Ongaonga in Central Hawke’s Bay and later boarded at Iona College in Havelock North, says WOW has helped set her sights firmly on her future. “I’ve always been creative and into art and painting. My dream is to work in special effects movie makeup or a similar field.”
She describes the WOW internship as both exciting and inspiring. “I learned so much. It’s given me more confidence working with people in real life – as opposed to in the classroom. It was great connecting with other artistic people, I felt like I was making a real contribution.”
Although nervous at first, Hannah says she soon found her rhythm. “During the first night’s orientation I was a little nervous – I’d never been in that real-life, backstage environment with so many talented people. But everyone was laidback and welcoming, and I quickly got into my routine. It was fast-paced and sometimes hectic – but a real rush as well.”
By the second week she was forming real connections. “I felt a connection with some of the dancers and models – they’d say hi backstage. The whole experience has made me more determined to work in this field.”
Tutor, and WOW Hair Supervisor, Shelly McAuley, says the internship shows the value of strong industry partnerships. “WOW is a world-class event, and it demands the highest standards. Experiences like this give students a real insight into professional expectations and prepare them for future work in fashion, theatre and events.”
Tutor Amanda Kisona, who worked alongside the makeup team, agrees. “In class we can only do so much – but working on a live show with real models and creatives gives students an authentic taste of the industry. It’s fast-paced, professional, and invaluable for building confidence.”
Kisona says WOW is also about making connections. “Students are working alongside not just other hairdressers and makeup artists, but also costume designers, stage crew and production staff. It’s an amazing opportunity to network and see how their skills fit into the bigger picture of theatre, film and live events.”
She says seeing current students walk the same path she once did is especially rewarding. “For me, volunteering at WOW as a student was my foot in the door. Now I get to support the next generation to make that same leap into their careers.”
For Eliana, who discovered hairdressing through the Trades Academy after a difficult time at school, the internship was more than just work experience. “It’s inspired me to aim higher. I’d love to keep coming back to WOW – and it’s given me the confidence to believe I can succeed in this industry.”
WOW is one of New Zealand’s most significant creative showcases, attracting designers and audiences from around the globe. The 2025 show, RISE, drew more than 60,000 people.
Photo from left, Shelly McAuley, Eliana Matheson, Hannah Robottom, Amanda Kisona
First published 10 November on Images Magazine
