Sonna Reihana
Company Director | Leader in Business Development
Sonna is the co-founder of Aurum and plays a pivotal role in helping his wife, Ria, manage the
hairstylist team. With a deep passion for the industry, Sonna not only participates in team
education but also thrives in the business development side of Aurum.
He is dedicated to motivating the team, viewing the staff as part of his whānau, and ensuring
they have the tools and support to succeed professionally. Sonna's contributions have been
essential to Aurum's success. He has a natural ability to make those around him feel encouraged
and valued, and he takes great pride in helping each team member unleash their full potential.
As Ria says, "He makes me brave.
Company Director | Leader in Business Development
Sonna is the co-founder of Aurum and plays a pivotal role in helping his wife, Ria, manage the
hairstylist team. With a deep passion for the industry, Sonna not only participates in team
education but also thrives in the business development side of Aurum.
He is dedicated to motivating the team, viewing the staff as part of his whānau, and ensuring
they have the tools and support to succeed professionally. Sonna's contributions have been
essential to Aurum's success. He has a natural ability to make those around him feel encouraged
and valued, and he takes great pride in helping each team member unleash their full potential.
As Ria says, "He makes me brave.
Ria Reihana
Senior Stylist | Owner & Company Director | Aurum Lighthouse Keeper
Ria, alongside her husband Sonna, founded Aurum in 2014 with a dream to create a nurturing
space where creatives could truly thrive. Her passion lies in training and inspiring the next
generation of hairstylists, with a strong emphasis on self-belief, confidence, and empowering
her team to embrace their own unique strengths.
With a deep love for the industry and a genuine care for people, Ria specialises in color work,
including blondes, balayage, and curly hair, as well as transformative restyles. However, her true
joy comes from connecting with her clients and helping them feel amazing every day.
Ria feels blessed to do what she loves and considers Aurum her second home, with her team as
part of her extended family. Together with Sonna, Ria continues to build their dream,
surrounded by an outstanding team who share their vision..
Senior Stylist | Owner & Company Director | Aurum Lighthouse Keeper
Ria, alongside her husband Sonna, founded Aurum in 2014 with a dream to create a nurturing
space where creatives could truly thrive. Her passion lies in training and inspiring the next
generation of hairstylists, with a strong emphasis on self-belief, confidence, and empowering
her team to embrace their own unique strengths.
With a deep love for the industry and a genuine care for people, Ria specialises in color work,
including blondes, balayage, and curly hair, as well as transformative restyles. However, her true
joy comes from connecting with her clients and helping them feel amazing every day.
Ria feels blessed to do what she loves and considers Aurum her second home, with her team as
part of her extended family. Together with Sonna, Ria continues to build their dream,
surrounded by an outstanding team who share their vision..
Mercy Barrett
Company Director | Senior Stylist | Blonde & Balayage Specialist
Winner of NZ Apprentice Hairdresser of the Year 2020
Mercy is one of our senior stylists and a key company director, bringing over 7 years of
experience to Aurum. With a strong passion for creative hair artistry, Mercy specialises in
transformative blonde and balayage techniques, consistently delivering stunning results that
her clients love.
Known for her vibrant and bubbly personality, Mercy’s creativity shines through in her work,
whether she’s crafting a flawless blonde look or executing a bold new style. Her expertise and
dedication to the craft have made her an integral part of our team, and her talent for creating
beautiful, personalized hair experiences is unmatched.
Mercy is available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with late-night bookings
available.
Company Director | Senior Stylist | Blonde & Balayage Specialist
Winner of NZ Apprentice Hairdresser of the Year 2020
Mercy is one of our senior stylists and a key company director, bringing over 7 years of
experience to Aurum. With a strong passion for creative hair artistry, Mercy specialises in
transformative blonde and balayage techniques, consistently delivering stunning results that
her clients love.
Known for her vibrant and bubbly personality, Mercy’s creativity shines through in her work,
whether she’s crafting a flawless blonde look or executing a bold new style. Her expertise and
dedication to the craft have made her an integral part of our team, and her talent for creating
beautiful, personalized hair experiences is unmatched.
Mercy is available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with late-night bookings
available.
Georgia Gray
Company Director | International Stylist | Educator | Colourist
Georgia is a cornerstone of Aurum, serving as our long-time senior stylist, company director,
educator, and international stylist. Her passion and dedication have been instrumental in
building the strong foundation of our business.
In 2014, as a new and nervous salon owner, I took a chance on a determined apprentice
—Georgia. Her persistence and drive not only secured her a position but also inspired the
growth of Aurum into the exceptional training salon it is today. She was my first apprentice and
has since become an integral part of our heart and soul.
Georgia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having spent the last five years in
Australia as an educator for Paul Mitchell. During this time, she also thrived in a busy city salon
and embraced motherhood in 2022. We were thrilled to welcome her back to Aurum, along
with her beautiful family.
Given her limited availability, we recommend booking in advance to secure an appointment
with Georgia.
Company Director | International Stylist | Educator | Colourist
Georgia is a cornerstone of Aurum, serving as our long-time senior stylist, company director,
educator, and international stylist. Her passion and dedication have been instrumental in
building the strong foundation of our business.
In 2014, as a new and nervous salon owner, I took a chance on a determined apprentice
—Georgia. Her persistence and drive not only secured her a position but also inspired the
growth of Aurum into the exceptional training salon it is today. She was my first apprentice and
has since become an integral part of our heart and soul.
Georgia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having spent the last five years in
Australia as an educator for Paul Mitchell. During this time, she also thrived in a busy city salon
and embraced motherhood in 2022. We were thrilled to welcome her back to Aurum, along
with her beautiful family.
Given her limited availability, we recommend booking in advance to secure an appointment
with Georgia.
JJ Johnston
Lead Barber | Educator
Our newest addition to the Aurum team - JJ brings both skill and a welcoming energy to
the Barbers Chair. Known for his precision cuts and modern style, JJ connects with
clients on a personal level making each visit a memorable experience.
We met JJ years ago as Mason's protege (Mason originally helped establish 'Aurum
Barbers' and went on to run the barber school here in Dunedin) JJ learned from the
best, he then served as class president.
JJ's leadership shines through, as well as his dedication to his craft and his warm
approachable nature.
JJ is passionate about creating tailored looks that leave the client feeling cared for.
Hannah McDouall
Senior Stylist | Educator | Creative Cutter
Currently on Maternity Leave, Returning April 2025 💕🤰🏽
Hannah is a highly skilled senior stylist with over 12 years of experience in the industry. Known
for her passion for creative cutting, Hannah excels at crafting unique styles that perfectly
complement her clients’ features and personalities.
Her dedication to hairdressing is matched by her commitment to the values we uphold in taking
care of our clients. Hannah’s expertise and creativity make her a valued educator and stylist in
our team.
We can’t wait to have her back creating amazing hair!
Megan McMurdo
Senior Stylist | Blonde Specialist
Megan is our newly qualified senior stylist, bringing a unique blend of skill, dedication, and
warmth to our team. With a caring and open personality, Megan genuinely cares about her craft
and the clients in her chair, ensuring that every visit is a personalized and exceptional
experience.
Her commitment to her career is truly inspiring. After taking time to be a devoted mother,
Megan returned to complete the training she began over a decade ago, advancing quickly and
achieving significant milestones along the way.
Megan has a passion for creating stunning blondes and balayages, making her a go-to expert for
anyone looking to achieve beautiful, natural-looking color.
She is available Tuesday through Saturday to bring your hair dreams to life.
Senior Stylist | Blonde Specialist
Megan is our newly qualified senior stylist, bringing a unique blend of skill, dedication, and
warmth to our team. With a caring and open personality, Megan genuinely cares about her craft
and the clients in her chair, ensuring that every visit is a personalized and exceptional
experience.
Her commitment to her career is truly inspiring. After taking time to be a devoted mother,
Megan returned to complete the training she began over a decade ago, advancing quickly and
achieving significant milestones along the way.
Megan has a passion for creating stunning blondes and balayages, making her a go-to expert for
anyone looking to achieve beautiful, natural-looking color.
She is available Tuesday through Saturday to bring your hair dreams to life.
Kororia Pritchard-Taua
Manaakitanga Client Support | Salon Coordinator
We are thrilled to introduce you to the lovely Kororia who has joined our team as the perfect fit
for all your administrative support and client care needs.
As our Salon Coordinator, Kororia oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring that everything
runs smoothly and efficiently. She is a vital support to our stylists, often assisting with washing
or blow-drying to help make your visit seamless.
Kororia embodies kindness, care, and warmth, making her the ideal person to communicate
with our team and ensure your experience is exceptional from start to finish.