Ria Reihana
Aurum Lighthouse Keeper
From the moment I picked up a pair of scissors, I knew hairdressing was more than just a
profession - it was a calling. For over 18 years, I have dedicated my craft to transforming not just
hair but the confidence and self-perception of every client who sits in my chair. But my journey
is more than just styling, it is about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and
empowered.
As the founders of Aurum, Sonna and I have built more than a salon; we have cultivated a
community. A place where hairstylists and barbers aren’t just workers they're artists, leaders,
and future educators.
My passion isn’t just in perfecting a blonde balayage or sculpting curls to
their fullest potential; it’s in mentoring the next generation of stylists, teaching them not only
technique but also self-belief, resilience, and business acumen.
My approach is deeply personal, blending technical expertise with an intuitive understanding of
how hair connects to identity. Whether it’s embracing natural curls, guiding a bold
transformation, or crafting a custom colour that feels like it was always meant to be, I see hair
as a medium for self-expression.
My mission is clear: to elevate the industry, to honour the artistry, and to empower every stylist
and client who walks through my doors.
Because at the heart of it all, hairdressing isn’t just about what’s on your head it’s about how
you feel when you leave my chair. And that is my life’s work.
Sonna
Leader in Business Development
Sonna is the co-founder of Aurum and a driving force behind the scenes, working alongside his
wife, Ria, to lead and support both the barber and stylist teams.
With a genuine passion for the industry, Sonna plays an active role in team education and
thrives in the business development side of the salon. His leadership is rooted in a deep sense of
care, he sees the Aurum team as whānau and is committed to providing the support, tools, and
motivation each person needs to grow and succeed.
Sonna’s natural ability to uplift those around him has been instrumental in Aurum’s success. He
brings encouragement, clarity, and strength to the team—always leading with heart and
intention.
As Ria says, “He makes me brave.”
Leader in Business Development
Sonna is the co-founder of Aurum and a driving force behind the scenes, working alongside his
wife, Ria, to lead and support both the barber and stylist teams.
With a genuine passion for the industry, Sonna plays an active role in team education and
thrives in the business development side of the salon. His leadership is rooted in a deep sense of
care, he sees the Aurum team as whānau and is committed to providing the support, tools, and
motivation each person needs to grow and succeed.
Sonna’s natural ability to uplift those around him has been instrumental in Aurum’s success. He
brings encouragement, clarity, and strength to the team—always leading with heart and
intention.
As Ria says, “He makes me brave.”
Mercy
Senior Stylist | Blonde & Balayage Specialist
Mercy began her hairdressing journey in 2018 and has grown into a highly skilled senior stylist,
combining years of experience with a genuine passion for creating beautiful hair. As the winner
of NZ Apprentice Hairdresser of the Year 2020, she brings exceptional technical expertise,
creativity, and a commitment to helping every client look and feel their best.
Specialising in transformative blondes and balayage, Mercy is known for creating stunning,
high-impact colour that is beautifully tailored to each client. Whether you're after a subtle
refresh or a complete transformation, her attention to detail and creative eye deliver
consistently beautiful results.
Just as memorable as her work is her personality. Mercy is truly one of a kind -the bubbliest
person you'll ever meet. Her infectious energy, quick wit, and hilarious sense of humour mean
every appointment is filled with laughs, great conversation, and plenty of fun. Clients leave not
only loving their hair but also looking forward to their next visit.
Her passion, creativity, and ability to make every guest feel welcome make Mercy an invaluable
part of the Aurum team.
Senior Stylist | Blonde & Balayage Specialist
Mercy began her hairdressing journey in 2018 and has grown into a highly skilled senior stylist,
combining years of experience with a genuine passion for creating beautiful hair. As the winner
of NZ Apprentice Hairdresser of the Year 2020, she brings exceptional technical expertise,
creativity, and a commitment to helping every client look and feel their best.
Specialising in transformative blondes and balayage, Mercy is known for creating stunning,
high-impact colour that is beautifully tailored to each client. Whether you're after a subtle
refresh or a complete transformation, her attention to detail and creative eye deliver
consistently beautiful results.
Just as memorable as her work is her personality. Mercy is truly one of a kind -the bubbliest
person you'll ever meet. Her infectious energy, quick wit, and hilarious sense of humour mean
every appointment is filled with laughs, great conversation, and plenty of fun. Clients leave not
only loving their hair but also looking forward to their next visit.
Her passion, creativity, and ability to make every guest feel welcome make Mercy an invaluable
part of the Aurum team.
Georgia
Lead Stylist | International Stylist | Educator | Colourist
Georgia is a cornerstone of Aurum – a long-standing senior stylist, educator, and internationally
experienced professional whose passion and dedication have helped shape the very foundation
of our salon.
Our story with Georgia began in 2014, when I was a new and nervous salon owner taking a
chance on a determined young apprentice. Georgia’s drive, resilience, and talent quickly proved
invaluable, not only securing her place on the team but also playing a key role in the evolution
of Aurum into the renowned training salon it is today. As my very first apprentice, she became
part of the heart and soul of this business.
Georgia went on to spend over five years in Australia, excelling in a fast-paced city salon and
serving as an educator for Paul Mitchell. After starting a family, she returned home to Dunedin
and we were lucky enough to welcome her back to Aurum, where she continues to thrive and
lead with expertise, warmth, and a deep commitment to her craft.
JJ
Lead Barber | Educator
With his sharp skills and welcoming presence, JJ brings both talent and great energy to the
barbershop. Known for his precision cuts and modern style, he takes the time to connect with
every client- making each visit personal and memorable.
Our journey with JJ began years ago when he trained under Mason, one of Aurum Barbers'
founders and head of the local barber school. Under Mason’s mentorship, JJ honed his craft and
quickly stood out, eventually serving as class president- a testament to his leadership and
passion for barbering.
JJ’s dedication to his craft, along with his focus on creating a comfortable, client-first
experience, makes him a standout addition to the team. He’s all about crafting personalised
looks that reflect each client’s style and leave them feeling confident and cared for.
Lead Barber | Educator
With his sharp skills and welcoming presence, JJ brings both talent and great energy to the
barbershop. Known for his precision cuts and modern style, he takes the time to connect with
every client- making each visit personal and memorable.
Our journey with JJ began years ago when he trained under Mason, one of Aurum Barbers'
founders and head of the local barber school. Under Mason’s mentorship, JJ honed his craft and
quickly stood out, eventually serving as class president- a testament to his leadership and
passion for barbering.
JJ’s dedication to his craft, along with his focus on creating a comfortable, client-first
experience, makes him a standout addition to the team. He’s all about crafting personalised
looks that reflect each client’s style and leave them feeling confident and cared for.
Kororia
Manaakitanga Client Support | Salon Coordinator
Meet Kororia – our amazing Salon Coordinator and the heart behind the front desk at Aurum.
Kororia is here to ensure everything runs smoothly, from managing day-to-day operations to
providing outstanding support to both clients and our team. Whether she’s assisting with
washes and blow-dries or handling appointments with precision and care, she helps create a
seamless, stress-free experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
With her warmth, kindness, and keen eye for detail, Kororia makes sure every visit feels special
from your first hello to your final look in the mirror.
Want a peek behind the scenes and a few good laughs? Follow her on Instagram at
@behind_thedesk for a glimpse into the daily magic at Aurum.
Julia
Emerging Stylist | Final Year
Julia began her hairdressing journey in Wānaka in 2024, the then joined us here at Aurum in
2025 and she has quickly become a much-loved part of the salon. A walking ray of sunshine,
Julia's bubbly
personality and infectious laugh brighten every appointment, making clients feel relaxed,
confident, and genuinely cared for from the moment they arrive.
She has a real passion for creating healthy, beautiful hair and especially enjoys Aura
smoothing and straightening services that leave hair silky, manageable, and full of shine. Julia
also loves working with colour, from rich caramel tones that add depth and dimension to vibrant
coppers, radiant reds, playful peekaboo panels, and bright pops of colour through the ends.
If effortless, lived-in blondes are your style, Julia also loves creating soft, seamless blonde
transformations that grow out beautifully while maintaining the health and integrity of the hair.
Julia warmth, enthusiasm, and passion for making every guest
feel their best make her a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a relaxed, uplifting salon
experience.
.
Koda
Newly Qualified Senior Stylist
Koda was always destined to be a hairdresser. If you look back at her childhood photos, you'll
find her styling her friends' hair from kindy onwards. In 2024, she turned that lifelong passion
into a career when she began studying hairdressing at polytechnic. Now an Intermediate Stylist
at Aurum, she's passionate about
creating rich brunettes, vibrant coppers, and bold, vivid colours that allow her creativity to
shine.
With a keen eye for colour and a growing confidence behind the chair, Koda loves working with
clients to create personalised looks that reflect their individual style. She is also experienced in
keratin smoothing treatments and is always expanding her skills to stay up to date with the
latest techniques and trends.
Friendly, enthusiastic, and dedicated to making every client feel comfortable, Koda looks
forward to welcoming both new and returning clients to Aurum and helping them achieve hair
they love.
Newly Qualified Senior Stylist
Koda was always destined to be a hairdresser. If you look back at her childhood photos, you'll
find her styling her friends' hair from kindy onwards. In 2024, she turned that lifelong passion
into a career when she began studying hairdressing at polytechnic. Now an Intermediate Stylist
at Aurum, she's passionate about
creating rich brunettes, vibrant coppers, and bold, vivid colours that allow her creativity to
shine.
With a keen eye for colour and a growing confidence behind the chair, Koda loves working with
clients to create personalised looks that reflect their individual style. She is also experienced in
keratin smoothing treatments and is always expanding her skills to stay up to date with the
latest techniques and trends.
Friendly, enthusiastic, and dedicated to making every client feel comfortable, Koda looks
forward to welcoming both new and returning clients to Aurum and helping them achieve hair
they love.
Edita
Emerging Stylist | Final Year
Edita’s passion for hair began while studying at Otago Polytechnic in 2024, now
she is all about transformation. Whether it's a complete restyle, a fresh new cutter a bold
colour change, she loves helping clients embrace a new look and leave the salon feeling their
absolute best.
With a creative eye and a passion for precision cutting, Edita enjoys taking on everything from
subtle shape changes to dramatic makeovers. She loves collaborating with her clients to create
styles that suit their personality, lifestyle, and vision, bringing confidence to every appointment.
Her warm, caring nature makes every guest feel relaxed and at ease in her chair, and she's
always excited to continue growing her skills and exploring new trends and techniques.
Outside of the salon, you'll find Edita enjoying road trips, getting lost in a good book, or
spending time with her two cats.
Emerging Stylist | Final Year
Edita’s passion for hair began while studying at Otago Polytechnic in 2024, now
she is all about transformation. Whether it's a complete restyle, a fresh new cutter a bold
colour change, she loves helping clients embrace a new look and leave the salon feeling their
absolute best.
With a creative eye and a passion for precision cutting, Edita enjoys taking on everything from
subtle shape changes to dramatic makeovers. She loves collaborating with her clients to create
styles that suit their personality, lifestyle, and vision, bringing confidence to every appointment.
Her warm, caring nature makes every guest feel relaxed and at ease in her chair, and she's
always excited to continue growing her skills and exploring new trends and techniques.
Outside of the salon, you'll find Edita enjoying road trips, getting lost in a good book, or
spending time with her two cats.