Katikati farewells hairdressing legend Liz Ward

Liz Ward, a much-loved Katikati resident and internationally recognised hairdresser, passed away on 22 December 2025, aged 59, following a brain tumour diagnosis at the end of 2023. Born Elizabeth Rosemary Davies on 28 June 1966, she grew up on a farm on Lund Road and attended Katikati Primary School and Katikati College, where she was known as a determined, energetic child with a passion for horses and netball.

Liz began her hairdressing apprenticeship at just 15 and owned her first salon — Hairkraft in Katikati — by the age of 21. Over a 40-year career she collected some of the industry's highest honours, including the NZ Supreme Hairdresser of the Year in 2010, NZ Oceanic Masters Overall Champion Styling in 2012, and NZ Editorial Stylist of the Year (Bay of Plenty) in 2013. She trained in Italy, worked backstage at World of WearableArts in Nelson, and judged international cutting competitions in Australia.

Beyond the salon, Liz was a passionate equestrian — the fourth generation of her family to compete — a staunch Katikati Rugby Club supporter, and a driving force behind the revival of Katikati Netball Club in 2022 alongside friend Hayley Murray. The club's first season in 2023 fielded four women's teams. Colleague Molly Gent, who worked alongside Liz for 14 years, said she "shaped the lives of so many people" and trained countless apprentices. Liz's funeral was held on 6 January in Katikati.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).