It’s a long road (literally and figuratively) from a marae in rural Hastings to Auckland’s most exclusive hair salons, managing the glossy tresses of the Prime Minister - but it’s one Tane Tomoana has walked with his own particular brand of fabulousness.
The creative director of Dry and Tea hair salons in Australasia, Tane has tamed the manes of Anika Moa, Hollie Smith, and managed the most high-profile hair in the country - Jacinda Ardern.
Tane (Ngāti Kahungunu) grew up surrounded by whanau in a tiny marae settlement, steeped in the traditional indigenous way of life, where the mana of his ancestry was held in high regard.
Tane recounts growing up in his grandparents’ home with pride, describing a “wonderful childhood, full of love.” He, his sister and cousins spent their days tending vegetable gardens and rearing animals for food – “We lived mostly off the land and sea,” he says.
His family taught him that honesty, integrity and humility were important qualities to uphold; and to ensure those around him had a voice, whether he agreed with it or not. “I am very rooted in the intrinsically indigenous values of community, of giving, of caring for others,” Tane says.
Tane’s mother, an arch deacon, and his father (a former provincial rugby player and train driver) encouraged Tane’s creativity from a young age; he discovered he loved styling hair. His master up-do skills were in high demand by his family and friends as their own personal stylist throughout high school!
So it was no surprise that he started a hairdressing apprenticeship straight out of school, aged 17. After finishing his studies, Tane moved to Auckland, where he worked in salons and collaborated on music videos and photo shoots.
A true empath – and with a strong eye for detail - Tane found his vocation gave him not only a huge outlet for his creative expression, but that it fulfilled his drivers of manaaki, love, care, service and kindness; offering “a little bit of beautiful” to his clients’ days.
Tane’s 20+ year career has gone from strength to strength; with his talents in demand across Australasia and the pacific; he names particular highlights as styling for the cover of British Vogue’s September ’19 special edition issue (guest-edited by Meghan Markle and shot by Peter Lindbergh), a Time magazine cover, and a spread in National Geographic (all featuring Jacinda Ardern).
On the strength of his achievements, in 2019 he was shoulder-tapped for a mentor role on TVNZ’s competitive makeup artistry show, Glow Up, his first foray into reality TV. It was a position he approached with the intent of being authentic, fair and objective in his advice and support of the participants.
Tane loves people to look and feel their best; this also extends to his personal space and his passion for design and aesthetics – he loves to carefully curate all things in his home, from his art and furnishings, to the food on his plate.
Health and fitness, as well as spirituality, are key elements in Tane’s daily routine. A doting plant dad, he says he has “way too many plants” which he tends in his spare time; Tane also cooks and entertains, and loves to discover new places to eat out. And - believe it or not – Tane loves to play with hair even on his days off.
Tane has worked with numerous hair and beauty brands throughout his career; most recently he has been an ambassador for collagen brand Adashiko, and created campaigns for jewellery brand Zoe & Morgan. He works best with clients and brands who are extremely open to creativity; embrace diversity, inclusion and of course - fabulousness!
It’s a long road (literally and figuratively) from a marae in rural Hastings to Auckland’s most exclusive hair salons, managing the glossy tresses of the Prime Minister - but it’s one Tane Tomoana has walked with his own particular brand of fabulousness.
The creative director of Dry and Tea hair salons in Australasia, Tane has tamed the manes of Anika Moa, Hollie Smith, and managed the most high-profile hair in the country - Jacinda Ardern.
Tane (Ngāti Kahungunu) grew up surrounded by whanau in a tiny marae settlement, steeped in the traditional indigenous way of life, where the mana of his ancestry was held in high regard.
Tane recounts growing up in his grandparents’ home with pride, describing a “wonderful childhood, full of love.” He, his sister and cousins spent their days tending vegetable gardens and rearing animals for food – “We lived mostly off the land and sea,” he says.
His family taught him that honesty, integrity and humility were important qualities to uphold; and to ensure those around him had a voice, whether he agreed with it or not. “I am very rooted in the intrinsically indigenous values of community, of giving, of caring for others,” Tane says.
Tane’s mother, an arch deacon, and his father (a former provincial rugby player and train driver) encouraged Tane’s creativity from a young age; he discovered he loved styling hair. His master up-do skills were in high demand by his family and friends as their own personal stylist throughout high school!
So it was no surprise that he started a hairdressing apprenticeship straight out of school, aged 17. After finishing his studies, Tane moved to Auckland, where he worked in salons and collaborated on music videos and photo shoots.
A true empath – and with a strong eye for detail - Tane found his vocation gave him not only a huge outlet for his creative expression, but that it fulfilled his drivers of manaaki, love, care, service and kindness; offering “a little bit of beautiful” to his clients’ days.
Tane’s 20+ year career has gone from strength to strength; with his talents in demand across Australasia and the pacific; he names particular highlights as styling for the cover of British Vogue’s September ’19 special edition issue (guest-edited by Meghan Markle and shot by Peter Lindbergh), a Time magazine cover, and a spread in National Geographic (all featuring Jacinda Ardern).
On the strength of his achievements, in 2019 he was shoulder-tapped for a mentor role on TVNZ’s competitive makeup artistry show, Glow Up, his first foray into reality TV. It was a position he approached with the intent of being authentic, fair and objective in his advice and support of the participants.
Tane loves people to look and feel their best; this also extends to his personal space and his passion for design and aesthetics – he loves to carefully curate all things in his home, from his art and furnishings, to the food on his plate.
Health and fitness, as well as spirituality, are key elements in Tane’s daily routine. A doting plant dad, he says he has “way too many plants” which he tends in his spare time; Tane also cooks and entertains, and loves to discover new places to eat out. And - believe it or not – Tane loves to play with hair even on his days off.
Tane has worked with numerous hair and beauty brands throughout his career; most recently he has been an ambassador for collagen brand Adashiko, and created campaigns for jewellery brand Zoe & Morgan. He works best with clients and brands who are extremely open to creativity; embrace diversity, inclusion and of course - fabulousness!
These files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is available here.
