ABOUT

WELCOME TO GROOMWARS DOG EXPO!

Groomwars Dog Expo happening at the Orewa Arts and Events Centre on October 11th -13th! Perfectly timed for the school holidays, this action-packed weekend is dedicated to all things dog and dog lovers!

Join us for an unforgettable event where you can discover the latest dog products, grooming tools, and pet treats at our pet stalls. Gain invaluable insights into dog training, grooming techniques, and pet care from seasoned professionals through our free demonstrations. Enjoy a variety of delicious food options from our food vendors to keep you energized throughout the day. Get expert tips and advice to help you train and care for your furry friends and watch New Zealand’s top groomers compete over the two days in our grooming competition.

Whether you're a dog lover, pet owner, or grooming professional, there's something for everyone at this exciting event. Don’t miss out on the perfect school holiday activity—mark your calendars and join us for a weekend full of inspiration, education, and fun!

Please note that only event-participating dogs are allowed. Public pets are not permitted.

Who WILL BE THERE?

For any information or if you would like to become an exhibitor, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to help!

Sponsors

Exhibitors

(This list will be continuously updated as needed)

  • Smith & Burton

  • Chrome Creative

  • Groomwise

  • Delta Scissors

  • Groomer & Co

  • Heiniger

  • All Groom

  • Odorex

  • Canine Care

  • The Groomers Shop

  • NZ Pet Cover

  • Jade Lewis Dog Behaviourist

  • Refuresh

  • Treats - Canine Massage & Remedial Therapy

Meet Our Special Guests

Blake Hernandez

Blake Hernandez, NCMG is a Master Groomer Certifier for the American Kennel Club and National Dog Groomers Association of America. Blake has been featured on Netflix' DOGS documentary series as well as a contestant on ABC's Pooch Perfect. Competing in the U.S. circuit you will always recognize his trims as beautiful modernized historic patterns. He is best known for his personality while sharing a wealth of knowledge and this passion has led him to win 7 Barkleigh Honors Industry awards. Having finished the champion titles of Poodles and Bichons, he has also shown a variety of breeds in the show ring. His passion lies with the everyday Pet Groomer; Most recently Blake has brought innovation to the industry by creating and bringing a new product to market. The MeasureMate, teaching Groomers that achieving balance is right at the tip of their fingers.

Nathan Austin boasts a 16-year career in dog grooming, excelling as the owner of A Cut Above Grooming Salon for 4 years. He's a renowned Andis global educator, Utsumi shear artist, and apprentice NDGAA and AKC certifier, influencing the industry profoundly. Recognized with numerous accolades, Nathan was honored as the inaugural AKC Master Groomer of the Year in 2023. His achievements include winning Best All Around Groomer at Groom Expo West 2022 and securing Best in Show at Groom Expo West 2024 with his beloved standard poodle, Helios. Nathan and his wife, Kathlena, travel extensively to share their expertise through seminars and host Another Grooming Podcast, blending humor and education. Follow Nathan on social media for more grooming insights and catch his podcast on all platforms.

Nathan Austin

Sharing the same passion as her husband, Kathlena Austin has been elevating the standards of dog grooming since 2007. A Nationally Certified Master Groomer for over 4 years, her expertise doesn’t end there. As an open-level competitor, she continually hones her craft. Kathlena wears multiple hats – she’s the Vice President of the San Francisco Bay Scottish Terrier Club and showcases her love for the breed by both showing and breeding Scottish Terriers. As the backbone of ‘A Cut Above Grooming Salon’, she’s led the business for 4 years and recently expanded with a state-of-the-art mobile grooming unit.

Kathlena Austin

Meet Our Organisers

WENDY DRUMMOND

Wendy Drummond, a nationally certified Master Groomer, stands as a distinguished figure in the dog grooming realm, having earned national and international acclaim for her exceptional skills. As a recipient of numerous prestigious awards and featured in numerous news articles and television interviews, Wendy's expertise as a groomer has been recognized both nationally and globally, solidifying her reputation as an industry leader. Her impressive career includes representing New Zealand as part of the esteemed Groom Team in two key positions, showcasing not only her grooming prowess but also her commitment to excellence.

Wendy's contributions extend beyond her own achievements; she has also shared her knowledge and passion through nationwide seminars, guiding and inspiring emerging groomers on their certification journeys. Wendy's influence extends further as an ambassador for leading grooming product companies, such as Smith & Burton, where she advocates for the highest standards in pet care. Her holistic approach to grooming, which integrates organic and natural techniques, underscores her dedication to promoting the well-being of animals in her care. Through her unwavering dedication to excellence and her holistic approach to canine care, Wendy Drummond has earned widespread respect as a highly accomplished and influential figure within the grooming community.

ERANA FERRONE

Introducing Erana Ferrone, an award-winning, internationally certified master groomer who has recently returned to New Zealand from the USA. With 20 years of experience in the grooming industry, including 12 years at one of Hollywood’s most prestigious salons alongside some of America’s top groomers, Erana brings a wealth of exciting experiences to share. From grooming A-list celebrities’ dogs to pampering family pets, Erana has mastered it all.

Her exceptional work has graced the pages of prestigious publications such as Vogue and NZ Women’s Weekly, and she has made appearances on radio shows and television programs like Beverly Hills Groomer and The AM Show. Notably, Erana serves as an ambassador for Smith&Burton, exemplifying excellence in all-natural pet care products. Additionally, she holds the esteemed role of a certifier at Groomwise Academy in New Zealand, shaping the next generation of groomers with her expertise.

The invaluable experience gained from learning alongside America’s top groomers, coupled with the establishment of her own grooming business in New Zealand, has propelled Erana to become one of the most sought-after groomers in the country, renowned for both breed standard and pet trims. Erana Ferrone, Setting the standard in grooming excellence, worldwide.