Margaret Hema

Based at our Rotorua campus, Margaret Hema teaches the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) as an Academic Staff Member. After spending 15 years in the hairdressing industry, she moved into teaching in mid-2026.

Margaret's journey into the industry began as a salon coordinator before progressing to a salon assistant role and then securing an apprenticeship. Proving it's never too late to pursue a passion, Margaret returned to study part-time at age 40 to gain her formal hairdressing qualification.

Margaret believes hairdressing is an excellent vocational pathway because it offers endless versatility, personal expression and human connection.

"It's a career where technical craft meets art, opening doors to salon ownership, freelance work, event styling and global travel. It's an ideal choice for anyone with passion and drive,” she says. 

Having returned to study as an adult learner, Margaret says she understands the courage, balance and dedication it takes to study later in life.

"My teaching style is empathetic, encouraging and highly practical. I aim to create a welcoming learning environment where ākonga of all ages and backgrounds feel confident to learn at their own pace, step outside their comfort zones and master their technical skills."

For Margaret, the most rewarding part of teaching hairdressing at Toi Ohomai is seeing students discover their own confidence and capability.

"Knowing firsthand the transformative impact of gaining a qualification, I love guiding ākonga through their learning journey and watching them unlock new skills and career opportunities,” she says.

Outside of teaching at Toi Ohomai, community engagement and youth development are important to Margaret. Together with her husband, Sam Hema (Director), she helps co-coordinate Te Kete Matariki Te Puke and has co-led Hustlers Basketball N.Z, providing opportunities for rangatahi to travel, compete and grow through sport both throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

Margaret also brings experience across the music, events and hospitality industries. Her background includes early involvement in the music industry, organising major events and weddings, and working in hospitality. Through these experiences, she brings a unique perspective to her teaching, and understands the strong people and customer service skills that are essential for success in the hairdressing field.