Leon Hughes-Turuta

Leon Hughes-Turuta teaches the New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology’s Rotorua campus. 

As a former graduate of the programme, Leon has returned to the institute as an Academic Staff Member after five years of building a successful local barbershop business with a loyal client base and strong Instagram following.

In 2022, Leon won Hair and Barber New Zealand’s Before and After Challenge. He has also cut the hair of several National Rugby League (NRL) All Stars, including members of the New Zealand Māori team.

Leon describes his teaching style as calm and patient. His students will learn the most up-to-date barbering skills and industry standards, along with the core business, marketing, and soft skills needed to build a successful career across a range of barbering environments.

“Seeing the students bounce ideas off each other and celebrate wins collectively is awesome. Training at Toi Ohomai is also a great way to make industry connections that can help you throughout your career,” Leon says.

Leon says barbering is an in-demand, practical career that also provides a creative outlet for rangatahi. 

‘It’s an excellent pathway for people who enjoy hands-on, artistic work. Graduates can work in traditional barbershops, start their own businesses, or take on roles in sports, events, and entertainment as a contracted barber. It’s a career that offers flexibility, and there's a wide range of opportunities available for graduates.”

Outside of Toi Ohomai, Leon continues to cut and style hair for his loyal customers.

“It’s a full circle moment for me to return to Toi Ohomai. I want to give back to the industry and support the next generation of barbers by teaching the most up-to-date techniques and trends. Because I continue to work in my own studio outside of institute hours, I bring current, real-world industry practice directly into the classroom.”