Jewelle Lloyd

Jewelle Lloyd has over 30 years’ experience in vocational education and has trained more than 500 hairdressers. Based at our Whakatāne campus since 2018, Jewelle teaches the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) programme.

Jewelle began her career as a qualified hairdresser before joining our legacy institute, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, in 1995. She later worked at polytechnics in Napier and Dunedin, including establishing the hairdressing department at Aoraki Polytechnic.

From 2022–2024, while representing Toi Ohomai on a New Zealand Institute of Skills and Training (formerly Te Pūkenga) working group, Jewelle contributed to the development of a unified national hairdressing qualification for New Zealand.

Jewelle says hairdressing continues to offer endless opportunities for creative and motivated people.

“Graduates can follow pathways into salon work, education, session styling, product companies, or even work overseas - from cruise ships to high-end fashion shows. It’s a vibrant and constantly evolving industry that suits people who enjoy hands-on, people-focussed work.”

“Many of my former students have gone on to open their own salons and now take on apprentices, giving back to the next generation of stylists,” she says.

At the on-campus salon in Whakatāne, Toi Ohomai hairdressing ākonga (students) learn cutting, colouring, styling, client care, and professional salon practice.

Jewelle says the best part of her role is the people.

“Working in Whakatāne has reshaped my teaching philosophy. Māori values and ways of learning have deeply influenced me, especially the importance of relationships, manaakitanga (hospitality and kindness) and ako (reciprocal teaching and learning). I focus on creating a safe, inclusive space where ākonga feel supported to grow in confidence and take pride in who they are.”

Outside of work, Jewelle is a keen beekeeper and sells honey at the local farmers’ market in Whakatāne.