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Serious about barbering, hair and beauty.

At BHB Academy, we believe in the beauty of a solid foundation.

More than just a beauty school. We are a leader in barber, hair and beauty education in the lower North Island. Whether you want to be a barber, a hairstylist, a makeup artist, a beauty therapist, a salon owner – we are here to build an education around you and the way you learn.

We don’t just offer training, we build genuine career pathways.

Our Story

A Manawatū cornerstone since 1953, originally known as The Hairdressing College. In 2016, we expanded to meet a changing industry, launching NZQA-recognised qualifications in Barbering, Hair, and Beauty. 

Rebranding as BHB Academy was more than a name change – it was a commitment to the growth, modern approach to education, and nurturing the next generation of creative talent in Palmerston North.

Ranked Category One and Excellent. Built for You.

We hold the highest possible rankings in our industry, Category One and Excellent.

These are not just badges for our wall; they are a direct reflection of our driven, highly trained team. These rankings are respected within industry and launchpads for the employability of our students.

Beyond the qualification.

We don’t just offer qualifications — we intentionally invest in the person behind the tools. 

We harness creativity, discover hidden talents, and provide a supportive, inclusive environment where students can gain real-life salon and barbershop experience, on and off the floor. 

By focusing on technical excellence and the beauty of creativity, we give you solid foundations for future success.

We welcome you to be a part of the BHB whānau.

Our Mission:
We will continue to grow as a professional and customer-focused organisation, providing excellent education and training in an inclusive environment, and connecting learners to industry and employment” “Ka tipu tonu te taumata o te Rangatiratanga me te manaakitanga o tēnei kura, ā, ka whakarato tonutia te mātauranga tiketike, me te whakangūngū hoki i te ākonga i te taiao ngākau tapatahi me te tūhono anō hoki i a ia ki te ao pākihi.”

Integrity – Ngākau Tapatahi

At BHB Academy we build self-confidence, positive attitudes, and motivation. We pride ourselves on creating a non-judgmental, nurturing space to allow our people to make a difference in the lives of themselves and others. Ko tā te BHB Academy he whakatupu i te ngākau titikaha, i te ngākau pai, i te ngākau hihiko ki roto ki tēnā ki tēnā. Ko tā tātou he whai i te ara whakawā-kore, kia tupu matomato te tangata i tōna anō ao.

Connection – Ngākau Whakakotahi

At BHB Academy we empower each other by celebrating inclusiveness, unity, and connection through having a voice that is heard, expressed, and valued. Ko te aronga matua a BHB Academy he whakanui i te kotahitanga, he tuitui i te tangata, kia mōhio te tangata he mana tō te reo.

Teamwork – Ngākau Mahitahi

BHB is a Whanau that celebrates and encourages responsibility to impact the team positively. We believe that success is not that of the individual but of many and we stand strong together as we collaborate and support each other on our journeys. He whānau a BHB e kaha whakanui ana, e āki ana i te ngākau pai. E whakapono ana mātou, kia angitu ai te tangata, me tū ngātahi, kia kaha ake te mahi tahi, kia kaha ake te tautoko i tēnā, i tēnā, I tōna ake ara.

Empowerment – Ngākau Whakatupu

At BHB Academy we are passionate about personal and professional growth by nurturing ideas and inspiring excellence. We embrace a holistic approach to empower all individuals to succeed and encourage others to shine through knowledge and creativity. E manawawera ana a BHB Academy ki te whakawhanake i te tangata, ki te whakatupu matomato i ngā whakairo kia eke ki tōna panekiretanga. He torowhānui tā tātou aro, he whakamana I te tangata ki te tutuki I ōna wawata, kia kanapu ai ia me ōna mātauranga.

Quality – Ngākau Kōunganui

At BHB Academy we strive for excellence, believe in quality education, value transparency, accountability, and reliably produce high outcomes for our stakeholders by being flexible and adapting to our team and industry needs. Ko tā BHB he eke ki te panekiretanga, he whakapono ki te kounga o te mātauranga, kia puta ai te kounga o ngā mahi ki te hunga whaipānga.

Our Vision

Education with Passion & Purpose - Te mātauranga whai mana, whai tikanga

Our Commitment

BHB Academy incorporates cultural values and focuses on a holistic approach that acknowledges the physical, spiritual, mental, and whanau dynamics of a person as a whole. It is our goal to ensure our learning environment, student support initiatives, teaching, and learning practices meet the educational needs of our Maori learners.

BHB Academy is committed to being responsive to Maori as Tangata Whenua (Maori – People of the land), recognising the Treaty of Waitangi as New Zealand’s founding document

The principle of kawanatanga stems from article 1 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is used to describe the concept of governance.

For BHB Academy it relates to our obligation to provide good governance for the Academy as a whole and to act reasonably and in good faith. In particular, as an expression of New Zealand’s Treaty relationship, good governance extends to all dealings with Maori people and practices, including BHB Academy’s Maori staff, students, and stakeholders

The principle of rangatiratanga recognises Maori autonomy and self-determination, as guaranteed in Article 2.

For BHB Academy this relates to ensuring we nurture and maintain Maori stakeholder relationships to ensure Maori influence in decision making. BHB Academy will ensure that there is Maori representation in student leadership positions and supports events where Tikanga Maori (Maori culture practice) prevails and where students and staff can engage with matauranga (Maori knowledge), Te Reo Maori (Maori language), and Tikanga Maori (Maori culture practice.

The principle of oritetanga from article 3 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi guarantees equity between Maori individuals and other New Zealanders.

BHB Academy prides itself on an all-inclusive environment where all students gain equal opportunities to succeed. BHB Academy also understands that Maori learners’ success is wider than individual gain, therefore whanau and community engagement and wrap-around support are maintained to ensure individual success. The concept tuakana teina is nurtured to ensure Maori learner success. This wrap-around support ensures our Maori students are supported and excel in achievement.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care Statement – Ngākau Haumaru

BHB Academy endeavours to have a positive impact on students’ wellbeing and provide opportunities for personal development in an inclusive and supportive learning environment that places value on student voice.

Ko tā BHB Academy he nanaiore kia pai ai te whakaaweawe i te oranga o te tauira, kia huaki anō hoki i ngā tatau ki kaupapa kē atu e whanake ai te tauira I tōna ao.

About the Team

The BHB team is a heart-led team of experienced professionals. Our combined industry knowledge and career stories set a well-rounded scene for our students' success. Outside of the classroom our team works hard to grow our salon connections, keep our skills sharp, and our finger on the pulse of industry trends.

Sarah

Co-Director

With over 20 years in the industry, Sarah’s career has come full circle.

Her journey began as a full-time student at The Hairdressing College, eventually leading her through roles as an apprentice, a stylist, and a successful salon owner.

In 2011 Sarah transitioned her career into education, bringing her deep commercial insight into the classroom. Now, as Co-Director of BHB Academy, she is the driving force behind our commitment to high-quality education.

Sarah is determined that every student who steps through our doors will receive the same foundational excellence that launched her own career. With this in mind, her goal is to keep BHB at the forefront of the industry.

Salina

Co-Director

For over 20 years Salina’s career is defined by a pursuit of excellence.

A specialist in high-stakes competition work, she has earned prestigious awards on both the national and international stage. This drive underpins her approach to hairdressing and education.

Since joining the academy 2010, Salina has continued to expand her expertise, gaining further qualifications in both Barbering and Management.

As Co-Director of BHB Academy, she combines her creative mastery with strategic leadership. Salina is honoured to lead the academy, ensuring that BHB remains an industry leader and an inclusive place students can be proud to call their own.

Mel

Manager
Mel plays a key role in keeping BHB Academy running smoothly, leading the tutorial team and overseeing the day-to-day operations across all programmes.

For many students, she is the first connection to BHB — the friendly voice and welcoming face you’ll meet when making an enquiry or starting your enrolment journey. She takes real pride in making that process feel simple, supportive, and easy to navigate.

At the heart of Mel’s approach is people. She is passionate about creating an environment where students feel a genuine sense of belonging — where they are supported, valued, and encouraged to grow. Working closely with the tutorial team, she helps ensure every learner is well guided and cared for throughout their time at BHB Academy.

With a background as a qualified hairdresser, alongside qualifications in assessment practice, adult literacy and numeracy, and management, Mel brings both industry experience and strong leadership to her role — helping shape a positive and supportive experience for everyone at BHB Academy.