Hema is of Ngapuhi, Ngati Hako, Ngati Tamatera and Irish descent, which makes for a very colourful Korowai. She was brought up in a large whanau that included many faiths, as well as atheism and rationalism; it made for robust korero around the dining room table.

Hema’s first understanding that things weren’t quite right with Bible stories was at primary school around the age of seven. Once a week a lay preacher would arrive at her school to give a lesson from the bible. One particular lesson was about Noah’s ark, with a picture board showing a colourful picture of the ark. The lay preacher placed little Velcro animals on the ark, and Hema made the mistake of asking questions: “How can all the animals fit on such a small waka?” and “where do they all go to the whare paku?”. The following week Hema was called to the headmaster’s office and told she was not allowed to put her hand up and ask questions; the seed of doubt had been sewn.

Hema’s whanau have a long association with the NZARH, spanning three generations. Hema is past president of the NZARH, from 2019-2023, following in her sister Ngaire McCarthy’s footsteps as the first Māori to hold that position.

Hema oversees our Celebrant Services at the NZARH, provides compassionate care for members, and works alongside Jude (the office manager) at Rationalist House. To quote Hema, “call in and have a cuppa”.

In 2026, Hema was regognised by the Association as a Life Member.