Hemaima is of Ngāti Maniapoto descent, of Ngāti Waiora and Ngāti Rungaterangi hapu.

Hemaima joined McCaw Lewis in 2010 and assists whanau, hapu and iwi with their Treaty of Waitangi claims processes.  She is primarily involved with the Te Paparahi o Te Raki (Northland) Waitangi Tribunal Inquiry.

Heimaima graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waikato in 2010 and was admitted to the bar in February 2011.  Hemaima is currently studying towards a Master of Laws at the University of Waikato.