28 Mar 2025
E mihi ana a Toi Aotearoa ki a Elizabeth Ellis, uri o Ngāpuhi me Ngāti Porou, Toa mō ngā toi, kua tāngia ki te taitara Te Mātāpūputu o Te Tau, kua kōpoua nei hei tauira mō Aotearoa.
Creative New Zealand congratulates Elizabeth Ellis on being named the Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year 2025. Her lifelong dedication to Māori arts and culture has helped shape the artistic landscape of Aotearoa.
Elizabeth played a crucial role in advancing Māori arts through her leadership of Te Waka Toi, the Māori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand. As Chair from 1994 to 2006, she championed the development of initiatives that protected and promoted Māori artistic expression. Under her leadership, Te Waka Toi launched Toi Iho, a registered trademark certifying authentic Māori art and artists. This initiative continues to be a significant taonga, ensuring the integrity of Māori creativity.
Beyond Te Waka Toi, Elizabeth also served on the Creative New Zealand Council, contributing to arts policy and funding decisions that uplifted Māori voices. Her influence extended internationally as well, representing Aotearoa on the Council of Pacific Arts and Culture from 1996 to 2006, leading delegations and strengthening artistic connections across the Pacific.
Since 2010, Elizabeth has chaired the Toi Iho Charitable Trust, continuing her work to safeguard and promote Māori arts. She is also the Chair of the Wairau Māori Art Gallery Charitable Trust, which oversaw the opening of New Zealand’s first dedicated contemporary public Māori art gallery in 2022.
Her dedication to mentoring and supporting emerging Māori artists has ensured the ongoing development of Toi Māori. Through her work, she has empowered generations of creatives to express their identity with confidence and authenticity.
Elizabeth commitment to the arts has enriched Aotearoa’s cultural fabric. Creative New Zealand celebrates her remarkable achievements and thanks her for her invaluable contributions to Toi Māori.
Tēnā rawa atu koe, Elizabeth, for your service, leadership, and advocacy.
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