Jasmax Principal and Kaihautū Whaihanga Elisapeta Heta received a prestigious NZIA President’s Award for 2022. The award reflects Elisapeta’s influence as a changemaker and cultural leader in indigenous design in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

The President’s Award acknowledges those who give freely of their time and energy to advance the concerns of the architectural profession and the community upon which Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architecture is built.

On presenting the award, NZIA President, Judi Keith-Brown said:

“Elisapeta has contributed tirelessly to the Institute. As the inaugural Ngā Aho co-opted Director on the Institute Board, Elisapeta was instrumental in supporting the understanding and gifting of our Māori name, Te Kāhui Whaihanga. Between 2016 and 2019 she was a Director on the Board of the NZIA representing Ngā Aho — Aotearoa’s national network of Māori design professionals, during which time she helped implement Te Kawenata o Rata (a covenant) between Ngā Aho and the Institute, recognising Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”

At Jasmax, Elisapeta plays a key role in advancing the practice’s bicultural design strategy and commitment to cultural design excellence. Elisapeta also leads Jasmax’s Māori cultural design roopū, Waka Māia. Elisapeta has contributed to cultural design outcomes for nation-defining projects, including Tāmaki Makaurau’s City Rail Link and the New Zealand Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai, and was also named Emerging Design Professional at the 2021 Interior Awards.

Of Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi, Waikato Tainui, Sāmoan, and Tokelauan whakapapa, Elisapeta is an advocate for change, speaking internationally to provide Māori and Pasifika perspectives on the importance of place to design and cultural identity.