Elisapeta Heta

Contributor Profile

Elisapeta Heta is a principal and Kaihautū Whaihanga - Māori design leader at Jasmax, playing a pivotal role in guiding the practice to become authentically bicultural. As the leader of Waka Māia, established in 2015 to amplify Māori design voices within the firm, Heta has made significant cultural contributions to key projects while advocating for change on international platforms. She offers valuable Māori and Pasifika perspectives, emphasising the importance of place in both design and cultural identity. Drawing on her lived experience, Heta strives to create pathways for future generations of indigenous designers and inspire young Māori and Pasifika individuals to balance career and community commitments. Her portfolio includes notable projects such as the New Zealand Pavilion at Expo 2020, the redevelopment of Western Springs College Ngā Puna o Waiōrea and the City Rail Link. Since joining Jasmax in 2015, Heta has become a respected change-maker in the design industry, receiving the prestigious NZIA President’s Award in 2022 for her cultural leadership. She has also contributed to the profession through roles such as co-chair of Architecture+Women (2017–2018) and a director on the NZIA Board, where she helped establish Te Kawenata o Rata, a historic alliance between Ngā Aho and the NZIA.