Elizabeth Ellis CNZM JP
Senior New Zealander of the Year
Ryman Healthcare
Senior New Zealander of the Year
Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau
Elizabeth Ellis CNZM JP
Elizabeth Ellis CNZM JP (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou) is an outstanding Māori artist, advocate and educator whose contributions to Māori arts and culture span several decades. A graduate of The University of Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts in 1965, she has been a passionate advocate for Māori artistic expression both nationally and internationally. Elizabeth served on the New Zealand Arts Foundation and Creative New Zealand Council, and chaired Te Waka Toi, the Māori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand, from 1994 to 2006. She was also New Zealand’s representative on the Council of Pacific Arts and Culture, leading delegations to Samoa, New Caledonia, and Palau.
In 1995, she founded and led the Haerewa Māori Advisory Board at Auckland Art Gallery until 2021. With a background in art education and evaluation, Elizabeth was involved with the Education Review Office from 1990 to 2013. She established Toi Iho Charitable Trust, which certifies authentic Māori art, and the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, Aotearoa’s first public Māori art gallery. Currently, she is working on the establishment of the Māori Art Museum of Aotearoa (MAMA). Her leadership, cultural advocacy, and dedication as an educator continue to leave an indelible mark on New Zealand’s artistic and cultural landscape.
In 1995, she founded and led the Haerewa Māori Advisory Board at Auckland Art Gallery until 2021. With a background in art education and evaluation, Elizabeth was involved with the Education Review Office from 1990 to 2013. She established Toi Iho Charitable Trust, which certifies authentic Māori art, and the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, Aotearoa’s first public Māori art gallery. Currently, she is working on the establishment of the Māori Art Museum of Aotearoa (MAMA). Her leadership, cultural advocacy, and dedication as an educator continue to leave an indelible mark on New Zealand’s artistic and cultural landscape.
Creating a legacy for tomorrow, these people have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in their life, following their careers in any service, sector or field. They are actively involved in making the world around them a better place.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be over the age of 70, at the open of nominations on 24 July 2024.
- Have had significant impact in their senior years
- Be a role model for New Zealanders and highlight that change is possible at any age
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:
- 10 points: OVERALL INSPIRATION:
Describe the person you are nominating and what they’ve done later in life to inspire you to nominate them as 2025 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau. - 10 points: PURPOSE:
Who benefits from the work, contribution, or influence of this person – and how? - 10 points: LEADERSHIP & SERVICE:
How does this person set a positive example of being a senior member of the community – showing potential for making change at any age. - 10 points: COMMITMENT:
Describe the commitment of time, risks, and challenges overcome to create an impact to this point (this may still be ongoing). What have they done that has gone above and beyond following their career, achievements, or service to create change and give back? - 10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence, particularly during their senior years? How has this been measured? - 10 points: LEGACY
How would winning this award impact this person’s legacy and their mahi (past or present)?
