Elisapeta Heta
Elisapeta Hinemoa Heta (Ngātiwai, Waikato Tainui) a kaihoahoa whare (architectural designer) works through a multi-disciplinary practice to create experiences that make visible our stories, many which have been hidden or eroded – with a focus on Indigenous and wāhine (women’s) stories. Heta has worked through her practice Jasmax on several cultural and civic projects, as well as through her personal practice as an artist, on multiple exhibitions and publications that sought to educate, empower and to affirm sovereignty and connectedness to identity and whenua (land).
Elisapeta Heta is a Senior Associate Architectural Graduate - Kaihautū Whaihanga - Māori Design Leader at Jasmax. She was co-chair in 2017-2018 of Architecture+Women, secretary 2016-2017, and a core team member since 2013. She was co-opted to the Board of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) in 2016 as a representative of Ngā Aho – Aotearoa’s national network of Māori design professionals. In this role she helped implement Te Kawenata o Rata (a covenant) between Ngā Aho and the NZIA, recognising Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Elisapeta is one of the founding members of Waka Māia, Jasmax's team of dedicated design professionals who specialise in engaging mana whenua and applying the Te Aranga Māori Design Principles.
“What drives all work I do ... has to come from the puna (source) of integrity, generosity and a reflection of people and place. My whakapapa and my design thinking are inextricably linked. For me, nothing but beauty springs from the land and it’s our job to honour it...”