Honoring Liz Mellish – Wellington’s Cultural Kaitiaki

A Guardian of Māori Culture in Wellington

All credit to Liz Mellish MNZM – a name that resonates with strength, heritage, and heart in Wellington. She’s the force behind bringing Māori culture to the forefront of our capital city. As the director of Te Wharewaka o Pōneke on Wellington’s waterfront, Liz has given both locals and visitors a living, breathing connection to mana whenua. Her work has gone viral for all the right reasons – cultural preservation, community leadership, and unapologetic pride in Māori identity.

In 2022, her impact was formally celebrated at the Wellington Address, recognizing her as a true voice for iwi and a guardian of our cultural compass.

Born of Aotearoa, Bound to Wellington

Liz Mellish was born in Aotearoa and proudly affiliates with Te Ātiawa, Taranaki, and Ngāti Ruanui iwi. For more than 40 years, she has called Featherston home. But her heart, her voice, and her mahi have always belonged to Wellington.

She’s a mother of three and a proud grandmother of nine – with three mokopuna studying at Wellington University, continuing the whānau legacy. As chair of the Palmerston North Māori Reserve Trust and a director of Hikoikoi Management Ltd, her leadership spans governance, education, and cultural development.

Wellington is Proud of You, Liz

We are super proud of her work for Aotearoa – and especially for Wellington. Liz Mellish has shown what it means to lead with heart, culture, and grace. Her efforts have reshaped how Wellington acknowledges and celebrates its indigenous roots.

Through every initiative, Liz uplifts others, speaks for the unheard, and holds the door open for future generations. Her contributions have made Wellington a better, more inclusive city – rooted in its past and proud of its future.

Let’s continue to walk the path she’s paved with aroha, integrity, and purpose.