elizabeth@heaohou.org.nz

Elizabeth (Liz) was born and raised in North Dunedin, attending Leith Playcentre, George Street Normal School, Dunedin North Intermediate, Logan Park High School, and Otago University. With a lifelong connection to Ōtepoti, Liz is passionate about strengthening her local community.

An experienced executive, Liz has worked across the social services and humanitarian sectors in Burma/Myanmar, Thailand, Australia, and Aotearoa New Zealand. She specialises in organisational development, community building, policy, and advocacy, helping organisations thrive while promoting sustainable, people-centred change. Liz is committed to building evolving, modern workplaces that foster growth, inclusion, and future-readiness.

Throughout her career, Liz has collaborated with government at all levels to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and welcoming communities. She is passionate about empowering vulnerable communities and displaced people, driven by strong values of social justice, human rights, equality, and equity.

A dedicated community volunteer, Liz has been a caregiver for children and young people in foster care, contributes to not-for-profit boards and committees, and is a Justice of the Peace for New Zealand. She recently stepped down as the Chair of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network’s (APRRN) Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Working Group, advocating for refugee rights and stronger regional support systems.

Returning home to Dunedin two years ago, Liz is excited to bring her knowledge, experience, and kaupapa back to her own community, continuing her lifelong commitment to creating positive, lasting change.

Kua hua te marama - a cycle is complete

Liz feels that leaving her home in Ōtepoti, gathering knowledge and learning from other cultures and whenua, and returning to her kainga of North Dunedin was a cycle in her life that has now been completed.