Elizabeth Ellis

Elizabeth Aroha Ellis (née Mountain; born 1945) is a New Zealand painter and Māori arts advocate.

Education and career Born in Kawakawa, Northland, New Zealand in 1945, Ellis's parents Emere Makere Waiwaha Kaa RN RM CM QSO and Walter Mountain, were Kuia Kaumātua (elders) of Te Rawhiti Marae. She is Māori and is affiliated with iwi (tribes) Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Porou.

Ellis trained at the Elam School of Fine Arts, graduating with a Diploma of Fine Art in 1964, becoming one of the first Māori women to do so, alongside her cousin, Mere Harrison Lodge. Ellis does not often exhibit her own work, which explores the landscapes of her home and people, especially wāhine Māori (Māori women). and is especially committed to mentoring and supporting Māori women artists. Ellis also served for three years on the Creative New Zealand Council, nine years on the Māori Arts Board, Te Waka Toi, and was a trustee for seven years on the New Zealand Arts Foundation. Ellis has also represented New Zealand on international arts councils and festivals.

Since 2012, Ellis is Chair of the Wairau Māori Art Gallery Charitable Trust, She is also the Chair of the Toi Iho Charitable Trust since 2010. . Her new passion project is MAMA: Maori Art Museum of Aotearoa.

Personal life Ellis married British-born painter Robert Ellis in 1966 and they had twin daughters, Judge Hana Ellis and art historian Professor Ngarino Ellis. Ellis' home in North Shore, Auckland, was designed by architect Gordon Smith in 1970, where she has lived for over 50 years.

Honours and awards In the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours, Ellis was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori arts and crafts. On 19 March 2025, she was named the 2025 Senior New Zealander of the Year at the New Zealander of the Year Awards.