The Hawke’s Bay Heritage Awards Judges

Our Judges:

James Blackburne

James Blackburne, a Fellow and current President of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, is a passionate advocate for the protection of heritage in his tūrangawaewae – Tairāwhiti. After graduating from the Auckland School of Architecture in 1993, James worked briefly for the Tairawhiti Branch Committee of New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a researcher of heritage places, before embarking on his career in architecture. James is a founding member and a current Executive Member of Historic Places Aotearoa and from 2022 to 2024 was appointed to the Board of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

Elizabeth Pishief

Dr Elizabeth Pishief is a heritage consultant and passionate advocate for cultural heritage, which is so important to people’s sense of place, identity and overall well-being. She has a PhD in Museum and Heritage Studies and has written numerous reports, articles and books on history and heritage places. Elizabeth is currently President of Historic Places Aotearoa, which is an independent heritage organisation representing and advocating for many community-based heritage organisations. She was on the Lotteries community grants Heritage and Environment committee from 2017 to 2025 and is a member of the World Heritage tentative list expert panel.

Jacob Scott

Of Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Arawa, Ngati Raukawa and Te Aitiawa descent, Jacob Scott is the principal of Scott Design, Te Ara Hihiko Ltd., and former director of Te Kura Toi o Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

Jacob is a pioneer in contemporary Māori Art and Māori Arts Education, establishing New Zealand’s first degree level programme in whakairo, raranga and rauangi and foundational in the establishment of Te Aranga Design Principles. With a passion for experimental collaboration, Jacob identifies as the navigator of the waka, guiding others on their unique path of creation.

Jana Uhlirova

Jana hails from the Czech Republic, where she completed a Masters Degree in Art History and Museology, before immigrating to New Zealand in 2005. Since 2011 Jana has been working as Curator and Manager at Central Hawke’s Bay Museum in Waipawa. “Learning about New Zealand history and Māori culture, working with the community to make art, history, and education available to the public is one of my great passions.”