
Eva Riddell
Ngāti Porou (Te Whānau a Ruataupare)
Based in Ōtautahi (Christchurch)
Co-Director, Oi Collective
About EVA
Eva "Cut-to-the-chase, Call-a-spade-a-spade" Riddell is the embodiment of te hāpai ō—the strength and support that keeps everything moving. She’s the aunty in the oi kāuta who brings the big heart vibes, but also knows how to throw the meanest wepua eye when something’s off. Eva keeps things cooking, ensuring that everyone has what they need, and she’s always there to lend a hand or a listening ear when the going gets tough. With a sharp eye for beauty and the small details that matter, she also knows when to push back and fight for your work-life balance.
Having grown up with her hands in the clay alongside her ceramic artist parents in Tokomaru Bay, it’s no surprise that Eva knows how to move ideas through a creative process. She’s skilled at shaping and forming them into something usable, impactful, and meaningful.
But don’t let her no-nonsense approach fool you. Eva is driven by a deep sense of purpose and a love for people. She’s a champion for anyone who’s ready to rise, reclaim, and lead with integrity, all while remembering to make space for the joys in life. Eva’s ability to balance hard work with a generous spirit and a genuine belief in the power of community makes her a force for positive change and a living example of what it means to support and uplift others.
Coolest tricks
Project & Programme Management
Capability Development
Māori Economic Development
Social Enterprise
Public Policy
Co-design & Facilitation
