Eliza Pickard

Registered Music Therapist
Auckland Regional Centre

Eliza (she/her) is a Registered Music Therapist (RMT), songwriter, and independent artist. A lifelong love of music inspired her to pursue music therapy. She completed a BMus at Griffith University on the Gold Coast before receiving a songwriting scholarship that took her to Nashville and Los Angeles, where she further developed her love of storytelling, collaboration, and songwriting. She then returned to Aotearoa to complete an MMusTher at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington. Eliza is of Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Ngāti Whakaue whakapapa.

Music's ability to support wellbeing, foster connection, and help people express themselves sits at the heart of Eliza's practice. She especially enjoys collaborative songwriting and finding accessible ways for people to explore their stories through music. She believes music can act as a powerful bridge between our inner and outer worlds.

Throughout her work in Wellington, Eliza supported people in dementia care, adult mental health, eating disorder services, and primary school settings. She later spent three years living in Bristol, UK, an experience that broadened her perspective and continues to shape her approach to working with children and whānau. Her work is informed by Te Ao Māori and grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, person-centred approaches. She values the role of waiata in strengthening identity, belonging, and connection.

Outside of music therapy, Eliza enjoys exploring the outdoors, festivals, dancing, and writing/recording her original music.