Lisa is just the fourth New Zealander to win the Ranamok award, and the first artist to win both prizes.
Her winning entry was a lei made of glass and wire, called Welcome Home, a commentary on cultural diversity in New Zealand.
''Different cultures came to New Zealand bringing different things. But that knowledge is changed by being here. We need to celebrate and appreciate the uniqueness that we have here,'' she said.
Together with husband Jimi their trip to Passchendaele was momentous, she said.
"We were both so amazed and drawn in by the incredible history.''
Since 1917, Passchendaele has been a byword for the horror of the Great War.
In terms of lives lost in a single day, the failed attack on Bellevue Spur on 12 October was probably the greatest disaster in New Zealand's history.
Eight days earlier, 320 New Zealanders died during the capture of Gravenstafel Spur, one of two spurs on the ridge above Passchendaele in Flanders, Belgium.
Although she had been an artist for many years, Lisa said she came late to glass. She and husband Jimi were sculptors originally - until they decided to move to Whanganui to do their arts degrees at UCOL.
"We were living in Wellington and Jimi did a workshop in glass and was hooked,'' she said.
These days the couple work side-by-side in their shared Waverley studio
A relaxed vibe and supportive community make Waverley a great place to be an artist, Lisa said.
After five years their Glass & Art Studio on the main drag in Waverley has become a popular stop for travellers.
People from all over the country visited the studio when they passed through and it was interesting to see how many returned time and again, she said.
"We have friends from everywhere.''
And returning to Passchendaele is a must for the couple.
"We want to go back again and we will.''
