Edward Pohau Ellison OBE (26 November 1884 – 9 November 1963), generally known as Ned Ellison and also as Pohau Erihana, was a New Zealand rugby player, doctor, and public health administrator.
Edward Pohau Ellison OBE (26 November 1884 – 9 November 1963), generally known as Ned Ellison and also as Pohau Erihana, was a New Zealand rugby player, doctor, and public health administrator.
Ellison was born in Waikanae, New Zealand, on 26 November 1884.[1] Of Māori descent, he identified with the Ngai Tahu and Te Ati Awa iwi.
Ellison attended Te Aute College and qualified as a physician at the University of Otago.[2] In 1919 he was appointed Medical Officer and Deputy Resident Commissioner in Niue, later earning promotion to the post of Resident Commissioner.[2] He subsequently moved to the Chatham Islands as Medical Officer and Resident Magistrate, before becoming Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Resident Commissioner of the Cook Islands in 1925.[2] He returned to New Zealand in 1926 to become Director of Maori Hygiene, but returned to the Cook Islands in 1930.[2]
In 1935, Ellison was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal.[3] He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1038 New Year Honours.[2]
Ellison retired in 1946 and returned to New Zealand.[4]
