Two esteemed Māori leaders will be awarded the highest degree of recognition from the University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka on Saturday.
Highly-respected Ōtākou kaumātua Edward Ellison and Emeritus Professor John Broughton will each receive an Honorary Degree.
Edward Ellison
Mr Ellison, who has a long-standing relationship with the University, will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
“My close and extended whānau are very happy for me and, I am also, for the fact I think it reflects on whānau and extended whānau who enable and support each other to aspire to make a difference,” Mr Ellison says.
His relationship with the University began in the early 1970s when he hosted students at Ōtākou Marae. This connection continued as the Marae hosted hui for the University and other education institutions.
Mr Ellison served for nine years on Council and was instrumental in establishing links between the University and Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Porou Hauora, Ngāti Whatua and Ngāti Mutunga, among other iwi.
Among his proudest achievements are the iwi outreach and relationship-building initiatives he helped advance which included establishing the Ngāi Tahu Research Consultation Committee. His contributions have been immense over many years from supporting early Māori pre-graduation ceremonies to contributing to the initial development of the Treaty of Waitangi Komiti.
He also played a key part in the recent rebranding of Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka as well as the development of the Mana-to-Mana agreement between local Ōtākou rūnaka and the University.
“I was so fortunate to be involved in the rebranding and found that extremely rewarding, and thankful to play a small part.”
Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson is delighted to confer an honorary degree on Mr Ellison in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the University.
“Edward’s life-long leadership and service to this University and to Aotearoa New Zealand is of the very highest order and deserves the highest of recognitions. As we celebrate the signing of the Mana-to-Mana agreement and the beginning of a new chapter in relationships with mana whenua, we are honoured that Edward has accepted this recognition,” Mr Robertson says.
Mr Ellison attributes his success to the work done by his whānau and the many people within the University whom he has close relationships with, people who he says work tirelessly for the benefit of the wider community.
Honorary Doctor of Science for Professor
Emeritus Professor John Broughton will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his years of dedication to Māori health services and contribution to teaching and research.
Emeritus Professor John Broughton
“I am very honoured to receive this degree; extremely honoured," Professor Broughton says.
His foresight resulted in the development of a Hauora Māori curriculum in the health professional courses to better equip future health professionals with the skills necessary to serve diverse communities.
He was the inaugural Director of the Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit in 1996, was awarded a PhD in 2006 and promoted to Professor in 2012.
Professor Broughton has contributed to many events, conferences, and meetings and participated in every University graduation ceremony since 1996. In 2020, he was awarded the status of Emeritus Professor for his distinguished research, teaching, and long service to the University.
Some of his fondest memories include helping establish a whānau dental clinic.
“I loved empowering young Māori and helping them see themselves as future health professionals.”
His involvement extends to the rugby field, where he has been Otago University Rugby Club’s secretary for many years. Initiatives include the seasonal fitting of specialised mouthguards for players.
A highly-regarded playwright, Professor Broughton has produced quality theatre pieces in New Zealand. In 1990 he won the Dominion Sunday Times Bruce Mason Playwright Award and in 1994 was shortlisted for the Adam Foundation Award.
Mr Robertson says Professor Broughton's achievements at Otago have been outstanding.
“John is an exceptional leader and the service he has provided the University will continue to impact generations for years to come.
“He is highly respected within the dental profession, and his influence and connections extend well beyond this field across Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Professor Broughton acknowledges the people who helped him during his career, including Professor Sandy McAllister and the late Professor John Edwards.
Other honorary degrees being conferred, announced as part of the Otago Medical School’s 150th celebration in May, include Dame Margaret Sparrow (who received her degree at a special ceremony on 27 November) and Professor Dinah Reddihough and Associate Professor Jioji Malani (to be conferred at graduation on 10 and 13 December respectively). Emeritus Professor David Gerrard received his degree in August.