Edward Ellison will be awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree at tomorrow’s graduation ceremony at 4pm, for his outstanding contributions to the university.
The highly respected Ōtākou kaumātua said he felt very privileged.
"To be awarded one of those, yes, it is a great honour.
"It really is, because on the farm is probably where I’m sort of at home, doing that stuff, you know."
The 75-year-old’s long-standing 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.
"But over time, what’s happened, it’s sort of gravitated into these other roles, and one thing leads to another.
"So I’ve been privileged to have the opportunity, to be honest, to do more than just farming."
Mr Ellison served on the University of Otago Council for nine years, 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 were the iwi outreach and relationship-building initiatives he helped advance, which included establishing the Ngāi Tahu Research Consultation Committee.
He also played a key part in the recent rebranding of the University of Otago — as 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."
Outside his work with the university, he is also New Zealand Conservation Authority chairman, Heritage New Zealand deputy chairman and Māori Heritage Council chairman.
"All of these things are slightly interconnected. They generally have a theme, I suppose — heritage, culture, environmental.
"I took environmental issues on as a bit of a passion, particularly after the Aramoana Smelter scare.
"I’ve become very involved in environmental matters, Māori matters, which has blossomed into these other activities.
"If you’re starting from the Māori base, when someone needs help, it’s sort of all hands on deck, and over the years, I’ve become sort of used to that sort of mode of working — you know, pitching in."
Mr Ellison is one of two esteemed Maori leaders who will be awarded honorary doctorates tomorrow.
Emeritus Prof John Broughton will receive an honorary doctor of science degree at the 1pm ceremony for his dedication to Māori health services and contribution to teaching and research in dental surgery.
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.
"I loved empowering young Māori and helping them see themselves as future health professionals," he said.
He also helped establish a whānau dental clinic, he was the inaugural director of the Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit in 1996 and has contributed to many events and conferences.
Outside of academia, he has been the Otago University Rugby Club’s secretary for many years, and is an award-winning playwright.
