In 1927 Ned Ellison was recalled to New Zealand to replace Peter Buck as director of the Division of Maori Hygiene in the Department of Health.Working closely with Maori leaders such as Sir Apirana Ngata, Ellison wrote a series of articles in the journal Te Toa Takitini advising on the treatment of dysentery and influenza, and represented the department at a number of important hui. His experience of treating typhoid in the Pacific islands proved valuable in dealing with the disease in New Zealand. During one outbreak near Te Kaha, when the source proved difficult to trace, Ellison was convinced that the water supply was at fault; only after intensive testing was this confirmed. On another occasion, when he was asked to investigate a serious outbreak near Rotorua, he advised dietary and sanitary improvements that quickly eased the problem. He also worked with the Census and Statistics Office to collect more accurate statistics on Maori health.In 1931 Ellison was reappointed chief medical officer to the Cook Islands, a position he was to hold for the following 14 years. He also served as commissioner of the islands' High Court from 1932. He faced extensive health problems with very limited resources. Tapeworm disease, endemic in the islands, he dealt with through mass inoculations and improved ground sanitation with the financial assistance of the Rockefeller Foundation. He also set up a child welfare programme, which involved health nurses visiting remote villages, and he presented the Ellison Cup to the village with the best child welfare record.Ned Ellison was an outstanding administrator with strong leadership qualities. In 1934, when a hurricane severely damaged Rarotonga's port and hospital, Dr F. W. W. Dawson was sent from New Zealand to deal with the disaster. By the time he arrived, however, reconstruction work was well in hand and the hospital had been reopened. Ellison promptly used Dawson's ship to collect lepers and transport them to a remote island. On another occasion he dealt with a dangerous outbreak of German measles by converting churches and schools into temporary hospitals, staffed by teachers and missionaries. Patients were transported to these hospitals, thereby avoiding the common local treatment cold showers which frequently proved fatal. Ellison also introduced a programme to eradicate mosquitoes by removing stagnant water from around homes; this helped to reduce the incidence of filariasis.Ellison received the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal in 1935 and in 1938 was appointed an OBE for his long and dedicated services to the Polynesian people. He returned to New Zealand in 1945 and took up private practice in Manaia, Taranaki, where he and Mary became actively involved in community and sports groups. In 1953 he received Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Medal. Ellison retired to Taradale, Hawke's Bay, in 1956, and died in Napier on 9 November 1963. He was survived by Mary and nine children of his two marriages. Edward Pohau Ellison was a big man, both physically and in ability and moral character. He is remembered for his devotion to the people of Polynesia, his administrative skills, and his strong, determined and often obstinate character. His Maori background afforded him a greater insight and understanding of Polynesian ways. Although he was never in the forefront of political activity, in his own quiet, persuasive way Ellison made an outstanding contribution to the health of the Polynesian people.