Sir David Ellis, of Ngaruawahia, KNZM for services to the thoroughbred industry and philanthrop
Sir David Ellis was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2020 for his services to the thoroughbred industry. Sir David is Principal of Te Akau Stud and Racing Stables in New Zealand, with stables in Matamata, Christchurch, Melbourne and formerly, in Singapore. He was inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2025, and recognised as one of the most influential figures in New Zealand thoroughbred racing, breeding and rural enterprise. Te Akau Racing has won multiple champion stable titles and more than 100 Group One races. Sir David has sustained the New Zealand breeding industry, with a record-setting investment of more than $150 million at Karaka yearling sales, as a leading buyer over 20 years. Te Akau has remained in the Top 15 owners globally in the TRC Global Owners Rankings, rising to number 7 in the world in 2025. He has developed world-class talent in racing managers, trainers and jockeys who have gone on to international success. Sir David has financially supported numerous local and national clubs, charities and organisations across a breadth of causes from animal welfare to health and education. He has also funded disaster relief, and is a significant sponsor of the racing industry.