Ewen Alison

Ewen William Alison (29 February 1852 – 6 June 1945) was a businessman and politician from late 1800's New Zealand. He involved the inception and development of the North Shore and is locally referred to as the Father of both Devonport and Takapuna. He participated in local and national politics, serving as Mayor for both Takapuna and Devonport, on several boards and sat in both the House of Representatives (1902–1908) and the Legislative Council (1918–1932) of New Zealand. He was also the co-founder and chairperson of the Devonport Ferry Company with his brother Alexander Jr. He served for one year.

Alison also participated in national politics. He served as a Member of the House of Representatives (now referred to as an MP) representing the Waitemata area from 1902 to 1908 as an Independent Conservative.

Lochaber In 1906, Alison and his family moved from Melrose House in Devonport to Lochaber in Takapuna, where he lived until his death. Lochaber was located at the seaward side of The Promenade and Hurstmere Road and was 8 acres in size. He continues to be remembered on the North Shore through a clock tower erected in his honour at the Devonport Wharf and the streets Alison Avenue in Takapuna and Ewen Alison Avenue in Devonport.