Remembering Graham Stewart

Graham Stewart. 16 Mar 1973. [Driver Len Joyce and Graham Stewart next to Last Onehunga trolley bus 15 on Onehunga Depot route 10], PHO-2020-19.303. Walsh Memorial Library, The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).

Having helped establish the Old Time Transport Preservation League in 1957 Graham Stewart was a supporter of MOTAT since its inception in 1960, with the tramway opening in 1967. 

Graham began his career as a press photographer, capturing major events of the day, but it was his interest in transport that really stood out. He recorded the last years of Auckland’s tram system and much of the country’s rail scene, often at a time when few realised how important those images would become. 

The last Herne Bay tram on Friday night, with Graham Stewart at 17 years old third from left. 23 Sep 1949. [Tram 66 with tramways staff group photograph at night], PHO-2020-19.674. Walsh Memorial Library, The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)

In later years, he shared this passion through a number of books, bringing together photographs and stories that helped preserve New Zealand’s transport history. Many of us will have come across his work on our own shelves.

His photographs remain a lasting record of a time of change, and a valuable resource for enthusiasts today.

Left to Right: (1949-05-21) a pensive 17-year-old Graham Stewart at the Manukau Rd Workshops with a brand new trolley bus that will begin driving his beloved trams off the streets (WWStewart) The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT). 1967-12-16 Opening of the WST - GCS at the controls of Akld #253 (Graham Stewart). 2023-11-26 Tim Major, Logan English, Graham Stewart, Joshua Garratt lots of laughs with MOTAT Founder (James Duncan).