Renowned New Zealand Cartoonist Mr Tremain Passes Away at 84

Mr Tremain, a prominent New Zealand cartoonist, passed away on October 7, 2023, at the age of 84 in Lakes District Hospital. His contributions to the world of political satire and illustration left an indelible mark on the New Zealand arts community.

Born in 1941, Mr Tremain initially pursued a career as a painter, becoming a professional in 1972. He transitioned to cartooning in 1988, a move that would define his legacy. Sir Grahame Sydney, a fellow visual artist, reflected on their more than 40-year friendship, describing Mr Tremain as “wonderful company.” He characterized him as “very sharp, very intelligent, very witty, and very unafraid,” emphasizing his strong opinions and fearless approach to commentary.

Sir Grahame praised Mr Tremain’s status as arguably the best cartoonist in New Zealand during his active years. “A great many people looked forward every day to seeing what Tremain had to say in his cartoons, and they rated him very highly indeed,” he stated. He further noted that Mr Tremain could be seen as the successor to renowned New Zealand cartoonist Sir David Low, a testament to his significant impact on the field.

Mr Tremain received his education at Palmerston North Boys’ High School before moving to Queenstown, where he focused on landscape painting. He lived in the scenic town with his wife, Jill, until her passing last year. His entry into cartooning was facilitated by the ability to fax illustrations to publishers directly from his home, a breakthrough that allowed him to reach a wider audience.

Throughout his career, Mr Tremain was known for his incisive political satire, contributing daily cartoons to the Otago Daily Times (ODT) until 2019, when his tenure concluded amid controversy. His work resonated with many, often prompting public discourse on pressing issues.

In October 2023, he launched his autobiography, titled This Is It Then, in Arrowtown, marking a significant milestone in his storied career.

The legacy of Mr Tremain is underscored by the profound respect he commanded within the artistic community and the enduring impact of his work on New Zealand’s cultural landscape. An obituary detailing his life and contributions will follow.