Celebrated Cartoonist Mr. Tremain Passes Away at 84

Mr. Tremain, a prominent New Zealand cartoonist known for his sharp wit and political satire, has passed away at the age of 84. He died on Saturday at Lakes District Hospital, leaving behind a legacy that many in the art and journalism communities will remember fondly.

Born in 1941, Mr. Tremain began his artistic career as a professional painter in 1972 before transitioning to cartooning in 1988. His friend and fellow visual artist, Sir Grahame Sydney, expressed deep admiration for Mr. Tremain, recalling their more than 40-year friendship. Sir Grahame described him as “wonderful company,” noting his intelligence, humor, and unapologetic opinions. “He was very sharp, very intelligent, very witty and very unafraid and highly opinionated,” he said.

Sir Grahame regarded Mr. Tremain as one of New Zealand’s finest cartoonists, suggesting that many eagerly anticipated his daily cartoons, which often featured political commentary. “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 added. He further emphasized that it would not be an exaggeration to consider Mr. Tremain the successor to the renowned cartoonist Sir David Low.

Mr. Tremain’s early education took place at Palmerston North Boys’ High School. He later moved to Queenstown, where he initially focused on landscape painting. He lived there with his wife, Jill, until her passing in 2022. It was during this period that he discovered the feasibility of faxing his illustrations to publishers from home, which led him to embrace cartooning more fully.

His work was characterized by a keen sense of political satire, and he published daily cartoons for the Otago Daily Times (ODT) until 2019. His tenure at the ODT ended amid controversy, but his impact on New Zealand’s cultural landscape remained significant.

Earlier this month, in October 2023, Mr. Tremain launched his autobiography titled This Is It Then in Arrowtown. This work provides insight into his life and career, showcasing his unique perspective and experiences as an artist and commentator.

As tributes pour in from friends, colleagues, and fans, Mr. Tremain’s contributions to the field of cartooning and his ability to provoke thought through humor will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.