OUR BEGINNING

The origins of Stewarts Buses trace back to Nuku and Tangiaranui(nee' Karaka) Stewart from Matauri, Te Tutu, and their 16 children. In collaboration with the Pai Whanau, who lived near by the Stewart Homestead. Their collective efforts to ensuring their children's education, established the groundwork for Stewarts Buses with a 1945 Bedford WTB Bus.

From Nuku & Tangiaranui Stewart, as with many families, the responsibility passed to their sons, leading to the rebranding as Stewart Bro's. Eventually, it became the exclusive operation of Frank Stewart Senior and his wife Lucy, who expanded their bus operation and rebranded it as Kaeo Passenger Service.

Frank Stewart Jr supporting his mother Lucy to continue operations as New Zealand was to face the first change in MOE with tender contracts.

Today Frank Jr has returned operations back to his family name under "STEWARTS BUSES" representing recognition of the founders before him, and recognition within the Whangaroa Rohe as a locally Māori-owned and operated business, carrying a legacy of resilience and adaptability through various changes and challenges. In the same vein as our founders, who united and upheld our name and identity, we continue to foster strong partnerships with businesses that are New Zealand owned and operated.

One of our core principles, which are integral to our foundation, focus on supporting and advocating for other New Zealand-owned businesses.

Mindful of our modest start, we embrace the challenge of fulfilling the future needs with confidence.

Photo: Tangiaranui alongside four of her daughters-in-law and her numerous grandchildren. (Lucy Stewart in the top right-hand corner full view sideways on mobile)