A tribute to Mr Fred Graham - artist, educator and pioneer
Posted on May 16, 2025
Macleans College is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Fred Graham CNZM, the school’s founding Head of Art (1981 - 1984) and arguably New Zealand’s greatest contemporary Māori sculptor and carver. His death marks the loss of a pioneer, mentor and artist of profound influence.
Mr Graham was a prominent figure in New Zealand’s arts landscape. As a leading voice in contemporary Māori sculpture, his work bridged traditional Māori and European forms. The Arts Foundation of New Zealand described him as a pioneering sculptor, a visionary and one of Aotearoa’s most revered artists. Over a career spanning more than 70 years, he shaped the artistic and cultural identity of modern New Zealand.
His sculptures are noted for their distinctive fusion of natural and modern materials - wood, stone and steel - each piece reflecting his deep respect for heritage and innovation. His contribution to Māori art is immeasurable. He played a significant role in the Contemporary Māori Art Movement and helped bring art education to Māori communities in Northland as part of a collective of influential artists.
Mr Graham trained as a teacher at Ardmore Teachers’ Training College, where he was encouraged to specialise in art education. It was during this time that he developed a passion for sculpture. His dedication to art and education led him to Macleans College in 1981, where he served as Faculty Head of Art.
Within the classroom, Mr Graham created an environment of calm and purposeful creativity. Students remember him as a teacher who provided clear guidance, took a personal interest in their work and always had a kind word to share. His quiet industriousness and characteristic working hum became familiar features of the art room. Among staff, he was known for his warmth, striking up friendly conversations about current events, rugby or fishing.
Before teaching, Mr Graham was also a skilled athlete, playing rugby for the Māori All Blacks. At Macleans College, he continued to share his passion by coaching the 4th and 6th Grade teams. He was a long-time member of the New Zealand Barbarians Rugby Club.
Mr Graham left a lasting legacy at Macleans College through his art. Most notably, he designed the school’s emblem. Created in the early years of the school, as a senior representative emblem, the design features the castle from the Maclean family crest and five waves representing the original five whānau houses and the school’s coastal setting. Officially adopted in 1992, this emblem remains on the uniform, school flag and official documents to this day.
He also designed the Kupe House fountain in 1981, constructed by students under his guidance. It continues to be a cherished feature of the campus.
Though he left Macleans College to pursue a full-time career as an artist, Mr Graham remained connected to the school, continuing to contribute artworks over the years. In 1987, a design by Mr Graham appeared on the yearbook cover. Based on a drawing presented to Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, the piece titled Te Hokinga Mai – The Return Home commemorates her visit to the school and represents the return of the songbird to her extended whānau.
His 1988 piece Whānau, originally located in the Auditorium and now housed in the main foyer, symbolises the school’s whenua and the heritage of the Maclean family. The sculpture incorporates spirals representing lifelong learning, a large perspex triangle for the school and three smaller triangles for staff, students and parents. The colour red signifies leadership and authority.
His stained-glass contributions in Hillary House are among the most treasured artworks on campus. After Hillary House was destroyed by fire, Mr Graham designed a stained-glass window to mark its rebirth. His wife, Norma, created the stained-glass elements. Alongside this window is a portrait of Sir Edmund Hillary, framed by Mr Graham’s design work. These were unveiled by Sir Edmund Hillary himself in 1992 during the official reopening of Hillary House.
Mr Graham’s artistic influence extended far beyond Macleans College. He represented New Zealand at international exhibitions in Australia, the United States, Canada and South Korea. As recently as 2024, his work was exhibited at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.
His leadership in the arts continued through his service on the Haerewa Māori Cultural Advisory Group at the Auckland Art Gallery. He received numerous honours including:
- Te Tohu Aroha mō Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu (2017) - the supreme award at the Te Waka Toi awards
- Arts Foundation of New Zealand Icon Award (2018)
- Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2018) - for services to Māori art
- Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2024) - for services to Māori art
Many of his public sculptures have become iconic landmarks, including:
- Justice - High Court, Auckland
- Te Waka Toi o Tamaki – Auckland Art Gallery
- Kaitiaki – Auckland Domain
- Kaitiaki II – corner of Queen Street and Shortland Street
- Te Waka Taumata o Horotiu (Resting Waka) - corner of Queen Street and Swanson Street
- Auckland metal bird – Selwyn Reserve, Mission Bay
- Waka Maumahara - Waikato Expressway
More recently, he was commissioned to produce Te Manu Rangimārie (Bird of Peace) at the intersection of SH1 and SH29 in Piarere, and work for a new Catholic college in Drury.
Remarkably, Mr Graham was still working in his final weeks. He had been preparing for the opening of Fred Graham: Toi Whakaata / Reflections at the Christchurch Art Gallery - a final testament to his lifelong dedication to art.
Mr Graham’s presence will be greatly missed. His influence will endure through his works and the many lives he touched. At Macleans College, his art remains a daily reminder of his vision, his generosity and his unyielding commitment to both creativity and community.