Ian James Farquhar QSM

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It is with deep sadness that I have to report the passing of New Zealand based ships agent, maritime historian, author and photographer Ian Farquhar at Dunedin on 22nd September 2025 aged 94.

Ian was a former Director, Shipping Manager & Stevedore at Tapley Swift Shipping Agencies – which from the 1930’s had been Blue Star Line’s agents at Otago. He was highly regarded by all concerned for his professionalism, friendliness and dry sense of humour. Ian also served 30 years with the Otago Port Authority, including terms as Chairman with the Otago Harbour Board and Port Otago Ltd.

Ian and his wife Shirley were particularly active in maritime charities including the Sailors’ Society and Mission to Seaman, for which dedication to these causes, each earned a QSM.

With a keen interest in shipping, from 1948 Ian began photographing visiting ships at Otago, in due course developing a significant portfolio, added to by his acquisition of similar collections of others, the total of which he donated during 2000 to the University of Otago’s “Hocken Collections”.

Ian became a noted maritime historian and author, contributing many articles in both Australasian and UK shipping magazine publications, including our own “Gangway”. He authored a number of books on NZ and Australian related shipping, notably “The Tyser Legacy – a history of Port Line and its associated companies”.

He and Shirley were regular, familiar and welcome attendees at Blue Star Line’s New Zealand and Australia Reunions and Ian will now be greatly missed.
We extend to Shirley and the Farquhar family our most sincere condolences.

A service to celebrate Ian's life will be held in Hope and Sons Chapel, 523 Andersons Bay Road, Dunedin at 11am on Tuesday, September 30, followed by private cremation.

Messages to 202B South Road, Caversham, Dunedin 9012, New Zealand

Peter Stacey 28/09/2025