Mr John Tiffen Stewart (1827-1913) was a surveyor and one of the earliest Europeans to see the 'Papaioea' clearing, on which Palmerston North was established, c 1858. Locally, he surveyed the Te Ahu Turanga Block (purchased from Rangitāne).

He was also a well known engineer who laid out the townships of Foxton and Palmerston North. He planned the construction of the road through the Manawatū Gorge, as well as the tramway between Foxton and Palmerston North.

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