Obituary: Don Stewart

An industry leader who gave financial advice for half a century, Don Stewart, has passed away aged 76.

Don Stewart founded the highly successful wealth management business Stewart Group in 1987 and passed the company over to his son Nick at his retirement in 2023. Stewart Group released a statement this week confirming Don passed away peacefully on the morning of March 16 in Havelock North.

“Don’s kindness and humour was unmatched. He had boundless energy, endless ideas and unwavering commitment to help others, which was truly inspiring,” says the company tribute.

Don Stewart began selling insurance in his 20s to help fund his dream of farm ownership, and eventually achieved his goal, but left the farming world behind to concentrate on his financial services business. At the time, insurance clients were asking for help managing their investments, which prompted Don to found D L Stewart and Associates (later Stewart Financial Group) in 1987.