Tram man

After 50 years working in local Government, Dave Hinman has given a proverbial three rings on the tram bell. Tramway conductors sound three gongs to signal an abrupt stop –calling it quits.

As a leading light of preserved tramways and their tramcars, he is well known to anyone interested in heritage transportation.  A founding member of the Ferrymead-based Tramway Historical Society, he was instrumental in establishing the Christchurch Tramway prior to its opening in February 1995. (Christchurch’s long-running metro tramway closed in 1954.) The tramway was established on 2.5 km of newly-constructed track through the central city. A fleet of beautifully preserved tramcars were let loose on the rails. Hinman was one of the early Christchurch tram drivers. He enjoyed all the heritage trams but particularly No. 152 built locally by Boon and Co in 1910. Being the Edwardian era, No. 152 was more ornate than tramcars of the 1920s. It was also restored wearing one of the former Christchurch Tramways’ handsome green and cream liveries. 

                              Tramcar No.152 on Christchurch city tramway

 Hinman pushed for the tramway extension opened after the 2011 earthquakes, increasing the route to about four km. The tramway is a leading Christchurch visitor attraction. Local people enjoy discounted fares via an annual pass.

 Dave Hinman’s role in the council was a senior town planner, for which he became well respected professionally. At his farewell function Christchurch Tramway MD, Michael Esposito, said Dave Hinman was the `glue’ that cemented relations between Christchurch Tramway and the City council. That `glue’ enabled things to happen. The council built the city tramway infrastructure. The trams are operated by a private company, Christchurch Tramway Ltd (CTL). Tramcars are leased by CTL from Ferry mead’s Tramways Historical Trust.

Along with the tramway extension, Dave Hinman was a force to be reckoned with assisting the Tramway to reopen post Canterbury earthquakes. Council staff respected his enthusiasm for heritage in general that helped revive the earthquake-wrecked Christchurch.

Former mayor, Gary Moore, spoke of many beer-drinking binges in Warner’s Hotel. They were great opportunities to unofficially focus on the city’s direction.  Dave typically arrived on his bicycle and, mostly, was able to ride it home safely.

cake cutting with assistance

                                   Tram man's retirement cake

Dave Hinman is remembered for joining local government in 1969, the momentous year when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. His tenure also co-incided with significant transport events –the last train departure from the former city railway station and the last sailing of the inter-island ferry to Wellington from Port Lyttelton. He worked alongside a variety of Christchurch mayors. Some, and former councillors joined his recent farewell function. My admiration is for Dave Hinman’s sheer enthusiasm. It showed particularly when he was walking and typically in a hurry. I was running to keep apace. At age 75 (same as myself) he displays an ongoing courage to keep on keeping on. Tram man is driven by enthusiasm. Enthusiasm for worthy causes is arguably the most admirable driver of human achievement.

 A hearty group wished him well in retirement while expecting him not to be too far away. And we can expect he will have an eye open for any derelict tramcar that might be brought back to life.