Lumsden Railway Champion Honoured For Dedication

• John Titter led a 13-year mission to restore Lumsden’s historic railway precinct for visitors
• His efforts brought in over $500,000 and included recovering buried locomotives in 2020
• Titter was recognised with a Community Service Award for his remarkable community dedication

John Titter, the man behind Lumsden’s railway revival, has been officially recognised for more than a decade of community service. Today, he received a Community Service Award from the Northern Community Board and Southland District Council in a ceremony held at the Lumsden Senior Citizens Centre.

Mr Titter has been at the heart of the Lumsden Heritage Trust since it began in 2012. His vision was to breathe life back into the town’s railway heritage and create an attraction that celebrates its past and draws in visitors. He spent 13 years leading the charge to build a static heritage railway display, securing over $500,000 in funding and managing a range of major projects along the way.

One of the final milestones was achieved in April 2025 when a fully restored 1880s D class locomotive was lifted into place, completing a unique pre-1900 heritage train display. This major achievement marked the culmination of years of effort and planning.

Southland District Mayor Rob Scott, also a member of the three-person Lumsden Heritage Trust, presented the award. He said Mr Titter’s commitment had built something that would benefit both the town and the wider region for generations.

“John’s countless hours and dedication to his dream will leave a lasting legacy for Lumsden and Southland, and it would not have gone ahead without his drive, his determination, his passion and probably thousands of hours of his time,” he said.

Mr Titter also masterminded an extraordinary recovery effort in early 2020 to retrieve two V class steam locomotives and their coal tenders, which had been buried in mud near the Mararoa junction. The project involved around 20 men, several local businesses and four contracting companies. The salvaged engines are now proudly displayed at the Lumsden railway site.

His leadership and ability to bring people together have been key to the Trust’s success. He is known for his ability to gather professionals, volunteers and organisations to complete these ambitious projects.

Beyond his heritage work, Mr Titter runs voluntary tai chi classes for local senior citizens and is active in the hunting community. Mayor Scott also praised his wife Karen, noting her support throughout the years of dedication.

“If you want something done, ask a busy person,” Mayor Scott said. “And John is the type of person who certainly knows how to get stuff done. He’s a true legend!”