Stuart studied at Canterbury University along with his partner, Jo. They had two children at the time. To survive the first year Stuart snared rabbits and bought the odd sheep at the Addington Sales Yards which, at the time, was in the centre of Christchurch.

The second year, 4 months was spent living out of their Combie van and a tent at Riccarton Camp ground.

After finishing his degree, Stuart taught English, Classics and Arts History for nine years.

Stuart's poetry has won numerous awards including the Ronald Hugh Morrieson 30th Anniversary competition.

He has written for New Zealand Art Magazine July 2022, numerous newspapers and appeared in House and Garden, Uno, Heritage New Zealand and Live magaziines.

- Dante Fog was published in 2022. A semi biographical work set in London and provincal New Zealand. Understanding and accepting ones history is an important theme in this text which led onto Stuart's 2nd book.

- Echoes From The Land, published in 2025 looks at the importance of a father through the eyes of twenty New Zealand men using transcripts, poetry, short and 'tall' stories, photography and paintings.

Stuart lives in Stratford, New Zealand with his partner, artist Jo Stallard. Their apartment is on the first floor of a building the couple restored in 2016-17. On the ground floor is their cafe, art gallery and distillery. Check out Fenton Street Arts Collective & Distillery.