New Zealand literature

http://www.zeroland.co.nz/new_zealand_literature.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/412777/New-Zealand-literature

http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-RobWrit-_N65882.html

http://www.nzs.com/new-zealand-articles/arts/famous-new-zealand-authors.html

Although New Zealand is a small country, we have produced a number of notable authors. From children’s literature to contemporary non-fiction, these authors have produced content that is known throughout the world not just for its high quality, but its unique characteristics that make it distinctly Kiwi. Some are responsible for historically classic works of fiction, while others are still producing amazing books today. Each one reflects a different slice of New Zealand life, each contributing to the whole that makes up our society.

REWI ALLEY

Rewi Alley, born in 1897, was a writer and educator famous for his efforts to make social reform in China. He wrote a great deal about 20th Century China, and in particular described the Communist revolution from his unique standpoint as a foreigner in the Communist Party of China. As someone who dedicated his life to improving the quality of life and human rights in China, much of his literature reflects the relationship between his Canterbury upbringing and his time there. He is famous for a number of poems that are set in New Zealand, such as POEMS FOR AOTEAROA, 1972, and those that reflect East Asia, such as JOURNEY TO OUTER MONGOLIA: A DIARY WITH POEMS, 1957.

JOY COWLEY

Born in Levin on August 7, 1936, Joy Cowley is an author of novels, short stories, and is particularly well known for her Children’s fiction. She has also been an active supporter of early reading skills, teaching the young and helping pupils with reading difficulties- for which purpose she has penned around 500 reading books to help new readers grow. Some of her famous picture books include THE DUCK IN THE GUN, SALMAGUNDI, and CHEESE TRAP. In 2002, the Joy Cowley award was established in her honour, having received an OBE for services to children’s literature in 1992.

JOE BENNET

Joe Bennet is a writer and columnist living in Lyttleton, New Zealand. Originally born in England in 1957, Bennet emigrated to New Zealand and taught at a prestigious Christchurch high school. He is currently a columnist for Christchurch’s local newspaper known as THE PRESS, and writes a weekly column for them. He is known for his dry wit and unique opinions, and is a staple in the local columnist landscape. He has also written several books, such as FUN RUN AND OTHER OXYMORONS and SLEEPING DOGS AND OTHER LIES.

MARGARET MAHY

Margaret Mahy may well be New Zealand’s most famous children’s author, as well as a prolific writer of young adult fiction. She has written over 100 picture books, 40 novels and 20 short story anthologies. Some of her most famous works are A LION IN THE MEADOW and THE SEVEN CHINESE BROTHERS and THE MAN WHOSE MOTHER WAS A PIRATE- all considered to be true New Zealand classics. Her writing has been translated into a range of languages, sharing her books with the world. She has been made a member of the Order of New Zealand as recognition to her phenomenal contribution to children’s

literature in New Zealand. She has received a range of prizes and medals for her books, and a number of them have been made into both live-action and animated adaptions.

 

New Zealand might be small, but its unique culture and society is reflected in the range of famous authors it has produced. Classic children’s books are a staple in school libraries throughout the country, and almost everyone will be able to recall the same books growing up. There are also a number of incisive, intelligent authors of non-fiction, who examine our country and lives here with a humour and voice that is distinctly New Zealand.