Margaret Mahy, one of New Zealand's greatest-ever writers,(I put her up there with Katherine Mansfield), died in Christchurch this afternoon after a brief illness.
Here is a brief biography from the Christchurch City Libraries website:
Margaret Mahy, a brief biography
Margaret Mahy is a former Children's Librarian at Christchurch City Libraries and is one of the world's best and most famous children's authors.Margaret Mahy was born in Whakatane in 1936, and wrote her first story at the age of seven.
After graduating from Auckland University College and Canterbury University College, in 1955, with a BA, Margaret Mahy then attended the New Zealand Library School in Wellington, received her Librarian's diploma, and then went to work for the Petone Public Library.
In 1967 she worked for the School Library Service in Christchurch. During this time she had stories published in the New Zealand School Journal.
Margaret Mahy's first book to be published was A Lion in the Meadow in 1969.
In 1976 Margaret Mahy was appointed Children's Librarian at Canterbury Public Library.
In 1980 she became a fulltime writer and has gone on to win numerous awards for her books, and honours for her contribution to New Zealand and children's literature.
And from the New Zealand Book Council website.
And at http://www.nzterritory.com/famous/mahy.html
May 2011 - Mahy scoops top children's book prize . The Press
And for much more. including the list of all her titles, go to Wikipedia
Farewell Margaret, I salute you, it has been both an honour and privilege to know you.
One little story from a visit I made to an American library back in the late 1980's. I was in the public library in the small Connecticut town of Westport with the pre-school son of a friend. At one stage I took a photograph of him sitting looking at a picture book and was immediately reprimanded by the librarian who tersely asked "had I not seen the sign saying no photography?". I apologised and upon noticing my accent she asked me where I was from. New Zealand I said. Oh my she said I don't suppose you know Margaret Mahy? Indeed I do I said, I know Margaret very well. Oh in that case she said please feel free to take as many photographs as you like! She then gave me a guided tour of the library which included two large full colour posters featuring Margaret and her books. And she talked endlessly and enthusiastically about Margaret's genius and about listening her speak at a librarian's conference.And then insisted on making me a cup of coffee. Such was Margaret's reputation and influence.
The Guardian acknowledges Margaret
And at stuff.co.nz
The New Zealand Herald
Thank you Graham for a fine tribute to Margaret. She will continue to light up our world.
ReplyDeleteMargaret was a treasure, her books will continue to be so.
ReplyDeleteOh bugger. She was just around the road from me at Governor's Bay ... we've lost one of the great writers and personalities in New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteOh no, what a shock! Dear Margaret. She leaves a legacy that will be treasured by generations to come, and one unlikely to be matched. Rest in peace, Margaret.
ReplyDeleteShe was a remarkable woman and writer who has brought magic and joy to so many children and adults, and whose work will inspire generations to come.
ReplyDeleteShe inspired me to write ever since I was a child. Thank you for this tribute, her books will continue to keep her memory bright.
ReplyDeleteI am saddened that Margaret has died.
ReplyDeleteYes, her work lives on but her inimitable wonderful self is gone...she was one of the very few ANZ writers I both liked as a person and admired for her extraordinary work.
Reading life - ordinary life here in our islands & elsewhere- is lessened by her death.
Aue, aue, e te tuakana - haere ki te po-
A true kiwi icon, that made the lives of many New Zealand children and adults brighter with her fantastic stories.
ReplyDeleteHer stories will be forever in my home.
The Changeover was the first book I read as a teenager which really meant something to me. Very sad news.
ReplyDeleteGo well, Margaret Mahy. We hope you are romping with the lion in the meadow ... Rest in Peace.
So thankful we showed her our appreciation of the immensity of her gift to literature and to the children of New Zealand and the world - while she was alive. What a loss though, it will take a lot to get used to.
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Margaret's father built bridges. So did she, with words. Dear Margaret, I hope your journey across that final bridge was full of wonder. We will miss you forever from our side.
ReplyDeleteThanks all, for your kind heartfelt words. We are huddled together as a family, a little overwhelmed and shocked, but heartened by your goodwill and generosity. We'll miss her.
ReplyDeleteWhat a loss. I am grateful for all she's written - and all the books of hers I own - from an extremely tatty Lion in the Meadow (signed) to a beautiful illustrated copy of her poems. May she rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shock to hear of Margaret's death. She spoke to a group of Children's Librarians when I worked in London, it was so good to hear her voice and see the regards in which she was held. I had looked forward to many more wonderful stories from her. Every story long or short, for preschooler's or young adults was a joy, resounding with our language and our world view. Her imagination was informed by our wonderful landscape and enriched by the heritage of both our cultures. Her language was rich in nuance and colour and her characters were acutely observed. She was one of New Zealand's finest writers and a wonderful woman.
ReplyDeleteA legendary lady who transformed the realm of children's literature and enriched the lives of my siblings, my kids and myself, my thoughts with her family today xxx Diane
ReplyDeleteA legendary lady who transformed the realm of children's literature and enriched the lives of my siblings, my kids and myself, my thoughts with her family today xxx Diane
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ReplyDeleteI have been reading Margaret's books to school children for many ,many years.Her words never fail to light up a room.Thank-you for that wonderful gift.What a legacy she has left.
I know our children will always remember Margaret as one of their favourite authors....and, how poignant that in my 36 years of teaching, her books still have a significant role in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteAn amazing individual.....so true to herself always. We will miss the gems but what diamonds she has left us to enjoy and now share with the grandchildren...........RIP The Lion in the Meadow
One of my greatest heroes. Her stories were iridescent, one of my favourite ways to escape my own childhood stresses and griefs. I am so sorry and sad to hear she has gone. Goodbye to a wonderful person.
ReplyDeleteMargaret bought light and love and joy to children and grandchildren, mums and dads everywhere...an icon and a legend...
ReplyDeleteA wonderful, kind, generous, hilarious,cheeky, uplifting, irreverent, gifted, supportive, extra-ordinary person. I count it my absolute pleasure to have shared a table and broken bread with her.
ReplyDeleteHer books lit up our family -- and then in person she lit up all those around her as she bent closer to hear and delight in the words of others, a story, a poem, a song. Her words that stretched wide into the world like kites that swooped and dipped and filled us with grace and wonder -- and her arms stretched wide. She inspired me to write, she inspired me to write for children and to inspire children to write. Rest in peace dear Margaret. We will hold you dear as we bend closer to listen. x Paula Green
ReplyDeletea little piece of nz is gone forever, and we are irrevocably changed. we will miss and remember you, margaret, as will our kids, and theirs too.
ReplyDeleteShe was and will always be one of New Zealand's greatest writers. I remember interviewing her once and she said she'd always wanted to learn to tapdance. She did. She tapdanced through words. I admire her work and love it more than words can say.
ReplyDeleteI remember her visiting my primary school when I was young. She was dressed as a clown and showed us a new book she had written (can't remember the name of it) that was in the process of being published. She even showed us the draft pictures for each page - so amazing! And then she read the book to us. Will forever remember her visit. RIP
ReplyDeleteI am so saddened at the loss of Margaret Mahy. She was a brilliant, funny, inspired author and friend. I was so lucky to have had the pleasure of hearing her "perform" some of her picture books and am honored to have edited and published the McElderry Books edition of THE MAGICIAN OF HOAD, the novel on which she was working for 20 years and a masterpiece. Long may her books continue to awe and inspire us.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Mahy was a legend amongst the men and women prisoners I worked with in New Zealnd. Reading to them and introducing them to a book by you Margaret was in many cases,to open a whole new world of fun,imagination and joy,a joy that many had never had, but a joy they now pass on to their children.
ReplyDeleteI am now in Canada Margaret, where you are already a legend, and will continue to be so.Most days i read a Margaret Mahy story to those who are away from their family for a while, who if asked by their children where did they put something of course the answer will be "Down The Back of The Chair!"Rest in peace Margaret Mahy, legend.
Margaret Mahy was a legend amongst the men and women prisoners I worked with in New Zealnd. Reading to them and introducing them to a book by you Margaret was in many cases,to open a whole new world of fun,imagination and joy,a joy that many had never had, but a joy they now pass on to their children.
ReplyDeleteI am now in Canada Margaret, where you are already a legend, and will continue to be so.Most days i read a Margaret Mahy story to those who are away from their family for a while, who if asked by their children where did they put something of course the answer will be "Down The Back of The Chair!"Rest in peace Margaret Mahy, legend.
I feel gutted by this news like I want to be in a room with carpet and couches and sharing Margaret anecdotes and reading out our favourite bits from her stories and poems. Children have loved you through generations and will love you through the next. Paula Green
ReplyDeleteThe wind between the stars will be carrying Margaret like a queen in triumph. Go well, Margaret I feel honoured to have met you.
ReplyDeleteJose Mellelieu
Two wonderfully colourful women, Dorothy Butler and Margaret Mahy personally encouraged me in my author career.
ReplyDeleteThey led me to the greatest places - over the rainbows and into the clouds and high towers of children's picture books.
I'm ever more involved with this in the 'iPad' age. I'm indebted.
Jonathan Gunson
How many writers are viewed with the admiration, love and affection that Margaret has inspired - and how many have a statue of a lion erected in their honour? I hope the Lion in the Meadow outside Whakatane Public Library is garlanded with flowers today.
ReplyDeleteShe was a warm-hearted and generous woman. Other writers must now take up the mantle and extend the fine tradition she has so wonderfully created and upheld!
ReplyDeleteMargaret was a clear-eyed white witch when my son Luc was an equally clear-eyed toddler. At the Christmas party which she regularly hosted for the NZSA, he would bounce on the trampoline in her tumble-down-the-hill garden, shouting instructions to watch. So Margaret (also) watched. She was watchful in a way few of us manage to be.
ReplyDeleteLuc still has several of her first editions, inscribed with hand-drawn lions, crocodiles etc. And, two decades on, I can still see her sketching.
For many years I have missed that younger, healthy Margaret. I will continue to miss her.
[David Howard]
A warm and generous person gone, a national treasure lost - and yet her unique voice will always be with us.
ReplyDeleteIt is warming to my writer's heart to see so many of you here, gathering around the empty couch, still warm, where she held court in her hat of many colours.
ReplyDeleteMy fondest memories of Margaret are of the many ways she so generously encouraged all writers, supported them, bought their books, and I my case on one occasion directing *her* fans to turn around and meet me - sitting five feet away with none.
A quick hello to those I have met in life, and so too the the names here I recognise. And what to take and keep of MM? Her words, the memories, and and her en-courage-ment. What an immense journey done. More remarkable than fiction.
- Ged Maybury, Brisbane
I think you must add Essie Summers as an ambassador of New Zealand literature to the world. While she wrote genre fiction, she had millions of fans throughout the world, many of whom long to visit the country she loved so much and described so well. I certainly have read and own more of her books than those of Mahy or Mansfield, although I appreciate them too.
ReplyDeleteHow very sad that such brilliance and energy has gone from the world. I read Margaret's stories to my children when they were young, but I also enjoyed them for myself. When she was Chair of the Canterbury branch of NZSA I remember that committee meetings took a very long time because of the way she discussed things. No one minded. It was fascinating to see the way her thoughts and words spiralled outwards to various philosophical tangents and back in again to her conclusion. Christmas parties for the branch at her home in Governor's Bay will always be remembered for the fun we had. Margaret will also be remembered for her compassion, wicked sense of humour, generosity to other writers and her endearing modesty. Sandra Arnold
ReplyDeleteAfter I discovered her books in the US many years ago I would buy everything I found, and have "saved" a few YA novels that I haven't yet read. "The Tricksters" is one of my favorites. She was unique, and is not known in the States as well as she should be, I've always felt.
ReplyDeleteShe lives on!
"Remembering Margaret Mahy: A Saturday Symposium." On Saturday September 22 (2012)Mahy's biographer Tessa Duder, film-maker Dave Gibson, and writer Elizabeth Knox will join a dozen writers and academics from around the country in a day-long series of talks and discussions ranging from Mahy's work in the "ready-to-read" primers through to her sophisticated novels for Young Adults: Saturday 22nd September, 9.00am-6.00pm Rutherford House, Bunny Street, Wellington. To register visit www.victoria.ac.nz/seftms
ReplyDeleteIf I could write one sentence as succinctly as any one sentence from one of Margaret's many, many books I would be a happy man. I honour Margaret's memory by wearing a wig every time I read to children. Her legacy will live on ... well after she has gone.
ReplyDeleteWe met her walking her dog (the original of "Dashing Dog") around Governor's Bay one windy day. A charming lady. She will not be forgotten.
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