Sad loss to New Zealand literature

The New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc.) mourns the loss of long-standing life member and iconic New Zealand children’s author Margaret Mahy who lost her fight against cancer in Christchurch yesterday.

Born in Whakatane in 1936 Margaret was a former Children’s Librarian and became a full time writer in 1980 and is the author of more than 200 titles translated into 15 languages.  Her first book A Lion in the Meadow, published in 1969, won the Esther Glen Medal for the book considered to be the most distinguished contribution to literature for children in any given year and is considered a New Zealand classic.  In 2006 she won the world’s premier prize for children’s writing, the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the second Australasian writer to receive this honour.

‘Margaret’s contribution to New Zealand literature is unprecedented’ says NZSA National President, Tony Simpson.  “She has been an inspiration to readers and writers all over the world and will be sadly missed.  Her imagination and fun-loving nature has been a huge influence on the growth of children’s writing in New Zealand.’

Margaret has been a life member of the NZSA for over 35 years and was President of Honour from 2002-2003. ‘Often described as ‘quite eccentric’ it was her fantasies and incredibly grounded imagination that brought her writing to life’ comments Maggie Tarver, NZSA CEO.  ‘She was a real icon of New Zealand literature and was, I believe, largely responsible for the growth in children’s writing in New Zealand’.

The New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc.) offers our heartfelt condolences to Margaret’s friends and family.