List of New Zealand writers

Writers who have contributed to New Zealand literature include:

See also

A

Michèle A'Court (born 1961), comedian, memoirist and non-fiction writer
Avis Acres (1910–1994), artist, writer, illustrator and conservationist
Pip Adam (living), fiction writer and reviewer
Arthur Henry Adams (1872–1936), journalist, poet, novelist and playwright
Catherine Adamson (1868–1925), diarist
Fleur Adcock (born 1934), poet and editor
Pinky Agnew (born 1955), author, playwright and social commentator
Sarona Aiono-Iosefa (living), children's fiction writer
George Alderton (1854–1942, newspaper editor and journalist
Fred Alexander (1882–1957), editor, journalist and poetry anthologist
Vanessa Alexander (living), screenwriter, producer, director
Margaret Alington (1920–2012), librarian, historian and author
Colin Allan (1921–1993), non-fiction writer
Harry Allan (1882–1957), botany writer
Rob Allan (born 1945), poet
Rosetta Allan (living), poet and novelist
Pamela Allen (born 1934), children's writer and illustrator
Geoff Alley (1903–1986), rugby writer
Michele Amas (1961–2016), poet, playwright and actress
Barbara Anderson (1926–2013), fiction writer
Mona Anderson (1909–2004), memoirist, children's writer
Isobel Andrews (1905–1990), poet, playwright and short story writer
Frank S. Anthony (1891–1927), short story writer and novelist
Michalia Arathimos (living), short story writer and novelist
K O Arvidson (1938–2011), poet and academic
Sylvia Ashton-Warner (1908–1984), writer, poet and educator
Tusiata Avia (born 1966), poet and children's author

B

Annette Baier (1929–2012), philosopher and non-fiction writer
Denis Baker (born 1966), novelist and short story writer
Hinemoana Baker (born 1968), poet, musician and recording artist
Louisa Alice Baker (1856–1926), journalist and novelist
Murray Ball (1939–2017), cartoonist
Philippa Ballantine (born 1971), author of speculative fiction
David Ballantyne (1924–1986), journalist and fiction writer
Serie Barford (living), performance poet
Mary Anne Barker (Lady Barker) (1831–1911), poet and non-fiction writer
John Barr (1809–1889), poet
Miriam Barr (born 1982), page and performance poet
Sarah Maria Barraud (1823–1895), letter-writer and housewife
Rachel Barrowman (born 1963), author and historian
Amelia Batistich (1915–2004), novelist, short story writer and memoirist
Blanche Baughan (1870–1958), poet, writer and penal reformer
James K. Baxter (1926–1972), poet and playwright
Kay Baxter (born 1952/53), horticulturalist
Arthur Baysting (1947–2019), journalist, screenwriter, children's writer and poet
Ann Beaglehole (born 1948), historian and novelist
Helen Beaglehole (born 1946), children's writer and historian
John Beaglehole (1901–1971), historian
Fleur Beale (born 1945), young adult novelist
Margaret Beames (born 1935), children's book novelist
Airini Beautrais (born 1982), poet and short-story writer
Bernard Beckett (born 1967), young adult novelist
George Bell (1809–1899), editor and journalist
James Belich (born 1956), historian
Francis Oswald Bennett (1898–1976), medical historian and biographer
Joe Bennett (born 1957), non-fiction writer and columnist
Marlene J Bennetts (born 1938), poet and children's author
Ursula Bethell (1874–1945), poet and social worker
Jean Betts (living), playwright, actor and director
Graham Billing (1936–2001), novelist, journalist and poet
Victor Billot (living), poet, journalist and editor
Judith Binney (1940–2011), writer, academic and historian
Hera Lindsay Bird (born 1987), poet
Gavin Bishop (born 1946), children's author and illustrator
Donovan Bixley (born 1971), illustrated biographer and children's book writer
Ellen Wright Blackwell (1864–1952), writer and botanist
Geoff Blackwell (living), non-fiction writer
Paddy Blanchfield (1911–1980), poet
Arapera Blank (1932–2002), poet and teacher
James Bodell (c. 1831–1892), memoirist
Paula Boock (born 1964), writer and editor
Ivan Bootham (1939–2016), fiction writer, poet and composer
Jenny Bornholdt (born 1960), poet and anthologist
Michael Botur (born 1984), poet and fiction writer
Avice Maud Bowbyes (1901–1992), home science lecturer and writer
Thomas Bracken (1843–1898), poet, journalist and politician
Charles Brasch (1909–1973), poet, literary editor and arts patron
Errol Brathwaite (1924–2005), author
Virginia Braun (fl. 2000s), gender studies expert, psychologist and non-fiction writer
Freda Bream (1918–1996), teacher and writer
Diana Bridge (born 1942), poet
Bub Bridger (1924–2009), poet and short story writer
Adele Broadbent (born 1968), children's author
Deidre Brown (born 1970), art historian and historical lecturer
Diane Brown (born 1951), novelist and poet
Helen Brown (born 1954), novelist and columnist
Justin Brown (born 1973) (also writes as Justin Christopher), non-fiction writer and children's author
Riwia Brown (born 1957), playwright and screenwriter
Audrey Brown-Pereira (born 1975), poet, diplomat and public servant
Harriet Louisa Browne (1829–1906), political salon hostess, community leader and letter-writer
Bryan Bruce (born 1948), non-fiction writer and documentarian
George Bryant (born 1938), non-fiction and Christian writer
Rachel Buchanan (born 1968), author and historian
Lindsay Buick (1866–1938), politician, journalist and historian
Margaret Bullock (1845–1903), journalist, writer, feminist and social reformer
Norah Burnard (1902–1979), journal editor
Rachel Bush (1941–2016), poet
Dorothy Butler (1925–2015), children's book author, bookseller, memoirist and reading advocate

C

Dolce Ann Cabot (1862–1943), early newspaper editor
John Cairney (1898–1966), anatomy textbook writer
Judy Callingham (living), scriptwriter, television presenter and journalist
Kirsty Cameron (living), screenwriter
Kate Camp (born 1972), poet and author
Alistair Te Ariki Campbell (1925–2009), poet, playwright and novelist
Arnold Campbell (1906–1980), educationalist and non-fiction writer
Meg Campbell (1937–2007), poet
Sarah Campion (1906–2002), pseudonym of Mary Rose Alpers, novelist and social activist
Dulce Carman (1883—1970), romance writer
Clyde Carr (1886–1962), politician, church minister and poet
Una Carter (1890–1954), cookbook writer
John Caselberg (1927–2004), poet, playwright, short story writer, essayist
Bruce Cathie (1930–2013), ufologist writer
Christine Cole Catley (1922–2011), journalist, publisher and author
Ken Catran (born 1944), children's novelist and screenwriter
Eleanor Catton (born 1985), novelist and screenwriter
Frances Caverhill (1834–1897), diarist
Gordon Challis (1932–2018), poet
Lynda Chanwai-Earle (born 1965), writer and radio producer
William Chapple (1864–1936), eugenics and medical writer
Janet Charman (born 1954), poet
Brenda Chawner (living), library academic
Frances Cherry (1937–2022), novelist, short story writer and children's writer
Catherine Chidgey (born 1970), fiction writer
Harrison Christian (born 1990), journalist and historical writer
Daphne Clair (born 1939), romance novelist and activist
Kate Clark (1847–1926), children's writer, poet, artist and community worker
Margaret Clark (born 1941), political scientist and writer
Paul Cleave (born 1974), crime novelist
Constance Clyde (1872-1951), novelist, travel writer and suffragette
Nellie Coad (1883–1974), teacher, community leader and non-fiction writer
Geoff Cochrane (born 1951), poet, novelist and short story writer
Gina Cole (living), lawyer, short story writer and novelist
Elizabeth Fairburn Colenso (1821–1904), missionary, teacher and Bible translator
Glenn Colquhoun (born 1964), poet and doctor
Jennifer Compton (born 1949), poet and playwright
Sandra Coney (born 1944), local politician, writer, feminist, historian and women's health campaigner
Hugh Cook (1956–2008), science fiction writer
Kay McKenzie Cooke (born 1953), poet
Sue Copsey (born 1960), children's author and editor
Judy Corbalis (living), fiction writer
Violet May Cottrell (1887–1971), writer, poet and spiritualist
James Courage (1903–1963), fiction writer, poet and bookseller
David Coventry (born 1969), novelist and musician
Winston Cowie (born 1982), novelist and historian
Joy Cowley (born 1936), author of children's fiction
Rachael Craw (living), novelist and teacher
Douglas Cresswell (1894–1960), author, historian and broadcaster
Mary Cresswell (born 1937), science editor and poet
Walter D'Arcy Cresswell (1896–1960), poet, journalist and writer
Fiona Cross (fl. 2000s), arachnologist and non-fiction writer
Barry Crump (1935–1996), author of semi-autobiographical comic novels
Majella Cullinane (living), poet and novelist
Jackie Cumming (fl. 2000s), academic, health expert and non-fiction writer
Allen Curnow (1911–2001), poet and journalist

D

Lois Daish (fl. 1960s), food writer and cookbook writer
Debra Daley (living), novelist
Ruth Dallas (1919–2008), poet and children's writer
Bob Darroch (born 1940), illustrator, author and cartoonist
Dan Davin (1913–1990), novelist, non-fiction writer and editor
Winnie Davin (1909–1995), teacher, community worker, writer and editor
Jackie Davis (born 1963), author, poet, and playwright
Leigh Davis (1955–2009), poet
Kate De Goldi (born 1959), novelist, children's writer and short story writer
Joan de Hamel (1924–2011), children's author
Geoffrey Potocki de Montalk (1903–1997), poet and polemicist
Stephanie de Montalk (born 1945), poet and biographer
Elena de Roo (living), poet and children's author
John Dennison (born 1978), poet
Pip Desmond (living), author and journalist
George E. Dewar (1891–1969), poet and writer
Jean Devanny (1894–1962), author and communist
Bill Direen (living), writer and performer
Gillian Dobbie (fl. 2000s), computer scientist, academic and non-fiction writer
Lynley Dodd (born 1941), children's author and illustrator
Alfred Domett (1811–1887), fourth Premier of New Zealand and poet
Robyn Donald (born 1940), romance novelist
Basil Dowling (1910–2000), poet
Melanie Drewery (born 1970), children's author and illustrator
Joan Druett (born 1935), historian and novelist
Alison Edith Hilda Drummond (1903–1984), farmer, historian, writer and editor
Sam Duckor-Jones (born 1982), sculptor, poet, and artist
Marilyn Duckworth (born 1940), fiction writer and poet
Tessa Duder (born 1940), young people's, fiction and non-fiction writer and playwright
Alan Duff (born 1950), novelist and newspaper columnist
Yvonne du Fresne (1929–2011), fiction writer and playwright
Eileen Duggan (1894–1972), poet and journalist
Maurice Duggan (1922–1974), fiction writer
Kate Duignan (born 1974), fiction writer and reviewer
Beverley Dunlop (1935–2023), children's writer, novelist and short story writer
Cathie Dunsford (born 1953), novelist, poet and anthologist
Hedda Dyson (1857–1951), journalist and magazine editor

E

Elisabeth Easther (born 1970), journalist and playwright
Dorothy Eden (1912–1982), Gothic fiction writer
Lynley Edmeades (living), poet, academic and editor
Lauris Edmond (1924–2000), poet and writer
Mihi Edwards (1918–2008), memoirist
Brendon Egan (born 1984), sports writer
David Eggleton (born 1952), poet and writer.
Jill Eggleton (living), children's author and education consultant
Stevan Eldred-Grigg (born 1952), novelist and historian
Ellen Elizabeth Ellis (1829–1895), feminist and writer
Barbara Else (born 1947), novelist, short story writer, editor and literary agent
Chris Else (born 1942), fiction writer and poet
Bronwyn Elsmore (living), fiction and non-fiction writer and playwright
Riemke Ensing (born 1939), poet
Margaret Escott (1908–1977), novelist, drama teacher and poet
Barbara Ewing (born 1939), actress, playwright and novelist

F

Jacqueline Fahey (born 1929), painter and writer
A. R. D. Fairburn (1904-1957), poet
Tracy Farr (born 1962), novelist and short story writer
Fiona Farrell (born 1947), poet, fiction writer and playwright
Angie Farrow (born 1951), academic and writer for theatre and radio
Laurence Fearnley (born 1963), short-story writer, novelist and non-fiction writer
Gigi Fenster (born 1963/64), novelist, creative writing teacher and law lecturer
Joan Fleming (born 1984), poet, non-fiction writer and academic
Beryl Fletcher (1938–2018), feminist novelist
Tui Flower (1925–2017), food writer
Mihingarangi Forbes (fl. 1990s), journalist and radio broadcaster
Margot Forde (1935–1995), botanist, taxonomist and writer
Gary Forrester (born 1946), poet and novelist
Michelanne Forster (born 1953), playwright and scriptwriter
Dorothy Fowler (living), novelist
Janet Frame (1924–2004), fiction writer, poet and autobiographer
Ruth France (1913–1968), librarian, poet and novelist
Margaret Fraser (1866–1951), domestic servant and letter writer
Anne French (born 1956), editor and poet
Roderick Fry (born 1969), novelist
Catherine Fulton (1829–1919), diarist, community leader, philanthropist, social reformer and suffragette

G

Ngāreta Gabel (born 1975), children's author
Abby Gaines (living), romance novelist
Kathleen Gallagher (born 1957), playwright, filmmaker, poet, and novelist
Rhian Gallagher (born 1961), poet
Elizabeth Gard'ner (1858–1926), home science teacher and writer
Maurice Gee (born 1931), novelist
Frances Shayle George (1828–1890), teacher, writer and educationalist
James George (born 1962), novelist and short story writer
Mīria George (born 1980), writer, producer and director
Golriz Ghahraman (born 1981), politician and non-fiction author
Ivy Gibbs (c. 1886–1966), poet and children's writer
Michael Gifkins (1945–2014), literary agent, fiction writer, critic and editor
Ruth Gilbert (1917–2016), poet
Betty Gilderdale (1923–2021), children's author
Olivia Aroha Giles (born 1962), novelist and children's author
Esther Glen (1881–1940), children's novelist, journalist and community worker
Alice Glenday (c. 1920–2004), novelist, short-story writer and playwright
Denis Glover (1912–1980), poet and publisher
Brannavan Gnanalingam (born 1983), author and lawyer
Charlotte Godley (1821–1907), letter-writer and community leader
Gaelyn Gordon (1939–1997), children's writer, crime fiction writer and short story writer
Alfred Augustus Grace (1867–1942), teacher, journalist and writer
Patricia Grace (born 1937), fiction and children's writer
Grace Winifred Green (1907–1976), radio broadcaster and journalist
Paula Green (born 1955), poet and children's author
Lisa Greenwood (born 1955), novelist
H. W. Gretton (1914–1983), poet, writer, journalist and diarist
Charlotte Grimshaw (born 1966), novelist, columnist and reviewer
Edith Searle Grossmann (1863–1931), novelist, journalist and feminist
Kirsty Gunn (born 1960), fiction writer
John Guthrie (1905–1955), journalist and novelist
Peter Gossage (1946-2016), author and illustrator of Maori legends

H

Mandy Hager (born 1960), novelist, children's author, non-fiction writer and screenwriter
David Hair (living), fantasy author
Russell Haley (1934–2016), poet, short story writer and novelist
Bernadette Hall (born 1945), playwright and poet
Pip Hall (born 1971), scriptwriter and actor
Roger Hall (born 1939), playwright
Jane Elizabeth Harris (c. 1853–1942), writer, lecturer and spiritualist
William Hart-Smith (1911–1990), poet
Siobhan Harvey (born 1973), author, editor and creative writing lecturer
J. H. Haslam (1874–1969), Methodist minister, poet, editor and church historian
Dinah Hawken (born 1943), poet
Kathleen Hawkins (1883–1981), poet
Catherine Hay (1910–1995), historical romance writer
Debbie Hay (living), molecular pharmacologist; non-fiction writer
Karyn Hay (born 1959), author and broadcaster
Joel Hayward (born 1964), historian, writer and poet
Helen Heath (born 1970), poet
Christina Henderson (1861–1953), teacher, feminist, prohibitionist, social reformer and editor
Whiti Hereaka (born 1978), playwright, novelist and screenwriter
Ellen Hewett (1843–1926), memoirist
Mary St Domitille Hickey (1882–1958), Catholic nun, school principal and historian
Sarah Higgins (1830–1923), housewife and memoirist
David Hill (born 1942), author and young adult fiction writer
Eva Hill (1898–1981), medical superintendent, writer, publicist and health campaigner
Emma Hislop (living), short story writer
Lucy Hockings (born c.1975), journalist and producer
Dominic Hoey (born 1977), writer, poet and musician
M. H. Holcroft (1902–1993), essayist and novelist
Liddy Holloway (1947–2004), actress and television scriptwriter
Jeffrey Paparoa Holman (born 1947), poet, non-fiction writer and retired academic
Janet Holmes (born 1947), sociolinguist
Ani Hona (1938–1997), short story writer, poet and biographer
Lynley Hood (born 1942), biographer and non-fiction writer
David Howard (born 1959), poet
Philippa Howden-Chapman (fl. 2000s), academic, public health expert and non-fiction writer
Edith Howes (1872–1954), teacher, educationalist and children's writer
Keri Hulme (1947–2021), fiction writer and poet
Des Hunt (born 1941), writer for children and young adults
Sam Hunt (born 1946), poet especially for performance poetry
Eirlys Hunter (born 1952), writer and creative writing teacher
Rex Hunter (1889–1960), poet, playwright and fiction writer
Rosalind Hursthouse (born 1943), philosopher and non-fiction writer
Jessica Hutchings (living), non-fiction writer
Robin Hyde (1906–1939), poet, journalist and novelist
Prue Hyman (born 1943), academic, feminist, economist and non-fiction writer

I

Witi Ihimaera (born 1944), novelist
Catherine Lucy Innes (c. 1840–1900), journalist
Kevin Ireland (born 1933), poet, short story writer, novelist and librettist
Fanny Irvine-Smith (1878–1948), lecturer and writer
Kate Isitt (1876–1948), journalist and writer

J

Anna Jackson (born 1967), poet, fiction and non-fiction writer and academic
Michael Jackson (born 1940), poet and anthropologist
Annamarie Jagose (born 1965), LGBT academic and fiction writer
Florence James (1902–1993), writer and literary agent
Lynn Jenner (living), poet and essayist
Annaleese Jochems (born 1994), novelist
Stephanie Johnson (born 1961), poet, playwright and short story writer
Alexa Johnston (living), author, art curator and historian
Andrew Johnston (born 1963), poet and journalist
Christine Johnston (born 1950), novelist
Lloyd Jones (born 1955), novelist
Tim Jones (born 1959), fiction writer and poet
V. M. Jones, (born 1958), children's author
Sherryl Jordan (born 1949), writer for children and young adults
M. K. Joseph (1914–1981), poet and novelist
Andrea Jutson (living), novelist

K

Keri Kaa (1942–2020), writer, educator and advocate of Māori language
Kuni Kaa Jenkins, writer, research and educationalist
Simone Kaho (born 1978), poet
Amy Kane (1879–1979), journalist and community leader
Angelique Kasmara (living), novelist, short story writer, non-fiction writer, editor and translator
Kapka Kassabova (born 1973), poet and writer of fiction and narrative non-fiction
Merata Kawharu (living), writer and academic
Sheridan Keith (born 1942), fiction writer, artist and broadcaster
Lindy Kelly (born 1952), children's author, fiction writer and playwright
Elizabeth Kelso (1889–1967), journalist, editor and community leader
Jan Kemp (born 1949), poet and short-story writer
Anne Kennedy (born 1959), novelist, poet and film writer
Alice Annie Kenny (1875–1960), poet and fiction writer
Eli Kent (born 1988), playwright and actor
Angela Kepler (born 1943), naturalist and author
Bob Kerr (born 1951), author, illustrator and artist
Suzi Kerr (born 1966), economist, academic and non-fiction writer
Fiona Kidman (born 1940), fiction writer, poet and scriptwriter
Michael King (1945–2004), historian, author and biographer
Rachael King (born 1970), fiction writer
Russell Kirkpatrick (born 1961), geography lecturer and fantasy novelist
Elizabeth Knox (born 1959), novelist
Shonagh Koea (born 1939), fiction writer
Saradha Koirala (born 1980), poet and writer

L

Sarah Laing (born 1973), author and cartoonist
Annabel Langbein (born 1958), chef, food writer and publisher
Eve Langley (1904–1974), novelist and poet
Anthony Lapwood (born 1983), short story writer
Jack Lasenby (1931–2019), writer for children and young adults
John A. Lee (1891–1982), politician and writer
Owen Leeming (born 1930), poet, playwright, radio presenter and television producer
Michele Leggott (born 1956), poet and professor of English
Colleen Maria Lenihan (living), short-story writer and screenwriter
Louise Wareham Leonard (born 1965), novelist and poet
Robert Leonard (born 1963), writer about contemporary art
Christine Leunens (born 1964), novelist
June Margaret Litman (1926–1991), journalist
Elsie Locke (1912–2001), writer, historian and activist
Terry Locke (born 1946), poet, anthologist, poetry reviewer and academic
Iain Lonie (1932–1988), poet and historian
Jean Lonie (1930–1997), poet and teacher
Judith Lonie (1935–1982), poet
Robert Lord (1945–1992), playwright
Helen Lowe (born 1961), novelist
Brigid Lowry (born 1953), writer for children and young adults
Rose Lu (born 1990), essayist
Edith Lyttleton (1873–1945), fiction writer

M

Charlotte Macdonald (living), historian
Rebecca Macfie (living), author and journalist
Juliette MacIver (living), children's picture book author
Jessie Mackay (1864–1938), poet and animal rights activist
Katrine Mackay (1864–1944), journalist and cook
Anna Mackenzie (born 1963), novelist
Hester Maclean (1859–1932), hospital matron, editor and writer
Shirley Maddock (1928–2001), producer, television presenter, author and actress
Margaret Mahy (1936–2012), author of children's and young adult books
Tina Makereti (living), novelist, essayist, short story writer, editor and creative writing teacher
Emilie Monson Malcolm (c. 1830–1905), memoirist and housewife
Clare Mallory (1913–1991), children's author and teacher
Becky Manawatu (born 1982), novelist
Jane Mander (1877–1949), novelist and journalist
Bill Manhire (born 1946), poet, fiction writer and academic
Frederick Edward Maning (1812–1883), settler, writer and Native Land Court judge
Phillip Mann (born 1942), science fiction author
Katherine Mansfield (1888–1923), short-story writer and poet
Cecil Manson (1896–1987), non-fiction writer, children's writer, journalist and broadcaster
Celia Manson (1908–1987), non-fiction writer, children's writer, journalist and broadcaster
Juliet Marillier (born 1948), fantasy fiction writer
Janice Marriott (born 1946), writer, editor, screenwriter and poet
Ngaio Marsh (1895–1982), crime writer and theatre director
Selina Tusitala Marsh (born 1971), poet and academic
Owen Marshall (born 1941), fiction writer
Talia Marshall (born 1978), essay writer, poet and short-story writer
Mary Ann Martin (1817–1884), community leader, teacher and writer
Bruce Mason (1921–1982), playwright
R. A. K. Mason (1905-1971), poet
Kāterina Mataira (1932–2011), Māori language advocate, artist and writer
Sarah Louise Mathew (c.1805–1890), diarist
Peta Mathias (living), food writer and television presenter
Tina Matthews (born 1961), author, illustrator and puppet maker
Gill Matthewson (fl. 1980s), architect, educator and writer
Muriel May (1897–1982), writer and educationalist
Ged Maybury (born 1953), children's book author
Cath Mayo (living), fiction writer and musician
Rachel McAlpine (born 1940), poet, novelist and playwright
Janet McCallum (1947–2015), non-fiction writer and journalist
Mary McCallum (born 1961), author and journalist
Anthony McCarten (born 1961), novelist, playwright, television writer and filmmaker
Sue McCauley (born 1941), fiction writer, playwright and screenwriter
Lyn McConchie (born 1946), fiction and children's writer
Gary McCormick (born 1951), poet and broadcaster
Carolyn McCurdie (living), fiction writer and poet
Jill McDonald (1927–1982), children's writer and illustrator
Kirsten McDougall (born 1974), novelist and short story writer
Christine McElwee (1946–2022), politician, historian, non-fiction author and teacher
Shona McFarlane (1929–2001), artist, journalist and broadcaster
Greg McGee (born 1950), crime writer and playwright
Rosemary McLeod (born 1949), writer, cartoonist and columnist
Frankie McMillan (born 1950), writer of poetry, fiction and flash fiction
Linda McNabb (born 1963), children's author
James McNeish (1931–2016), novelist, playwright and biographer
Heather McPherson (1942–2017), feminist poet, publisher and editor
Cilla McQueen (born 1949), poet
Philippa Mein Smith (living), historian
Courtney Sina Meredith (born 1986), poet, playwright and fiction writer
Richard Meros (living), satirical author
Elizabeth Messenger (1908–1965), journalist, cookery writer and crime novelist
Rowan Metcalfe (1955–2003), fiction writer, poet and journalist
Kyle Mewburn (born 1963), children's author
Miriam Meyerhoff (fl. 2000s), sociolinguist and non-fiction writer
Ian Middleton (1928–2007), novelist
O. E. Middleton (1925–2010), fiction writer
Karlo Mila (born 1974), poet
Barry Mitcalfe (1930–1986), poet, editor and peace activist
David Mitchell (1940–2011), poet, teacher and cricketer
Antonija Mitrović (fl. 1990s), computer scientist and non-fiction writer
Tze Ming Mok (born 1978), fiction writer and socio-political commentator
Pérrine Moncrieff (1893–1979), author, conservationist and amateur ornithologist
Geoff Moon (1915–2009), naturalist, ornithologist, conservationist and photographer
Kelly Ana Morey (born 1968), novelist and poet
Ronald Hugh Morrieson (1922–1972), fiction writer
Paula Morris (born 1965), novelist and short-story writer
Michael Morrissey (born 1942), poet, fiction writer and columnist
Elsie K. Morton (1885–1968), journalist and writer
Alan Mulgan (1881–1962), novelist, poet, journalist and broadcaster
John Mulgan (1911–1945), novelist, poet, journalist and editor
Jessie Munro (born 1946), writer, biographer and French teacher
Lee Murray (born 1965), fiction writer and editor
Shirley Murray (1931–2020), writer of hymn texts
Margaret Mutu (living), Ngāti Kahu leader, author and academic

N

Elizabeth Nannestad (born 1956), poet
Susan Napier (born 1954), romance writer
Sheila Natusch (1926–2017), writer, naturalist and illustrator
Emma Neale (born 1969), novelist and poet
Lino Nelisi (born 1952), author and educator
John Newton (born 1959), poet
Marjory Nicholls (1890–1930), poet, teacher and drama producer
Jay Nieuwland (born 1990), poet
Carl Nixon (born 1967), fiction writer and playwright
Mikaela Nyman (born 1966), novelist, poet and journalist

O

Susan Moller Okin (1946–2004), feminist political philosopher and author
Peter Olds (1944–2023), poet
Michael O'Leary (born 1950), publisher, poet and novelist
Gloria Olive (1923–2006), academic mathematician and author
W. H. Oliver (1925–2015), historian and poet
Linda Olsson (born 1948), novelist
Claudia Orange (born 1938), historian
Margaret Orbell (1935–2006), author, editor and academic
Sue Orr (born 1962), fiction writer and journalist

P

Makereti Papakura (1873–1930), guide, entertainer and ethnographer
Ruth Park (1917–2010), novelist and children's, non-fiction and radio writer
Lorae Parry (born 1955), playwright and actor
Lawrence Patchett (living), novelist and short story writer
Alistair Paterson (born 1929), poet, writer and literary editor
Justin Paton (born 1972), writer, art critic and curator
Jenny Pattrick (born 1936), novelist
Evelyn Patuawa-Nathan (living), poet and novelist
Isabel Peacocke (1881–1973), teacher, novelist and broadcaster
Helen Pearse-Otene (living), playwright, screenwriter and novelist
Bill Pearson (1922–2002), fiction writer, essayist and critic
Nicky Pellegrino (born 1964), novelist
Emily Perkins (born 1970), fiction writer
Dianne Ruth Pettis (1955–2008), novelist and journalist
April Phillips (living), actress, playwright and singer
Leonie Pihama (living), Māori academic
Mark Pirie (born 1974), poet, writer, critic and anthologist
Vivienne Plumb (born 1955), poet, playwright, fiction writer and editor
Robert J. Pope (1865–1949), poet and songwriter
Joanna Preston (born 1972), poet and editor
Chris Price (born 1962), poet, editor and creative writing teacher
Rebecca Priestley (living), academic, science historian and writer
Erenora Puketapu-Hetet (1941–2006), weaver and author
Elizabeth Pulford (born 1943), writer of fiction, poetry and non-fiction

Q

Alison Quigan (living), actress, director and playwright
Sarah Quigley (living), fiction writer and poet

R

Maggie Rainey-Smith (born 1950), novelist, poet, short story writer, essayist and reviewer
Maraea Rakuraku (living), playwright, poet, short story writer, and broadcaster
essa may ranapiri (born 1993/4), poet and visual artist
Charlotte Randall (living), novelist
Beverley Randell (born 1931), children's author
Jo Randerson (born 1973), writer, director and performer
Max Rashbrooke (born 1980), journalist, political writer and researcher
Lizzie Rattray (1855–1931), journalist, suffragist and welfare worker
Gloria Rawlinson (1918–1995), poet, fiction writer and editor
Annie Lee Rees (1864–1949), writer, teacher, lawyer and community leader
Rosemary Frances Rees (c.1875–1963), actress, playwright, producer and novelist
Amber Reeves (1887–1981), feminist, writer and scholar
William Pember Reeves (1857–1932), politician, cricketer, historian and poet
Sue Reidy (living), author and designer
Rebecca K Reilly (born 1991), novelist
Paddy Richardson (living), fiction writer
Mary Richmond (1853–1949), community leader, teacher and writer
Harry Ricketts (born 1950), poet, biographer, editor, anthologist, critic, academic, literary scholar and cricket writer
Catherine Robertson (born 1966), novelist
Roger Robinson (born 1939), academic, essayist, editor, runner, sportswriter and sports commentator
Lauren Kim Roche (born 1961), author and physician
Violet Augusta Roche (1885–1967), journalist and welfare worker
Hilda Rollett (1873–1970), teacher, journalist and writer
Joan Rosier-Jones (born 1940), fiction and non-fiction writer and playwright
Tania Roxborogh (born 1965), novelist and non-fiction writer

S

Fiona Samuel (born 1961), playwright, actor and director
Maria Samuela (born 1972), short story and children's writer
Ben Sanders (born 1989), crime writer
Nora Sanderson (1905–1975), romance novelist, children's book writer and short-story writer
Elspeth Sandys (born 1940), fiction writer and poet
Frank Sargeson (1903–1982), fiction novelist
Duncan Sarkies (living), screenwriter, playwright and fiction writer
Nelle Scanlan (1882–1968), journalist and novelist
Ben Schrader (born 1964), historian
Dick Scott (1923–2020), historian and journalist
Margaret Scott (1928–2014), writer, editor, librarian and Katherine Mansfield scholar
Mary Scott (1888–1979), novelist and librarian
Mary-anne Scott (living), writer, singer and musician
Robyn Scott (born 1981), writer and entrepreneur
Rosie Scott (1948–2017), novelist, poet, playwright, short-story writer, non-fiction writer, editor and lecturer
William Sewell (1951–2003), poet, book reviewer and editor
Maurice Shadbolt (1932–2004), fiction writer, autobiographer and playwright
Iain Sharp (born 1953), poet and critic
Helen Lilian Shaw (1913–1985), short-story writer, poet and editor
Tina Shaw (born 1961), novelist
Adrienne Simpson (1943–2010), broadcaster, historian, musicologist and writer
Keith Sinclair (1922–1993), poet and historian
Nalini Singh (born 1977), paranormal romance novelist
Tracey Slaughter (born 1972), poet and short-story writer
Anna Smaill (born 1979), poet and novelist
Craig Smith (living), children's author
Elizabeth Smither (born 1941), poet and novelist
Kendrick Smithyman (1922–1995), poet
Ruby Solly (born 1996), poet, academic and scriptwriter
Laura Solomon (1974–2019), novelist, playwright and poet
Eileen Louise Soper (1900–1989), journalist, writer and Girl Guide Commissioner
C. K. Stead (born 1932), fiction writer, poet and literary critic
Māmari Stephens (living), legal academic
Adela Blanche Stewart (1846–1910), housewife and non-fiction writer
Olga Stringfellow (born 1923), journalist and novelist
Jacquie Sturm (1927–2009), poet, short story writer and librarian
Terry Sturm (1941–2009), editor and academic
Laura Jane Suisted (1840–1903), writer, journalist and parliamentary reporter
Robert Sullivan (born 1967), poet, academic and editor
Essie Summers (1912–1998), romance novelist
Barbara Sumner (living), writer and film producer
Fiona Sussman (born 1965), novelist and short story writer
Vanda Symon (born 1969), crime writer and radio host
Melinda Szymanik (born 1963), children's author

T

Tamairangi (fl. 1820–1828), Ngati Ira and Ngati Kuia leader and poet
Tusi Tamasese (born 1975/6), scriptwriter
Leilani Tamu (living), poet and politician
Violet Targuse (1884–1937), playwright
Anna Taylor (born 1982), short-story writer
Apirana Taylor (born 1955), poet, novelist, performer, story-teller, musician and painter
Chad Taylor (born 1964), fiction writer and screenwriter
Grace Taylor (born c.1984), poet and performer
Renée Taylor (born 1929), feminist writer and playwright
Ngahuia Te Awekotuku (born 1949), Māori cultural academic and non-fiction writer
Samuel Te Kani (born 1990), essayist, short-story writer and poet
Philip Temple (born 1939), novelist, children's author and non-fiction author
Margaret Tennant (living), historian
Brianne Te Paa (born 1984), children's author
Ngaire Thomas (1943–2012), memoirist
Kirsten Moana Thompson (born 1964), academic and film writer
Mervyn Thompson (1935–1992), academic, playwright and theatre director
Tayi Tibble (born 1995), poet
Ariana Tikao (born 1971), non-fiction writer, musician and research librarian
Mona Tracy (1892–1959), children's novelist, journalist, poet and fiction writer
Jill Trevelyan (born 1963), art curator, reviewer and author
Chris Tse (born 1982), poet and writer
Brian Turner (born 1944), poet, sportsman and journalist
Hone Tuwhare (1922–2008), poet

U

Makerita Urale (fl. 1990s), playwright, producer and documentary director

V

Kathryn van Beek (born 1980/1981), short story writer, playwright, children's writer and illustrator
Julius Vogel (1835–1899), politician and science-fiction novelist

W

Arnold Wall (1869–1966), poet, academic, mountaineer, botanist, writer and radio broadcaster
Dorothy Wall (1894–1942), children's author and illustrator
Louise Wallace (born 1983), poet
Alan Ward (1935–2014), historian and writer
Marilyn Waring (born 1952), politician and academic in feminist economics
Kirsten Warner (born 1956), novelist, poet and journalist
Enga Washbourn (1908–1988), non-fiction writer
Joy Watson (born 1938), children's author
Richard James Waugh (born 1957), minister, historian, aviation chaplain and writer
Ian Wedde (born 1946), poet, fiction writer and critic
Peter Wells (1950–2019), writer, filmmaker and historian
Albert Wendt (born 1939), poet, novelist and academic
Joyce West (1908–1985), novelist and children's writer
Jessie Weston (1865–1939), novelist and journalist
Tom Weston (born 1958), poet
Lydia Wevers (1950–2021), critic, historian and editor
Mere Whaanga (born 1952), Māori author and historian
Dorothy Neal White (1915–1995), librarian and writer
Annabelle White (living), food writer
Mabel Whitaker (1884–1976), teacher, local historian
Emily White (1839–1936), gardener and writer
Cherry Wilder (1930–2002), science fiction and fantasy writer
Damien Wilkins (born 1963), fiction writer and poet
Mark Williams (born 1951), poet, writer, academic, critic and editor
Mona Williams (born 1943), children's author, memoirist, oral storyteller and writing teacher
Guthrie Wilson (1914–1984), novelist and educator
Helen Wilson (1869–1957), teacher, farmer, community leader and writer
Iona Winter (living), poet, short fiction writer and editor
Alison Wong (born 1960), poet and novelist
Elizabeth Wong (living) retired official and fiction writer
Susan Wood (1836–1880), poet and short-story writer
Alice Woodhouse (1883–1977), librarian, journalist and broadcaster
Sue Wootton (born 1961), poet and fiction writer
Anne Eyre Worboys (1920–2007), romance and suspense novelist
Niel Wright (born 1933), poet, literary critic, bibliographer and publisher