The literature of New Zealand commenced with the oral literature (narratives, songs and chants) of the Māori and expanded into written literature with the arrival of the largely English-speaking colonists. Most New Zealand literary works appear in English, but Māori publications grow apace.
The confluence of Māori and settler experiences led to the development of a rich literature. Writers from various cultural backgrounds, such as novelists Patr...
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The literature of New Zealand commenced with the oral literature (narratives, songs and chants) of the Māori and expanded into written literature with the arrival of the largely English-speaking colonists. Most New Zealand literary works appear in English, but Māori publications grow apace.
The confluence of Māori and settler experiences led to the development of a rich literature. Writers from various cultural backgrounds, such as novelists Patricia Grace, Albert Wendt, Maurice Gee and children’s author Margaret Mahy, are prominent in New Zealand.
Keri Hulme gained prominence when her novel, The Bone People, won the Booker Prize. Witi Ihimaera wrote the novel that became the critically acclaimed movie Whale Rider, directed by Nikki Caro. His works deal with Maori life in the modern world, often incorporating fantastic elements.
Writers claimed by New Zealand as its own include immigrants, such as South African-born Robin Hyde, and emigrants who went into exile but wrote about New...
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