# List of New Zealand writers

Writers who have contributed to New Zealand literature include:
* A
* B
* C
* D
* E
* F
* G
* H
* I
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* S
* T
* V
* W
* X

## 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 (1934–2024), poet and editor
* Pinky Agnew (born 1955), author, playwright and social commentator
* Sarona Aiono-Iosefa (born 1962), 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 (1945–2021), 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 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), horticulturist
* 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 (1935–2016), 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 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
* Ben Brown (born 1962), children's author, poet
* 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
* Frank Bruno (1910–1967) writer and cartoonist
* 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 (1951–2022), poet, novelist and short story writer
* Gina Cole (born 1960), lawyer, short story writer and novelist
* Elizabeth 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
* 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 1935), 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 (born 1972/73), 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 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

## 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

* Claire Mabey (living), children's writer and editor
* 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
* Joanna Orwin (born 1944), fiction and non-fiction writer for adults and children

## P

* Mākereti 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
* Neville Peat (living), novelist
* 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
* Michele Powles (born 1976), novelist, playwright, and non-fiction writer
* Nina Mingya Powles (born 1993), poet and essayist
* 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
* Lilia Tarawa, former member of Gloriavale Christian Community, author, speaker, entrepreneur
* 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
* Gareth Ward (living), magician, hypnotist, storyteller, bookseller 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
* Philippa Werry (born 1958), writer
* Lydia Wevers (1950–2021), critic, historian and editor
* Mere Whaanga (born 1952), author and historian
* Reina Whaitiri (born 1943), scholar, essayist and poet
* 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
* Vernice Wineera (born 1938), poet, editor and educator
* 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

## Y

* Sonja Yelich (born 1965), poet
* Ashleigh Young (born 1983), poet, essayist, editor and creative writing teacher