About

I was born on the wild West Coast of the South Island, and brought up in a book-loving, story-telling family. I live in Ōtautahi Christchurch with my whānau of artists, inventors and tinkerers. 

Shortlisted several times for the Joy Cowley Award, I was the winner of the award in 2022. I am the author of four picture books and my writing has been published in The School Magazine (Australia). I work as a Kaiāwhina Kaiako / Teacher Assistant at a local primary school, where I enjoy helping young writers hone their craft. 

Selected Bibliography:

The Wonderful Stranges, illustrated by Monica Koster (Bateman Books 2025)

Elephant Park, illustrated by Jenny Cooper (Scholastic 2024)

Tama and the Taniwha, illustrated by Monica Koster (Scholastic 2023)

Ko Tama me te Taniwha illustrated by Monica Koster, translated by Pānia Papa (Scholastic 2023)

Milly Maloo and the Miracle Glue, illustrated by Sarah Nelisiwe Anderson (Scholastic NZ 2011)

The Reluctant Little Flower Girl, illustrated by Jenny Cooper (Mallinson Rendel 2008)

Feeding the Eels (The School Magazine, Australia)

Boy in the Garden (The School Magazine, Australia)

The Rememberator (The School Magazine, Australia)

Awards:

Shortlisted, NZ Booklovers Award 2025 for Elephant Park

Storylines Notable Book Award 2023, Picture Book for Elephant Park illustrated by Jenny Cooper (Scholastic 2024)

Shortlisted, NZ Booklovers Award 2024 for Tama and the Taniwha illustrated by Monica Koster (Scholastic)

Storylines Notable Book Award 2023, Picture Book for Tama and the Taniwha illustrated by Monica Koster (Scholastic)

Storylines Notable Book Award 2023, Te Reo Māori for Ko Tama me te Taniwha illustrated by Monica Koster, translated by Pānia Papa (Scholastic)

Storylines Joy Cowley Award 2022 for Tama and the Taniwha