List of New Zealand writers

Writers who have contributed to New Zealand literature include:

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

• Ben Brown (living), 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 (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
• 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

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

• 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