New Zealand’s diverse literary tradition owes as much to its rich Māori and Polynesian heritage as it does to its pioneering history.

Before the printed word, story-telling and oratory captured the stories of Aotearoa New Zealand. On many marae, (Māori meeting grounds), the telling of ancient myths and legends continues. Many form the basis of Māori beliefs, like the story of how Māui fished up the North Island.

The first book was published in New Zealand in 1830. By the 20th century, authors were expanding their literary exploration into themes of land, geographical isolation and the emergence of national identity.