Kaupapa

I started writing for publication because I wanted our kids to see themselves in books. At the time, we couldn't find books by or about Tongan people. As far as books were concerned, kids like ours (and families like ours) just didn't exist.

So, in 1997, I started writing about things that are normal for our fāmili. Even now, much of my writing includes at least one character from a Tongan-Pālangi fāmili like ours.

There are lots of ways to be Kiwi in Aotearoa, so we need lots of stories, from lots of points of view. The more we share our stories, the more we understand each other, so why not write your own?

Fun Facts

I wrote my first 'novel' on a mighty pad, when I was 10. It was a fast-paced, over-the-top action story about a teenage detective called Natalie King.

I hate sport!

As a child, I kept a creativity folder, with sections for my stories, poetry, art and fashion designs.

I once rode into the back of a trailer because I was reading on my bike. Please don't try this at home!

I have my hip bone in my finger.

I was born and grew up in Te Waipounamu, the South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Now, I live in Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

I can talk faster than most people can listen.

I love Brussels sprouts!

I wore men's sneakers to my wedding.

As a teenager, I was a skateboarder.

I love maths!

I have been part of a Tongan-Pālangi fāmili for most of my life.

I have nearly 60 first cousins!

Awards/Recognition

2025 Convenor of Judges, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults

2024 Otago University College of Education Creative New Zealand Children's Writer in Residence Fellow

2024 NZ Children and Young Adult Book Awards finalist, Junior Fiction category – Lopini the Legend (mid-grade novel)

2024 Storylines Most Notable Book – Lopini the Legend (mid-grade novel)

2024 NZ Booklovers Awards finalist, Junior Fiction category – Lopini the Legend (mid-grade novel)

2023 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults judge

2022 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award – Lopini the Legend (mid-grade novel)

2022 Massey University Writer in Residence

2021 Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne Essay Prize, 3rd place – Ko Au Te Whenua, Ko Te Whenua, Ko Au – From Camping to Colonisation with Rita Angus, 2021, Headland (creative non-fiction for adults)

2012 Storylines Most Notable Book – Lest We Forget, 2011, Scholastic (picture book)

2012 NZ Children and Young Adult Book Award, Te Kura Pounamu Finalist– Kei Wareware Tātou, Scholastic (picture book)

2009 Storylines Most Notable Book – Freaky Fish, 2008, Penguin (junior novel)

2008 NZ Post Book Award, finalist – What is a Fish?, 2008, Scholastic (non-fiction)

2008 LIANZA Elsie Locke Award, finalist – What is a…? series (5 books), 2008, Scholastic (non-fiction)

2008 Storylines Most Notable Book – What is a Bird?, 2008, Scholastic (non-fiction)

2008 Storylines Most Notable Book – What is a Reptile?, 2008, Scholastic (non-fiction)

2008 Storylines Most Notable Book – What is an Amphibian?, 2008, Scholastic (non-fiction)

2008 Storylines Most Notable Book – What is a Fish?, 2008, Scholastic (non-fiction)

2008 Storylines Most Notable Book – What is a Mammal?, 2008, Scholastic (non-fiction)