Maurice Gee died peacefully at home during June 12 at age 93. The celebrated New Zealand author wrote more than 30 novels for adults and children throughout his career. His family said he approached death with calm cheerfulness and asked them not to grieve his passing. Born during 1931 at Whakatane, Gee grew up around West Auckland areas that appeared frequently through his fiction writing. His children Nigel, Emily and Abigail released a statement honoring their father's remarkable literary legacy.
Under the Mountain became his most famous children's book after television and film adaptations brought the story to wider audiences. The Plumb Trilogy ranks among New Zealand literature's most significant achievements according to critics and readers. His 1972 novel In My Father's Den also received film treatment during 2004. Arts Foundation named Gee an Icon during 2003 and he won the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement one year later. Publishers and fellow writers praised his clear vision of New Zealand life and moral complexity.
Politicians and literary figures posted tributes across social media platforms after news of his death spread. Nelson MP Rachel Boyack called Gee a giant who shaped many childhood experiences through his storytelling. Poet Bill Manhire said Gee's novels help readers understand themselves and the world around them. Culture Minister Paul Goldsmith described the author as prolific and graceful with lasting influence. The Arts Foundation called Gee a quiet revolutionary whose words reached generations of New Zealand readers.
Under the Mountain became his most famous children's book after television and film adaptations brought the story to wider audiences. The Plumb Trilogy ranks among New Zealand literature's most significant achievements according to critics and readers. His 1972 novel In My Father's Den also received film treatment during 2004. Arts Foundation named Gee an Icon during 2003 and he won the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement one year later. Publishers and fellow writers praised his clear vision of New Zealand life and moral complexity.
Politicians and literary figures posted tributes across social media platforms after news of his death spread. Nelson MP Rachel Boyack called Gee a giant who shaped many childhood experiences through his storytelling. Poet Bill Manhire said Gee's novels help readers understand themselves and the world around them. Culture Minister Paul Goldsmith described the author as prolific and graceful with lasting influence. The Arts Foundation called Gee a quiet revolutionary whose words reached generations of New Zealand readers.
