Margaret Mahy Lecture Now Online
6 September 2020
Maria Gill, winner of the 2020 Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal, presents the Storylines Margaret Mahy Lecture online
The Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal is New Zealand’s most prestigious honour for children’s authors, illustrators and publishers and was first presented in 1991 to Margaret Mahy in recognition of her contribution to the world of literature for children and young adults. “Surprising Moments”, her inaugural lecture, set the standard for those given by subsequent award-winners. These published lectures by the champions of the New Zealand children’s literature community have enriched New Zealand’s literary heritage with their insight into the experiences, ideas, issues and concerns involved in writing and/or illustrating for children, improving literacy, and ensuring access to quality literature.
Maria Gill is a trained Primary teacher (Bachelor of Education) and also has a Graduate Journalism degree. She writes children's books full-time, as well as giving workshops and author talks. She has written 60 books for children and adults. In 2016, Anzac Heroes won the New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults supreme book prize, as well as the Non-Fiction Award. She has received 10 Storylines Notable Book awards, and New Zealand Hall of Fame won the Children's Choice for Non-Fiction.