Maurice Gee
Novelist, children’s writer
1931—
Then out of the tunnel and
Wellington burst like a bomb.
It opened like a flower, was
lit up like a room, explained
itself exactly, became the
capital.
From Going West, Faber and Faber, 1992
Where to find it
On the lagoon side of The Boatshed, or view it from the bridge over Whairepo Lagoon entrance.
- Uneven path
About the author
Maurice Gee is one of New Zealand’s most distinguished and prolific novelists. He is best known for his realistic evocations of New Zealand life, and of human life in general. His novels explore family and community tension, violence as a normal element of life, social constraints versus inner freedom, and the moral courage of individuals who oppose powerful taboos.
His novels for children and young people are noted for their compelling drama and capacity to illuminate fantasy or futuristic settings.
Of Wellington’s place in his writing, Gee has said, ‘There’s so much in Wellington, it’s a wonderful place to set stories in – it’s got wonderful levels, you go up steps and down steps and you can drop out of one world and into another.’
With thanks to Clemenger BBDO
