John Lockyer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lockyer, John (1956 - ) is a writer who has over 100 titles in print, many of which are in the educational market. He is also a teacher, and he has worked in roles that include senior teacher, and deputy principal and principal.

John Lockyer was born in Kawerau. He went to schools in Kawerau and Gisborne, and earned his teaching qualification at Hamilton Teachers College. He published his first story in 1987, and he likes to ‘write for all ages about all subjects’.

His books in the popular fiction series for children interested in rugby, published by Hachette Livre, include: Kiwi Kicks for Goal (2006); Kiwi and the New Player (2006); Kiwi has a Big Secret (2007); Kiwi goes to Rugby Camp (2007); Kiwi Shows Off (2008); and Kiwi Gets in a Mess (2008).

Kiwi Beware (2004, Reed) is a picture book for young readers and My Kiwi (2005/2010) is a picture book for older readers. His other titles published by Reed Publishing are: Harry and the Anzac Poppy (1997); Lottie Gallipoli Nurse (1998); The Anzac at Gallipoli (1999); The Kiwi (2001); The Kea (2001); A History of New Zealand (2002); How Parliament Works in NZ (2004); and The Coming of the Pakeha (2008). The Kea was a finalist for the Elsie Locke Award in the Non Fiction category in 2002, and A History of New Zealand received a Booksellers Gold Award.

Lost (2007), Date of Origin (2008), The Intruder (2009) are all science fiction novels for young readers published by Pearson Publishing. Line of Fire (2009, Penguin) is a book of tales of the Armed Defenders Squad.

Willie Apiata VC (2009, Puffin), written with Paul Little, was a finalist in Non-Fiction category of the 2010 NZ Post Children’s Book Awards.

MEDIA LINKS AND CLIPS

• John Lockyer Interview with NZ Authors on Christchurch Library website