Maurice Gough Gee, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated and influential literary figures, died peacefully in Nelson on June 12, 2025. He was 93.
A prolific author whose career spanned more than six decades, Gee was widely admired for his psychologically nuanced narratives and evocative portrayals of New Zealand life. His death marks the end of an era for the country’s literary community.
A Literary Life Rooted in New Zealand
Born on August 22, 1931, in Whakatāne, Gee grew up in the Auckland suburb of Henderson. He studied English at the University of Auckland and began writing full-time in the early 1970s. His family history and upbringing, particularly the influence of his grandfather, Presbyterian minister James Chapple, provided deep inspiration for much of his work.
Chapple’s life notably shaped Gee’s acclaimed Plumb trilogy, which remains a cornerstone of New Zealand fiction.
A Versatile and Award-Winning Career
Gee’s body of work included more than 30 titles across adult fiction, young adult novels, and children’s literature. His debut adult novel, In My Father’s Den (1972), received widespread praise and was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2004.
His most famous work, Plumb (1978), is often cited as one of New Zealand’s greatest novels. It earned both the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Award.
Gee also found success with younger audiences. His 1979 fantasy novel Under the Mountain became a beloved classic, spawning a television series and a film adaptation.
His contributions to literature were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement, multiple Esther Glen Awards, and Montana Book Awards.
A Voice of Clarity and Compassion
Critics and colleagues described Gee’s fiction as emotionally clear, unsentimental, and profoundly human. Publisher Fergus Barrowman said Plumb “fired my imagination and gave me a sense of how diverse and interesting and challenging New Zealand literature could be.”
Gee’s hallmark was his ability to render ordinary lives with extraordinary depth. Whether writing for adults or children, his prose was precise, empathetic, and often quietly powerful.
Tributes to a Literary Giant
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from across New Zealand’s cultural and political spheres.
Arts Minister Tangi Moana called Gee “a giant of New Zealand’s literary world,” praising his lasting influence on the national imagination. Fellow writers hailed his mastery of character and place, and readers shared how his novels helped shape their understanding of identity, history, and belonging.
An Enduring Legacy
Gee’s appeal crossed generations. He moved deftly between genres and audiences, writing literary fiction for adults and fantasy adventures for young readers with equal depth and discipline.
His vivid sense of place—whether depicting Auckland suburbs or the landscapes of the South Island—gave his novels a strong regional identity that resonated both locally and internationally.
In his final years, Gee lived quietly in Nelson with his wife, Margareta. According to a family statement, he “approached death with cheerfulness and calm,” and his children asked the public to remember him through his work, not with sorrow.
Remembering Maurice Gee
Maurice Gee’s passing leaves behind a remarkable literary legacy defined by fierce realism, stylistic precision, and emotional honesty. His stories continue to inspire reflection on the complexities of family, memory, and national identity.
As readers revisit his books, they will find not only tales of ordinary people living through extraordinary times but also a deeply rooted exploration of New Zealand’s soul—its people, its land, and its stories.
