Margaret Mahy was born in Whakatane on 21 March 1936, and wrote her first story at the age of seven.

After graduating from Auckland University College and Canterbury University College with a BA in 1955, Margaret Mahy then attended the New Zealand Library School in Wellington where she received her Librarian’s diploma and then went to work for the Petone Public Library.

In 1967 she worked for the School Library Service in Christchurch. During this time she had stories published in the New Zealand School Journal.

Margaret Mahy’s first book to be published was A Lion in the Meadow in 1969.

In 1976 Margaret Mahy was appointed Children’s Librarian at Canterbury Public Library.

In 1980 she became a full time writer and has gone on to win numerous awards for her books, and honours for her contribution to New Zealand and children’s literature.

In 1984 Margaret was appointed writer-in-residence at the University of Canterbury.

Throughout her career, she regularly visited schools, wearing the curly green or multicoloured storyteller’s wig that was part of her public persona.

In 1993, she was appointed to the Order of New Zealand, the highest of the country’s honours, for her lasting contribution to children's literature.

In 2010 her book Kaitangata Twitch was adapted for television and the series includes a cameo appearance by Margaret Mahy in a library scene.

Margaret died in Christchurch on 23 July 2012 at the age of 76.