Ben Brown

Guest writer

Ben Brown is an award winning children’s author, poet, short story/non-fiction/freelance writer. He has performed poetry throughout New Zealand and his work has been published around the world. Ben lives and works in Lyttelton.

Ben Brown (Photo: Mark Beatty)

When storytellers ruled the world – and how stories rule us

'The last bloody thing we need is a diminishing pool of readers' – an excerpt from Ben Brown's keynote speech marking his time as Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador.

By Ben Brown | 29th January, 2023

Patricia Grace, then and now (Photos supplied; photo illustration by Archi Banal)

Patricia Grace, the great navigator

'It’s more than a mindset, this resolute spirit. It is her very being.'

By Ben Brown | 8th January, 2023

Patricia Grace, then and now (Photos supplied; photo illustration by Archi Banal)

Patricia Grace, the great navigator

'It’s more than a mindset, this resolute spirit. It is her very being.'

By Ben Brown | 17th April, 2022

The author and his mum, 1962 (Photo: Supplied)

This is how harakeke grows

A child discovers the power of words.

By Ben Brown | 10th July, 2021

Ben Brown (Photo: supplied; design work: Tina Tiller)

How could you not have a story?

Last summer a group of young people in a Christchurch youth justice facility wrote a book. This is their story, as told by their teacher, poet Ben Brown.

By Ben Brown | 18th November, 2020

Becky’s daughter on Waimangaroa Beach, the Papahaua Ranges in the pink distance.

The ghost of love will have her way: a poet responds to Auē

A review of Becky Manawatu's acclaimed debut novel.

By Ben Brown | 10th May, 2020