Claire Mabey

Books editor

Claire Mabey is a children's author of The Raven's Eye Runaways, The Raven's Eye Rebellion, and a picture book Cass and the Beast illustrated by Jill Calder. For a long time Claire worked on literary festivals and is the founder of Verb Wellington. She lives in Te Whanganui-a-Tara with her partner and son.

Xavier Tapsell’s poem set during lambing season won over judge Rebecca Hawkes. (Image: The Spinoff)

Read the ‘compassionate but unflinching’ National Schools Poetry Award winner

Xavier Tapsell's poignant poem set during lambing season beat out over 250 entries for this year's prize.

By Claire Mabey | 28th August, 2026

AI companies are reportedly being scanned and then shredded. (Image: The Spinoff)

How AI is coming for second-hand books

Hydraulic powered cutting machines are ravaging books to train AI.

By Claire Mabey | 21st August, 2026

All of the night’s majestic winners!

Live updates from the 2026 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults

All the action as it happens.

By Claire Mabey | 19th August, 2026

It’s estimated that less than half of Aotearoa’s school students have access to school library services.

‘Sustained under-investment’: the dire state of school libraries and the years-long cry for help

It is estimated that less than half of New Zealand students have access to school library services.

By Claire Mabey | 10th August, 2026

Harry Sinclair with some of his stop-motion mates. (Photo: Robert Sarkies; design by The Spinoff).

‘It’s always a joy’: Harry Sinclair on Kiri and Lou Go Raaa!

‘I've written some adult things and got quite depressed and grumpy writing them, and that's never happened writing Kiri and Lou.’

By Claire Mabey | 5th August, 2026

Photo: University Book Shop Otago Facebook

‘I feel bereft’: Farewell to Dunedin’s beloved University Book Shop

'It was the centre of my life, even when I wasn't employed there.' Tributes from former staff, writers and customers.

By Claire Mabey | 29th July, 2026

Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason is just about out. (Photo: Anne Peeters)

‘A reader reads a reader’: Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason, reviewed

A novel about how we read, and why.

By Claire Mabey | 25th July, 2026

Just some of the writers appearing at this year’s WORD Christchurch festival in September.

What not to miss at WORD Christchurch 2026

From Dave Dobbyn to small presses to memoir, WORD Christchurch packs a punch.

By Claire Mabey | 21st July, 2026

Jackie Lee Morrison had some time on her hands, so she started a free festival platforming marginalised writers.

A new, free festival puts marginalised writers on the main stage

'At big festivals we always end up in the side rooms.'

By Claire Mabey

& Jackie Lee Morrison | 15th July, 2026

Eight of the hidden gems in this new, semi-regular book review column.

Fresh on the shelves: 11 new books worth checking out

Short reviews of some hidden gems worthy of your attention.

By Claire Mabey | 5th July, 2026