David Hill

Contributing writer

David Hill is one of New Zealand’s most distinguished writers of novels for teenagers and younger kids. He has been published in 10 languages and 15 countries. He is a former high school teacher, and was born in Napier in 1942.

David Hill

The student I can never forget

'A middle-aged face stops me in the street. Mr Hill! Remember me? I know that I need to remember, and remember positively – I'll try to explain why.'

By David Hill | 7th March, 2026

Contributing writer

Image: Getty Images; additional design The Spinoff

The Spinoff Essay: Bus bloke

Everyone who catches the No 8 bus knows Murray, writes David Hill.

By David Hill | 11th January, 2026

Contributing writer

The Spinoff Essay: A bit of pain

The Spinoff Essay: A bit of pain

'I'm lucky; I've had it for only five years or so.' David Hill on living with chronic pain.

By David Hill | 4th January, 2026

Contributing writer

Image: Clas Edvard Friström / Getty Images

The Spinoff Essay: The lie of the land

David Hill on the kindest lie he's ever been told.

By David Hill | 30th December, 2025

Contributing writer

David Hill (Photo: Robert Cross)

‘If I were starting out again…’: Life and writing advice from David Hill

'Would I do it differently? Hell, yes.'

By David Hill | 25th December, 2025

Contributing writer

The Spinoff Essay: Day of reckoning

The Spinoff Essay: Day of reckoning

What's the case for parenthood, in the face of all the world's crises, calumnies and conflicts?

By David Hill | 6th September, 2025

Contributing writer

Image: Clas Edvard Friström / Getty Images

The Spinoff Essay: The lie of the land

David Hill on the kindest lie he's ever been told.

By David Hill | 9th August, 2025

Contributing writer

David Hill explains why he is dismayed that NZ had to withdraw from being Guest of Honour at the 2027 Bologna Children’s Book Fair. (Image: Tina Tiller)

‘Nose stuck in a book’ and other stubborn misconceptions around kids and reading

'How dare any government department imply that our children's books are anything less than vital to Aotearoa's future?'

By David Hill | 10th July, 2025

Contributing writer

The Spinoff Essay: A bit of pain

The Spinoff Essay: A bit of pain

'I'm lucky; I've had it for only five years or so.' David Hill on living with chronic pain.

By David Hill | 7th June, 2025

Contributing writer

David Hill (Photo: Robert Cross)

‘If I were starting out again…’: Life and writing advice from David Hill

'Would I do it differently? Hell, yes.'

By David Hill | 31st May, 2025

Contributing writer