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 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

Illustration: Hope McConnell

David Hill: Seize the day

For all its virtues, Anzac Day – unlike its forgotten cousin Armistice Day – is a commemoration of war, not peace.

By David Hill | 25th April, 2025

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 | 1st February, 2025

Contributing writer

On being undeniably, irretrievably old

On being undeniably, irretrievably old

David Hill is in his ninth decade. In a touching tribute to his late friend, he challenges some myths about 'old farts'.

By David Hill | 2nd January, 2025

Contributing writer

A life story

A life story

When he died, my friend Doug got no media obituary. Hardly anyone outside his tiny rural community knew him. But everyone inside that community did.

By David Hill | 26th December, 2024

Contributing writer

On being undeniably, irretrievably old

On being undeniably, irretrievably old

David Hill is in his ninth decade. In a touching tribute to his late friend, he challenges some myths about 'old farts'.

By David Hill | 10th November, 2024

Contributing writer

(Image: Archi Banal)

Labouring along: Why Labour Day still matters

Some of our MPs would like to flirt with the idea of scrapping Labour Day. Let's hope they don't.

By David Hill | 28th October, 2024

Contributing writer

Shakespeare above all; cursive; fiddly grammar lessons with no relevance to daily life: let it go. (Image: The Spinoff)

The ‘good old days’ of our education system weren’t actually good

Education’s not what it used to be in Aotearoa. That’s something to be glad about, argues David Hill, who taught high school in the 60s.

By David Hill | 15th August, 2024

Contributing writer