Paula Morris

Guest writer

Dr Paula Morris (Ngati Wai, Ngati Whatua) is a novelist who teaches creative writing at the University of Auckland, and is the convenor of the Academy of New Zealand Literature. Her book of essays and short stories, False River, was published in November 2017. Paula was born in Auckland in 1965.

Author Paula Morris takes a bus ride to experience ‘McCahon’s Auckland.’ Photo: Tom Moody.

The dank and magical house where Colin McCahon lived

To mark the centenary of Colin McCahon's birth, a weekend of events in August included a bus ride to experience 'McCahon's Auckland' and an ‘open home’ at the McCahon House Museum.

By Paula Morris | 31st August, 2019

Orange-infused mince pies, and other pleasures: Paula Morris on Nigella Lawson

Orange-infused mince pies, and other pleasures: Paula Morris on Nigella Lawson

Author Paula Morris, who hosts Nigella Lawson live onstage at the Aotea Centre tonight, shares her own cooking journey.

By Paula Morris | 7th February, 2018

The greatest essay ever written about Little House on the Prairie

The greatest essay ever written about Little House on the Prairie

Dr Paula Morris reveals the seething family dynamics and political turmoil that went on behind the scenes of the books loved by millions.

By Paula Morris | 8th November, 2017

Clockwise from top left: Albert Wendt, Janet Frame, Witi Ihimaera, Kelly Ana Morey, Patricia Grace, and Paula Morris

Book of the week: an essay by Paula Morris on race and literature

Paula Morris responds to the 'glorious, painful, sharp and funny' anthology of Māori writing, Black Marks on a White Page.

By Paula Morris | 27th July, 2017

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Members of New Zealand’s Tongan community show support for their team ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2007 Pool A match between Tonga and England on September 28, 2007 in Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand. A victory for Tonga will see the country qualify for the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup for the first time in their history. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images)

Literature in a decile one school: Paula Morris goes to Otahuhu

An essay by Paula Morris on teaching creative writing in one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Auckland – Otahuhu.

By Paula Morris | 18th May, 2017

Rhymes with sausage: A tribute to Peter Gossage, by Paula Morris

Rhymes with sausage: A tribute to Peter Gossage, by Paula Morris

A tribute to the great illustrator Peter Gossage by whanau member and author Paula Morris.

By Paula Morris | 8th August, 2016

“The only negative voices are from Wellington”: How an exciting new writing initiative drew instant scorn

“The only negative voices are from Wellington”: How an exciting new writing initiative drew instant scorn

Well, for heaven's sake - a literary spat! A feud, even! An essay by Paula Morris reveals how and sort of why her newly launched Academy of New Zealand Literature instantly got dumped on by Those Who Know Better.

By Paula Morris | 24th May, 2016