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MauriceGee

  • Writer
Gee-Maurice-Key-Profile.jpg

Maurice Gee was one of New Zealand's most acclaimed writers. His work for the screen included creating 1980s kidult series The Fire-Raiser and The Champion. Gee's novels also inspired a number of screen adaptations, including beloved sci-fi series Under the Mountain and 2004 movie In My Father's Den. Maurice Gee died on 12 June 2025. 

Screenography

Going West
2009 Original Story Television
Under the Mountain
2009 Original Author Film
A Glorious Morning
2009 Original Author Short film
In My Father's Den
2004 Original Author Film
Fracture
2004 Original Author Film

Biography

Maurice Gee wrote scripts that have inspired books, and books that have inspired scripts. In 2015 biographer Rachel Barrowman summarised his extensive output — "17 adult novels, 13 [now 14] novels for children, a short story collection, and screenplays for television and film, written over more than 50 years". Gee's stories often touched dysfunctional families and the complicated, sometimes violent price of trying to do the right thing. Whether describing a hobo hiding on the side of Tinakori Hill or aliens lurking under Rangitoto, his books are known for their keen sense of place. 

Awards

2004 Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement

2003 Arts Foundation
Icon Award

1987 Listener GOFTA Awards (New Zealand)
Best Writer - Drama: The Fire-Raiser, episode one (The Red Balaclava)
Best Drama Series: The Fire-Raiser
Best Children's Programme: The Fire-Raiser

“Flame filled the inside of his head. It ran along his arteries. It licked around his bones.”

— Maurice Gee describes the title character, in chapter eight of his 1986 book The Fire-Raiser