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.

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

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 | 18th May, 2024

Contributing writer

Illustration: Hope McConnell

Seize the day

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

By David Hill | 25th April, 2024

Contributing writer

David Hill and his first bookish prize (Photo: Robert Cross / Design: Tina Tiller)

‘He’s finally done it’: David Hill on the high school essay that made him a writer

'It's 65 years back. I'm in my final year at Napier Boys' High, and I'm about to earn my first money from writing.'

By David Hill | 7th April, 2024

Contributing writer

Image: Getty

The changing spirit of Easter in Aotearoa

We're no longer 'all Christians here' – but that doesn't mean we're any less spiritual.

By David Hill | 31st March, 2024

Contributing writer

(Image: Archi Banal)

Labouring along

Some of our MPs would like to get rid of Labour Day. Let's hope they don't.

By David Hill | 23rd October, 2023

Contributing writer

The Sunday Essay: Coming back

The Sunday Essay: Coming back

I saw Neil as soon as I was allowed. Were his hands shaking, or does my imagination add that detail?

By David Hill | 20th August, 2023

Contributing writer

Image: Getty

The changing spirit of Easter in Aotearoa

We're no longer 'all Christians here' – but that doesn't mean we're any less spiritual.

By David Hill | 7th April, 2023

Contributing writer