Malcolm Clarke is the award-winning author behind the beloved Tu Meke Tales series, a collection of heartwarming stories inspired by Aotearoa’s unique wildlife and the values of kaitiakitanga, courage, and kindness.

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Malcolm’s debut, Tu Meke Tūī!, captured the imagination of tamariki and parents alike, selling over 20,000 copies and inspiring a successful stage adaptation and online learning series. His follow-up, Tu Meke Tuatara!, continued to celebrate the strengths found in our differences, blending storytelling, te reo Māori, and stunning illustrations by acclaimed artist Flox. Both titles have been proudly featured in the Mitey programme, a New Zealand initiative supporting mental health education in primary schools, as resources that help build emotional literacy and empathy through storytelling. Passionate about children’s literacy, te taiao (the natural world), and the power of stories to connect communities, Malcolm regularly visits schools and early childhood centres across Aotearoa. He works closely with Māori advisors and educators to ensure his stories honour the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, while encouraging young readers to explore their own unique voices.

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When he’s not writing or visiting classrooms, Malcolm is a television editor on internationally acclaimed shows like America’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance. He lives in Tāmaki Makaurau and loves anything outdoorsey!