Elsie Locke (1912-2001) was a writer, a social historian, one of the pioneers of the New Zealand family planning movement, an activist for social justice, women’s rights, environmental preservation, peace and civil rights. But she is best known as a writer for children. Her children’s books and stories have been treasured by successive generations, and The Runaway Settlers (1965) has been continuously in print longer than any other New Zealand children’s book. She also wrote copiously for adults: books, journalism, pamphlets and poetry.
The Elsie Locke Memorial Trust was set up by her family to commemorate her life, work and writings, and promote awareness, understanding and discussion of matters of public importance that were important to her or would be important to her now.
The Trust sponsors an annual competition for original writing by school students aged 5 to 13, in conjunction with Toitoi Magazine.
Read more about Elsie Locke.