Maori book publisher, Huia, is remembering the life of the acclaimed author, Margaret Mahy.
The 76-year old died in Christchurch on Monday after being diagnosed earlier this year with cancer.
About 12 years ago, Margaret Mahy attended a Maori writers' workshop at the publishing firm, Huia - attended by people of all ages from about 20 to 70 years old.
Its managing director, Robyn Bargh, says the author had a rare talent of being zany and creative - which takes readers into an imaginative world very quickly.
She says she deals with very few people who have that skill.
Meanwhile, the Maori Party co-leader, Tariana Turia, has expressed her condolences at Mahy's death.
Mrs Turia says Mahy's books have reached into the hearts and imaginations of New Zealanders.
She says a Maori Television series based on her book, Kaitangata Twitch, showed a strong cultural context in the relationships between Maori and Pakeha, and the association of tangata whenua and a sense of place.
