Authors

Nicole Miller was 'born and bred' in the sunny Bay of Plenty where she grew up eating avocados and kiwifruit. After receiving a Bachelor of Teaching at Waikato University, Nicole spent 5 years travelling and teaching abroad. Now living back in Tauranga she enjoys writing children’s stories that often address global issues. In 2019, she was finalised for the Joy Cowley award for her manuscript, 'Celia Seagull and the Plastic Sea', which was published by Little Love in 2021 and endorsed by Dr. Jane Goodall. Nicole now enjoys balancing part time teaching with family time and her musical interests. On the weekends she loves to spend time in the waves, the snow or hitting the stage.

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Brian Miller is the author of several top-selling books, including `The Highlands of Papua New Guinea' and `Digital Cameras the easy way', `Moments in Time - Ralph Miller - Artist', `Capturing Light' and co-author with Diane of `Otago Central Rail Trail - easy guide'. Diane Miller is the author of: Chile Bird, Alice's Adventures at the Castle, Stars of Orion and Josephine off the Rails.

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Brian Miller is the author of several top-selling books, including `The Highlands of Papua New Guinea' and `Digital Cameras the easy way', `Moments in Time - Ralph Miller - Artist', `Capturing Light' and co-author with Diane of `Otago Central Rail Trail - easy guide'. Diane Miller is the author of: Chile Bird, Alice's Adventures at the Castle, Stars of Orion and Josephine off the Rails.

Brian Miller is the author of several top-selling books, including `The Highlands of Papua New Guinea' and `Digital Cameras the easy way', `Moments in Time - Ralph Miller - Artist', `Capturing Light' and co-author with Diane of `Otago Central Rail Trail - easy guide'. Diane Miller is the author of: Chile Bird, Alice's Adventures at the Castle, Stars of Orion and Josephine off the Rails.

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Spike Milligan (1918-2002) was a famous British comedian, poet, writer and musician. His wild imagination and madcap humour had a timeless appeal that continues to delight audiences of all ages to this day. Spike (Terence Alan) was born to British parents in India, where his father, an army captain, was stationed in Poona (Pune). The family lived in India and Rangoon (Yangon) before returning to Britain when Spike was twelve. When the Second World War (as Spike called it, the Adolf Hitler Show) began, he enlisted and served in the 56th Heavy Regiment as a signaller. During his time in the army he joined the Bill Hall Trio and performed for the troops. He is perhaps best known for creating, writing and performing the popular 1950s BBC Radio show The Goon Show. He has written several story books and poetry for children. His novels include Puckoon, and he produced seven volumes of war memoirs. Badjelly the Witch, which Spike wrote for his daughter Jane, was first published in 1973. It was performed on BBC radio in England, and later on Radio New Zealand's Sunday morning children's programme. Spike was awarded an honorary knighthood and CBE for his services to entertainment, and also the British Comedy Awards' Lifetime Achievement Award. A BBC poll voted him as the 'funniest person of the last 1000 years'. His poem 'On the Ning Nang Nong' was voted Britain's funniest poem. Spike died at the age of 83 and his tombstone inscription - 'I told you I was ill' - ensures that he will forever be remembered first and foremost as a comic genius.

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Judy Mills is a retired teacher, social worker and local body politician. She graduated with Honours in English from Auckland University where she encountered the Student Christian Movement, and it was here she first learned that you must love God with your mind as well as with your heart and soul. Her interest in Norman Lesser, beginning in 2008, led her to include Liverpool, Barrow-in-Furness and Nairobi in overseas travel, and these visits have significantly contributed to a greater understanding of his world before his arrival in New Zealand. She enjoys music, especially the piano and singing, good conversation, time with friends and family, and the outside world. She has held leadership rôles in the National Council of Women and the Association of Anglican Women and remains actively involved in caring for the environment and issues of justice and peace. Although her roots are in the North, she has lived happily in Napier for the last 35 years with her husband Murray, the 13th Bishop of Waiapu. They have five adult children and a growing whanau.

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