Sarah Ell
Auckland
I am an Auckland-based writer and researcher with a background in book writing and publishing, specialising in New Zealand history. I have a BA in History and a Master of Creative Writing with First Class Honours from Auckland University.
Over the past 25 years, I have published a range of books for children and adults, many with a focus on making New Zealand history accessible to a wider, general audience. My most recent project was a new history of The Elms Te Papa Tauranga, published to acclaim in 2025. I have also been engaged in heritage research for local bodies and private individuals.
I am particularly interested in social history and writing accounts of families or places which intersect with New Zealand’s wider history. I am happy to undertake research as well as producing high-quality written work.
My recent books include:
Ocean: Tales of Voyaging and Encounter that Defined New Zealand (Penguin, 2018)
Lost Wonders: The Stories of New Zealand’s Unique Extinct Species (Allen & Unwin, 2020)
The Spirit of a Place: A New History of The Elms Te Papa Tauranga (The Elms/Sherlock and Co., 2025)
Recent awards:
2018 NZSA/Auckland Museum Research Grant and Residency
2020 runner up, children’s division, NZSA Heritage Book Awards (for Lost Wonders)
2025 Auckland University Master of Creative Writing residency
2026 Michael King Writers Centre residency
