Michael King

Profession: Historian and Author

Biography: Michael King was a New Zealand historian, author, and biographer. Although not himself Māori, he was known for his knowledge of Māori culture and history, and for his writing in an accessible way that resonated with the public.

King wrote, co-wrote and edited more than 30 books on a variety of New Zealand-related topics. These included "The Penguin History of New Zealand"—which went on to be a best-seller—and biographies of influential figures like Te Puea Herangi, Whina Cooper, Frank Sargeson, and Janet Frame.

King was born in Wellington in 1945 and grew up in Paremata. His father was a Glasgow-born advertising executive who had served in World War II. King studied history at Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Waikato, earning a BA, MA, and DPhil.

King had two children with his first wife Ros: filmmaker Jonathan King and novelist Rachael King. He received numerous honors and awards, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1988, winning multiple New Zealand Book Awards.

In 2003, King was named New Zealander of the Year in 2003 by The New Zealand Herald and won the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement in non-fiction.

King died in a car accident in 2004, along with his second wife Maria Jungowska.

Born: December 15, 1945
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rooster
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: March 30, 2004 (aged 58)
Cause of Death: Car crash