Jenifer Mary Curnow (née Tole; 2 October 1931 - 21 January 2013) was a New Zealand librarian and writer.[1][2]

Early life edit

Curnow was the only daughter of Auckland architect George Tole and his wife Janet Tole (née Clarkson). She grew up in Auckland and attended Baradene College and the University of Auckland. She trained as a high school teacher and taught at various schools including Baradene College, Tamaki College and Westlake Girls High School.[3]

Writing career edit

In the 1970s Curnow began studying Māori-language manuscripts. She translated much of the written work of Māori scholar and historian Wiremu Maihi Te Rangikaheke, who had been George Grey's informant in his studies of Māori tradition and legend.[3]

Publications edit

  • Curnow J. Hopa N. K. & McRae J. (2002). Rere atu taku manu! : discovering history language and politics in the Māori-language newspapers. Auckland University Press.
  • Curnow J. Hopa N. K. & McRae J. (2006). He pitopito korero no te perehi maori : readings from the Māori-language press. Auckland University Press.[4]

Personal life edit

Curnow married poet Allen Curnow in 1965.[2] The couple had 12 sons.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Jenifer CURNOW Obituary (2013) - The New Zealand Herald". Legacy.com. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Curnow, Jenifer Mary, 1931-2013 : Papers, diaries and memoir". natlib.govt.nz. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Widow of famous poet leaves legacy of literary taonga". NZ Herald. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  4. ^ "He Pitopito Korero no te Perehi Maori : readings from the Maori-language press | WorldCat.org". www.worldcat.org. Retrieved 21 January 2023.