Vicki-Anne Heikell was born in Gisborne and attended Mangapapa School, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, and Campion College in Gisborne. She continued her studies at Victoria University, University of Canberra and Whitireia Polytech, graduating with a B.A. in Sociology, a B. Applied Science (Conservation Cultural Materials), Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Creative Writing. From 1993-96 she was a paper conservator at the National Library of New Zealand, and from 1997-2000 was National Preservation Officer, Māori at the National Library. She worked as a self-employed paper conservator from 2000-2002 and in 2003 began working as a paper conservator at Te Papa Tongarewa.
Heikell has written one play and a number of short stories. She has attended a Huia writers’ workshop at Hongoeka Marae led by Adrienne Jansen, and a Michael Wright Playwriting workshop.
Biographical sources
- Corresondence from Vicki-Anne Heikell 2 Feb. and 11 May 2006.
Fiction
- "Netball Glory." Huia Short Stories 3. Wellington, N.Z.: Huia, 1999. 139-143.
- "Uncle Alex’s Tangihanga." Huia Short Stories 4. Contemporary Māori Fiction. Wellington, N.Z.: Huia, 2001. 125-126.
- "Hakopa’s Wedding." A Magpie Stole My Heart. Ed. Sue McCauley. Wellington, N.Z.: Whitireia Publishing with Daphne Brasell, 2003.
Performing Arts
- Taku Kiri. No further details.
- This full-length play has had a reading at the Pasifika Festival in Auckland and three Lab performances with Tawata Lab Production in 2005.