Darryn James Joseph

Darryn Joseph was born in Stratford, Taranaki, and attended various schools in the Taranaki region including Mohaka Primary (East Coast), Eltham Primary, Merrilands Primary, Highlands Intermediate and New Plymouth Boys’ High School. He continued his studies at the University of Canterbury, University of Waikato and Massey University graduating with a B.A., Diploma of Teaching, and B.A. (Hons). Other qualifications include a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults from the University of Cambridge through the University of Waikato, and Whakamarama ā-tuhi i te reo Pākeha, i te reo Māori Taura Whiri i te reo Māori (translators’ license). In 1996 Darryn was a teacher at New Plymouth Boys’ High School and was a kaiako at Rangiatea, Taranaki Polytechnic until 2000. In 1997 he was the New Zealand leader for The Ship for World Youth. From 2000-2002 he worked as a research officer at Te Putahi- ā-Toi at Massey University and in 2003 took up an appointment as lecturer at Te Putahi-ā-Toi – a position he currently holds. From 2004-2005 Darryn was a Doctoral Candidate at Massey University.

Darryn has written short stories and non-fiction publications in both English and Māori and has received various awards for his writing. He was a finalist three times in the Huia Short Story awards of 1999, 2001 and 2003. In 2003 he was winner of the short story for adults, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori Award (te pakiwaitara i te reo Māori mā ngā pakeke), with Huia Publishers. In March 2004 he attended “Tuhia Mai: Huia Publishers’ Writing Course” at Hongoeka Marae.

Biographical sources

• Email correspondence from Darryn Joseph on 6 January and 6 June 2006.