Puna McConnell was born in Auckland and was educated at Parnell Primary School, Orakei Primary School and Epsom Girls’ Grammar. She continued her education at Auckland University and graduated with a B.A. in Education and History in 1980 and an M.A. in Education in 1983. Puna retired from education in 1989 after being the first Māori woman inspector of primary schools in the Auckland/North region. Subsequently she has been a guest lecturer, researcher, and consultant on education.
Biographical sources
- Correspondence from Puna McConnell on 17 Nov. 2004.
- Phone conversation with Puna McConnell on 17 July 1998.
Non-fiction
- "Te Kura o Kuini Wikitoria: Queen Victoria School." Standing in the Sunshine: A History of New Zealand Women Since They Won the Vote. Principal author and principal researcher text and illus., Sandra Coney. Editorial advisers - Charlotte Macdonald, Anne Else, Dame Joan Metge, Tania Rei, Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, Angela Ballara, Merimeri Penfold, Rosemarie Smith. Auckland, N.Z.: Viking Penguin, 1993. 198-199.
- McConnell provides a detailed history of the development of Queen Victoria School from its early origins as a Day School at Te Araroa in 1844 up to the early 1990s.
- "Henare, James Clendon 1911-1989." The Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Vol. 5. 1941-1960. Auckland; Wellington, N.Z.: Auckland UP; Dept. of Internal Affairs, 2000. 214-215.
- Perceptions of the Special Olympics Experience. R.C. McConnell and P.C. McConnell. Dublin: World Games Special Olympics Organising Committee, 2003.