Alan Duff

Alan Duff

Alan Duff was born in Rotorua to a Maori mother of little education and a European  father who had a university degree. He was 'Academically bright and behaviourally difficult'. Alan Duff was sent to Christchurch Boys' High for his fourth form year. He excelled playing rugby for Canterbury under 15 and being a school and province sprinter. 

After a young adult life of working, Alan knew that he wanted to be self-employed. He wrote "Once Were Warriors" which became an instant best-seller. "Once Were Warriors" was a huge international hit and his books are published worldwide. 

Later he was joined by the energetic Christine Fernyhough, and the company Mainfreight, school principal Terry Morrison, Rex Graham and others. 'The person he most credits with its success is Mainfreight founder, Bruce Plested, more than himself. 'Mr. Plested is the true hero, one of those great, unsung, modest Kiwis. To conclude with Alan words: If you don't read you won't succeed. And never give up - never!