Duder, Tessa (1940–)

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Duder, Tessa (1940–)

New Zealand children's writer and journalist. Born Nov 13, 1940, in Auckland, New Zealand; dau. of John (doctor) and Elvira (Wycherley) Staveley; attended University of Auckland, 1958–59, 1982–84; m. John Nelson Duder (civil engineer), 1964; children: Lisa, Alexandra, Joanna and Georgia.

Won silver medal in swimming at Cardiff Empire Games (1958) and 1st New Zealand Swimmer of the Year award (1959); worked as journalist in England, Pakistan (1966–70), and New Zealand; writings include Night Race to Kawau (1982), Jellybean (1985), Alex (1987), Alex in Winter (1989), and Songs for Alex (1992). Received Choysa Bursary for Children's Writers (1985) and Aim Award (1990, 1993); made OBE (1994); received Margaret Mahy Medal (1996).