Also published as Mere Whaanga-Schollum, Mere Whaanga was raised on an isolated sheep station on the East Coast. Mere was inspired by her father's respect for the land and his love of Māori history and mythology. Of Ngati Rongomaiwahine and Ngati Kahungunu descent, Mere is a writer, illustrator, historian and academic. She completed her MPhil in Māori Studies at Massey University in 2000.
 

Selected bibliography:

• Legend of the Seven Whales of Ngai Tahu Matawhaiti = He Pakiwaitara o nga Tahora Tokowhitu a Ngai Tahu Matawhaiti (Mahia Publishers 1988).
• Tangaroa's Gift = Te Koha a Tangaroa (Ashton Scholastic 1990).
• Te Kooti's Diamond = Te Taimana a Te Kooti (Ashton Scholastic 1991).
• The Treaty = Te Tiriti (Scholastic 2003).

Awards:

• Choysa Writer's Bursary 1988.
• Te Ha Award for Māori Writers 1991.
• Ministry of Culture and Heritage Fellowship in Māori History 2001.
• Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award 2011 for Tangaroa's Gift.

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