Park, Ruth (1923–)

New Zealand-born Australian author. Born 1923 in Auckland, New Zealand; attended St. Benedict's College, Auckland University, and University of New Zealand; m. D'Arcy Niland (writer), 1942 (died 1967); children: Anne, Rory, Patrick, Deborah, Kilmeny.

One of the most prolific writers of Australian literature in the 20th century, began career as an editor of the children's page for Auckland Star, followed by a position as editor of children's page for Zealandia, in Auckland; with husband, moved to Sydney (1943), where the only housing available was in the slums of Surry Hills, which provided the environment for The Harp in the South (1948), one of her most beloved books; her sequel, Poor Man's Orange (1949), was also successful, as was a prequel, Missus (1985); wrote 2 novels that drew on her early memories of New Zealand, The Witch's Thorn (1951), another bestseller, and Pink Flannel (1955); with husband, also wrote several plays for radio and tv, including No Decision (1961); wrote for ABC Children's Session for decades, creating "The Muddle-Headed Wombat" series, which resulted in 14 books published (1962–81); also wrote Playing Beatie Bow (1980), which won the Children's Book of the Year Award for 1981, and When the Wind Changed (1980), winner of the 1981 New South Wales Premier's Award, among many others. Won The Sydney Morning Herald prize for The Harp in the South (1948); won Miles Franklin Award for Swords and Crowns and Rings (1977); received Order of Australia (1987) and Australian Book Industry's Lloyd O'Neill Magpie Award (1993).

See also autobiographies The Drums Go Bang! (1956, with husband), A Fence around the Cuckoo (1992), and Fishing in the Styx (1993); and Women in World History.