Joan Druett
Joan Druett is a maritime historian and author who has written 19 books, both fiction and non-fiction, with a nautical focus.
Her interest in maritime history was sparked in 1984 when she discovered a hidden gravestone of a whaling wife on Rarotonga.
Druett has won numerous awards for her work, including the John Lyman Award and the L. Byrne Waterman Award.
She is known for her thorough research and engaging writing style, which combines historical accuracy with storytelling.
Her latest book, Tupaia, explores the life of a remarkable Polynesian navigator and artist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage.
