Elsie Locke

Elsie Violet Locke (née Farrelly; 17 August 1912 – 8 April 2001) was a New Zealand communist writer, historian, and leading activist in the feminism and peace movements. Probably best known for her children's literature, The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature said that she "made a remarkable contribution to New Zealand society", for which the University of Canterbury awarded her an honorary D.Litt. in 1987. She was the daughter of William John Allerton Farrelly (1878–1945) and Ellen Electa Farrelly (née Bryan; 1874–1936). Both of Locke's parents were born in New Zealand, and while only educated to primary level (see ), they were both progressive thinkers. William's intelligence was recognised early at school, and he strongly encouraged education for his children, himself being unable to continue his education past Standard Six. Jack was soon posted in Christchurch by the Communist Party, and in 1944 they moved into 392 Oxford Terrace, a "tiny gingerbread cottage" with an outside toilet, on the banks of the Avon River. Both have been long-time peace and anti-nuclear activists.

Communist Party and tuberculosis Locke joined the Communist Party in 1933, and was a leading party activist, particularly in the 1930s. This society was the forerunner of the Family Planning Association. Jack was the chairman of the Christchurch branch of the party, and their candidate in several elections during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1954 she self-published a book of her poetry, The Time of the Child: A Sequence of Poems. Writing became very important to Locke, who managed to keep a room to herself in their tiny house for more than 50 years. Locke's essay, one of 105 entries in the category, was an account of her reasons both for joining, and leaving, the Communist Party, and was published in Landfall 48 (December 1958).

Locke's work for the School Publications Branch had revived her interest in her hometown, Waiuku, and her second children's book, The End of the Harbour: An Historical Novel for Children (1968), was based on the town's history.

Later life Along with Rod Donald, Locke was active in the founding of the Avon Loop Planning Association (ALPA) and in the ongoing development of community in the historic Avon Loop residential area in central Christchurch. Locke received an honorary D.Litt from the University of Canterbury in 1987 for her work in the community. Locke campaigned for a more balanced understanding of New Zealand history.

Elsie Locke died in Christchurch on 8 April 2001. but was removed after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake to make way for the Margaret Mahy Playground.

Each year LIANZA gives the Elsie Locke Award for "the most distinguished contribution to non-fiction for young adults", it is presented as part of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

In March 2009, Locke was commemorated as one of the Twelve Local Heroes, and a bronze bust of her was unveiled outside the Christchurch Arts Centre.

Awards In 1995, Locke became the fifth recipient of the Margaret Mahy Award. In 1992 she was awarded the Children's Literature Association's Award for Services to Children's Literature (now Betty Gilderdale Award).