The writer Michael King is the Herald’s New Zealander of the Year.

This caps a momentous 12 months for the 57-year-old historian and biographer (pictured). He was named a "giant kauri" of New Zealand literature, winning one of the inaugural Prime Minister's Literary Awards. And the revised edition of his iconic Penguin History of New Zealand has been the publishing success story of 2003: it’s about to be reprinted for the fourth time.

Unfortunately, celebrations will be muted in King’s Opoutere, Coromandel household. In October, King was told that he has throat cancer. The Herald’s Tim Watkin has interviewed King and written an excellent tribute to his achievements: you can read it here.