Dave Hayward

Now in his eighties, Dave Hayward was born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand. He joined the army at the age of sixteen and at twenty was a corporal commanding a section of Infantry on operations in the Malayan jungle during the ‘Emergency’. His first novel, Point of the Spear, is based on that experience.

Dave remained a soldier for thirty-three years and saw active service again in Borneo during Indonesia’s ‘Confrontation’ with Malaysia and, for a third time, in South Vietnam during the 'American War'. This latter experience is the basis of his second novel, Danger Close.

One reviewer has described Dave’s novels as ‘faction’.

With a lifelong interest in military history, in particular the incredible exploits of Britain’s ‘Redcoats’, Dave next turned his attention to the British Army’s involvement in the New Zealand Wars. Redcoat and Korowai was his first novel set in those turbulent times, War was the second and The Last Rangatira completed a trilogy.

Reflecting his continuing interest in New Zealand military history, Horse Soldiers is based upon that country's involvement in the Boer War.

After a life packed full of action and adventure, Dave has finally settled in Feilding, a lovely rural town in the North Island of New Zealand. He now has the time to devote himself to his passion – writing historical fiction.

When not off on 4WD treks, cycle trails, wine trails, army reunions or family occasions, that is.