Writing plays an important part in all aspects of June's professional and creative career pathways, across the spectrum of business writing, PR and marketing, creative writing, life writing, lyrics, poetry, editing and proof reading, and so on. 

June joined the complex world of book publishing in 2007 as 'grass roots' Marketing Manager for former educational book publishing company Pearson Education NZ, gaining full 'hands-on' knowledge of book production and marketing;  a valuable range of skill-sets that she is able to draw on and apply at will, to any writing related project.

Writing for Children

June's dream of becoming a published author and writer of childrens books became a reality with the 2017 release of her first dual-language picture book with waiata (music) Tawhirimātea A song for Matariki.  Published under her pen-name June Pitman-Hayes, this book went straight to the top of NZ's Childrens Book Best Seller List; a rare achievement for a first-book writer. 

Since then five more titles have been added to her Scholastic NZ book-list, the most recent being My Family Tree, my whānau and me (2024) which takes children on a journey of discovering similarities between themselves and trees, while encouraging them to think about their own family tree: 'Who's on the branches of your family tree?"

In 2020 June's book Kia Kaha! Together standing strong (Scholastic 2020), was selected for inclusion in the Ministry of Education's home schooling packs that were distributed during 2020 Covid-19 lockdowns.   Following hard on it's heels came There's a bear in the window (2022) a fun insight into Covid-19 from a bear's viewpoint. 

In 2016 esteemed childrens author Joy Cowley released her kiwiana-styled Hush a Kiwi lullaby, a joyous rewrite of a well-known lullaby with accompanying CD featuring recordings sung by June in Te Reo Māori and English.  

'I love the idea that my voice may be singing babies to sleep all over the motu", June says.

In 2023 Scholastic NZ released 'My Kiwi Kete', a collection of 3 mini versions of June's book contained in a beautifully designed kete bag.  Since its release this special taonga continues to feature in among the Top 10 bestsellers childrens book list.

In 2025 My Kiwi Gumboots was selected to be transformed into braille for the enjoyment of the visually impaired.

Creative Writing & Poetry

As an adult student, June enrolled on Massey University's Creative Writing programe under the academic tutelage of Mary Paul, Jenny Lawn (PhD), Jack Ross, and others.  This programme resparked her interest in poetry.  

June's poetry is published regularly in Fast Fibres Poetry from Northland, and in various anthologies including Ngā Ripo Wai | Swirling Waters - a Kerikeri anthology (2021),  Te Kohu Poems (2023), Pav Deconstructed (2023), and Changing Landscapes (2023).

Short/Flash Fiction

June's foray into writing short and short fiction began in August 2022, resulting in her very first attempt Uncle John's Wooden  Leg, topping the selection of submissions for Flash Frontier October 2022:  Insects. In 2023 her micro-fiction piece Paper Dolls made the long and short list selections of the international micro-madness competition.  Soon after, June's 300 word flash fiction story The Kina Girl made the short and long lists for the New Zealand National Flash Fiction competition, propelling June toward receiving literary recognition as recipient of the 2023 Northland Short Story of the Year award. In July 2023 June's flash fiction piece Movement on Water made the selection for Flash Frontier July 2023: Moana/Ocean edition.

Cultural Heritage Publications & Reports

Books:

In 2022 June self-published Kaumātua o Tamaterau Life stories through the lens, a limited edition, special collection of cultural heritage oral his/her lifestories supported by stunning black and white images captured through the lens of photographer Claire Gordon who worked collaboratively alongside June. The book shares living experiences of local Māori; all descendants of tūpuna who have for five generations or more, maintained ahi kaa (the burning fires of occupation) of their ancestral lands at Tamaterau, along the shores of Terenga Paraoa - Whangārei Harbour, in Northland.

Reports:

In the latter part of 2022, on behalf of the Te Kete Rānea o Parua Bay working group, June researched and wrote a cultural narrative to contribute to Whangārei District Council's Parua Bay Placemaking Report.

In 2021, on behalf of the collect Iwi/hapū of Tamaterau, Whangārei June was lead writer for a Cultural Impact Assessment Report that was submitted to Whangārei District Council outlining the cultural historical significance of the site, and recommendations in response to Council's proposed schedule of works.

Supporting Literacy in Schools

In 2017, following the release of her first childrens book Tawhirimatea - a song for Matariki, June joined Duffy Books in Homes as a role-model ambassador, travelling around the country visiting schools to help foster literacy, learning, and a love of reading throughout Aotearoa.  

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About the Image:  Courtesy of one of the Duffy Books in Homes schools