Singer makes muse of Margaret Mahy

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 31, 2026

Singer-songwriter Hannah Everingham drew creative inspiration for her latest album, *Big Surprise*, while house-sitting at the former home of celebrated New Zealand author Margaret Mahy in Governors Bay. This experience influenced the album’s energetic and imaginative spirit, and Everingham plans to perform live across New Zealand in September to showcase the new work.

Lyttelton-based singer-songwriter Hannah Everingham recently found creative inspiration while house- and pet-sitting in a Christchurch property once owned by renowned children’s author Margaret Mahy. After returning from a U.S. tour earlier this year, Everingham said she took on house-sitting as a practical way to manage living expenses while continuing her music career.

The home, located in Governors Bay and built by Mahy in 1968, served as the author’s family residence until her death in 2012. Mahy, a celebrated figure in New Zealand literature, penned more than 100 works including the picture book *A Lion in the Meadow* and the young adult novel *The Changeover*, set in Christchurch. In recognition of her contributions, she was appointed to the Order of New Zealand in 1993.

For Everingham, the atmosphere of Mahy’s former house played a significant role in shaping the sound and spirit of her latest album, *Big Surprise*, which marks her third release in four years. The indie-folk artist described the environment as encouraging and freeing — qualities she considers essential to her creative process. She noted that drawing inspiration from Mahy’s legacy, particularly the author’s dedication to children and imaginative storytelling, infused the recording with a unique energy.

“I felt the essence of the space and the encouragement that came from Margaret Mahy’s life well lived in art,” Everingham said, emphasizing the influence of the author’s playful and forward-thinking approach on her music. The album’s title reflects the unpredictable nature of life, which she sought to capture through a more fun and energetic sound compared to her previous work.

The recording features contributions from bandmates Thomas Isbister and Michael Kime, with percussion added by Joseph McCallum and engineering by Josh Logan.

Everingham is set to perform live at a series of New Zealand venues this September, with shows scheduled at Loons in Lyttelton on September 5, Whammy in Auckland on September 6, and Meow in Wellington on September 10. Tickets are available via her official website.

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