Alan Duff, a prominent New Zealand novelist and advocate, is best known for his influential debut novel Once Were Warriors (1990), which won the PEN Best First Book Award and was adapted into a successful film. In addition to his literary success, Duff is recognized for his role as a critical commentator on Māori issues. His 1993 analysis, Māori: The Crisis and the Challenge, critiques both traditional and radical Māori leadership for focusing on past injustices rather than promoting self-reliance. Duff’s influence extends through his newspaper columns, which began in 1991 when he wrote for The Evening Post. His thought-provoking pieces, later syndicated to multiple newspapers, have established him as a significant voice in New Zealand's media.

Duff’s contributions to literature and social causes were honoured in 2007 when he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). His impact extends beyond writing, with his co-founding of the Duffy Books in Homes scheme in 1995, which has distributed over 5 million books to underprivileged children.