Ronald Hugh Morrieson (29 January 1922 – 26 December 1972) was a novelist and short story writer in the New Zealand vernacular, who was little known in his home country until after his death. He earned his living as a musician and music teacher, and played in dance bands throughout south Taranaki. Morrieson lived in the Taranaki town of Hāwera all his life and this town appears (under other names) in his novels. He was a heavy drinker throughout his life and this contributed to his early death. [citation needed]