About Tanya

Travelling the world as a storyteller, arts educator and writer she visits places both on and off maps. She regularly works through out New Zealand and Australia and has been invited to share her work in the USA, Africa, UK, Europe and Asia.

Her work is characterized by lively interaction and her use of music, movement and sumptuous frocks. She says, "stories are her habit."

Tanya is regarded as one of New Zealand's top storytellers and is based on the enchanted island of Waiheke Island, Aotearoa where she is the director of the
'Once Upon an Island' Festival and Story Centre.

As a trained teacher with qualifications in the areas of education and performing arts she is highly sought after for her professional development workshops for teachers / caregivers. Her teaching manuals in the areas of dance, drama and storytelling are regularly used in teacher training.

As a writer, Tanya Batt specializes in the creation of picture books, folk tale collections and audio recordings for the young and young at heart. Her stories have both a magical and quirky quality. Two of her books have been listed as Top Ten Children's Picture Books by the NZ Children's Literature Foundation.

Tanya believes that delight and curiosity form the basis for enjoyable and effective life long learning.