Collier, Athalie: - I was born in Waihi, New Zealand, and lived on farms all around the North Island. I had eight children. This is my first book, a story that just had to be told. The story is true, and I wanted to write it down to help me heal and move on with my life. I can look back on all the words people said to me so I will not forget the good, bad and ugly memories.