Murray Ball was born on January 26, 1939 in Fielding, Manawatu, New Zealand. He was an editor and writer, known for
Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale (1986),
When Strangers Appear (2001) and
The Locals (2003). He was married to Pam. He died on March 12, 2017 in Gisborne, New Zealand.