Helen Courtney

Helen Kathleen Courtney (5 June 1952 – 4 March 2020) was a New Zealand cartoonist and illustrator, known for her work on Broadsheet.

Life

Of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Te Āti Awa descent, Courtney grew up in West Auckland.

Career

Courtney joined the Broadsheet collective in 1974, contributing cartoons and illustrations and designing the magazine between 1990 and 1991. She published in a number of New Zealand publications including, Craccum (1983) and Tu Mai (1984).

Chess

Helen Courtney represented New Zealand three times in the Women's Chess Olympiad.

Publications

• Harpies & heroines : a cartoon history of women's changing roles (featured, 2003)
• Broadsheet (designer, 1990-1991)
• No body's perfect: a self-help book for women who have problems with food (illustrator, 1989)

Exhibitions

• Killer Queen: Cartoons by Helen Courtney (2015), The Charlotte Museum, Auckland
• Harpies & Heroines (2003), National Library of New Zealand

References