D E McLean was born in Pukekohe, New Zealand and grew up in a farming community, attending Pukekohe East Primary School. She went to Pukekohe High School before training as a teacher at North Shore Teacher’s College. returning to the workforce after raising her four children, she worked at many different professions including Diversional Therapy and Tertiary Level Tutor. She currently resides in Thames, New Zealand with her husband.