C.K. Stead is one of New Zealand’s foremost literary figures. A distinguished novelist, literary critic, poet, essayist and Emeritus Professor of English at the University of Auckland, Stead has won many awards and fellowships. He became a Member of the Order of New Zealand in 2007, and is one of only two living writers to hold that honour. Internationally published and reviewed, Stead’s major novels include Smith’s Dream, All Visitors Ashore, My Name Was Judas, Mansfield, Talking About O’Dwyer, The Singing Whakapapa and The Secret History of Modernism, alongside essays, criticism and major poetry collections. Stead is known for his quick mind and frank views, a confessional voice, and an ease of prose that makes him both accessible and deeply meaningful. His singular place in the cultural life of this country is celebrated in this free session to end the Festival, chaired by Ruth Harley.