AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

20 August 2007

Mayor to honour outstanding Aucklander

This evening, Mayor of Auckland City Dick Hubbard will honour the achievements of one of New Zealand's most loved literary geniuses, Professor C K Stead, with a Distinguished Citizen Award.

Professor Stead is globally recognised for his literary skills, and his work includes novels, poetry, short stories and literary criticism. He has reviewed and critiqued other New Zealand novelists work.

"Professor C K Stead has dedicated his life to the literary arts, and recognising his contributions is important," says Mayor Hubbard.

"His work is recognised and celebrated throughout the world, and it is a privilege to be able to present such a prestigious award to one of our country's most outstanding citizens," he says.

C K Stead was a Professor of English at the University of Auckland for 20 years before retiring to write full-time in 1986. His achievements include receiving a CBE in 1985 and being awarded New Zealand's highest honour in 2007, when he was admitted to the Order of New Zealand.

A highlight of his career was no doubt his first novel, Smith's Dream (1971), which surrounded the Vietnam War. This went on to be adapted from script to screen, becoming director Rodger Donaldson's first movie Sleeping Dogs, starring Sam Neill.

The Distinguished Citizen Award is Auckland City Council's highest honour. Past recipients have included Sir Hugh Kawharu, Professor Peter Gluckman and Jenny Gibbs.

ENDS

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