As borders closed in 2020, celebrating all that is wonderful in our own land rose boldly to the fore, not just with respect to where we might travel, or for the products we might buy, but for the much-cherished artists and artistry of this place. For nine years, the Festival has concluded its six-day festival by doing just that, bringing to the stage one of our literary heroes each year to reflect on their career and to honour their contribution to the landscape.

In 2021 we up the ante, with seven of our nine honorees – Patricia Grace, Witi Ihimaera, Fiona Kidman, Vincent O’Sullivan, CK Stead, Brian Turner and Albert Wendt – on stage together for a triumphant hour of writerly chat to close our 2021 event. An extraordinary line-up, not to be missed. Chaired by Michele A’Court.