The Randell Cottage Writers Trust marks with deep sorrow the sudden death of our Trustee, Stephen Stratford, on Sunday 21 November.

Stephen was a highly valued member of our team, taking special responsibility for chairing the annual selection panel for the Creative New Zealand writer in residence.

We acknowledge the loss his passing represents to the wider literary community of Aotearoa New Zealand from his extensive career as a respected writer, editor and journalist. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife and daughters.