The professor of English at the University of Otago has had a career in English literature for more than 30 years, focusing particularly on the novels and creative writing processes of Jane Austen and Samuel Richardson.
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a woman honoured for doing what she loves best must be surprised and delighted," she said.
"I think it's just marvellous to get an award like this for something I love doing. There is certainly no prejudice at all."
Prof Harris (69) was born in Dunedin and educated at Otago Girls High School.
She gained a Masters in English literature from the University of Otago and a PhD from the University of London.
Since then, she has published her own edition of Sir Charles Grandison and also wrote Jane Austen's Art of Memory.
She has recently written A Revolution Almost Beyond Expression: Jane Austen's Persuasion.
Prof Harris was largely responsible for the instigation of the study of women's writing at the University of Otago and has served as a representative for academic staff on the Otago University Council.
She was also founder of the Dunedin Collective for Woman and was the first president of the Otago University Staff Women's Caucus.
Prof Harris also served on the board of Television New Zealand and was the Honorary Consul for France in Dunedin for many years.
She said she loved teaching at the University of Otago because she could present exciting books to new students every year, challenge them with new ideas, and watch them develop their own ideas.
"Research is more lonely and arduous, but the reward lies in figuring out something you believe to be true and original.
I've been very lucky to work at the University of Otago, where I've been supported in my research and enlivened by stimulating colleagues," she said.
