Celebrity biologist and atheist Richard Dawkins has suffered a minor stroke which has forced him to cancel his forthcoming trip to New Zealand.

According to a press release from the NZ Festival, Dawkins suffered a stroke on Saturday night.

The release said he is already home recuperating and is expected to make a full recovery, but he has pulled out of a tour of Australia and New Zealand book festivals.

He was set to appear at an event in Wellington on March 4 discussing the second volume of his memoirs, A Life in Science.

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The controversial biologist first became famous for a bestselling series of popular science books explaining evolution, but has since become better known as a campaigning atheist, and has frequently become involved in online spats over his criticisms of Christians, creationists, Islamists and, on occasion, feminists.

The Festival said current ticket holders could hold on to their tickets, which remain valid for a rescheduled appearance later in the year. Alternatively ticket holders may request a refund from Ticketek.