James K. Baxter | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Baxter in c. 1955 | |
| Born | James Keir Baxter 29 June 1926 Dunedin, New Zealand |
| Died | 22 October 1972 (aged 46) Auckland, New Zealand |
| Occupation | Poet |
| Period | 1944–1972 |
| Literary movement | Wellington Group |
| Spouse | |
James Keir Baxter (29 June 1926 – 22 October 1972) was a New Zealand poet and playwright. He was also known as an activist for the preservation of Māori culture. He is one of New Zealand's most well-known and controversial literary figures. He was a prolific writer who produced numerous poems, plays and articles in his short life, and was regarded as the preeminent writer of his generation. He suffered from alcoholism until the late 1950s. He converted to Catholicism and established a controversial commune at Jerusalem, New Zealand, in 1969. He was married to writer Jacquie Sturm.