NZ Biography: James K Baxter

Photo: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

James K Baxter was one of our best known poets. Baxter wrote over 3000 poems of which at least 1200 have been published. There has been some controversy recently around the poet after the release of some of his letters in which he confessed to raping his wife. Paul Millar of the University of Canterbury discusses James K Baxter's life and work. If you want to check out the short film adaptation of one of Jame K Baxter's poems, you can watch it here. 

James K Baxter and his wife Jacqueline Sturm, 1948. Photo: Victoria University of Wellington, McKay 3/4/55

James K Baxter and John Weir at St Bede's College 1967

James K Baxter

James K Baxter's wife Jacquie Baxter and granddaughter Stephanie Baxter at the unveiling of his headstone at Jerusalem. Photo: Alexander Turnbull Library (PAColl-2146-002)