James K. Baxter
Poet, playwright, postman, philosopher
1926—1972
I saw the Maori Jesus
walking on Wellington Harbour.
He wore blue dungarees.
His beard and hair were long.
His breath smelt of mussels and paraoa.
When he smiled it looked like the dawn.
From 'The Maori Jesus' in Collected Poems of James K Baxter, ed. J E Weir, Oxford University Press, 2003
Where to find it
Look over the fence into the pool beside Te Papa.
- Wheelchair accessible
About the author
James K Baxter wrote prolifically throughout his life, producing numerous collections of poetry and criticism and several acclaimed plays.
The impact of his visit to India as a UNESCO fellow reflected his growing preoccupation with poverty, urban degeneration, and alienation, especially among the young and minority groups.
In 1969, he went to Hiruhārama (Jerusalem) on the Whanganui River, where he established a community of like-minded individuals. His early death, marked by a large tangi, was mourned by an extraordinary diversity of people.
With thanks to Peter Biggs