Death of NZ’s Most Famous Woman Poet

– J C Sturm, of Paekakariki

Jacqueline Sturm, one of New Zealand’s most respected Maori writers, and a long-time resident of Paekakariki, has died at the age of 82.

Although eclipsed in fame by her husband James K Baxter, Jacqueline Sturm established an international reputation as a poet and short story writer.

Born at Opunake in Taranaki, she was the first Maori woman to gain a university degree.

She graduated from Victoria University in 1949 with a BA Degree.

She and J K Baxter were married in 1948.

Later she became a librarian at the Wellington Library and they raised a family in Wellington.

It was a difficult relationship at times – as the husband went through phases as an alcoholic, womanizer, Catholic convert and finally hippie guru at the Whanganui River of Jerusalem.

Paekakariki writer and musician Gilbert Haisman penned this tribute to her some time ago:

“Paekakariki is home to a number of national treasures, none more so than Jacquie Sturm.

“To some Jacquie is known as Jacquie Baxter, wife of the late James K Baxter.

“To lovers of New Zealand literature, she is J.C. Sturm, author of four volumes of short fiction and poetry that inspired many of other authors who followed her—and others associated with the Maori renaissance.”

Jacquie was a great supporter of libraries on the Kapiti Coast, and of Kapiti writers – and and large numbers of people turned out for the launch of  her  poetry collection “Dedications” Paraparaumu in the late 90’s.

Hers is a great loss and she will be mourned by people throughout New Zealand.

Her body has been taken back to Taranaki for the funeral service.