Iain James Sharp

Iain James Sharp, a distinguished British-born New Zealand poet, librarian, and journalist, passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 72, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on April 24, 1953, Sharp emigrated with his family to Auckland, New Zealand, in 1961. He established a significant career in literature and librarianship, leaving a lasting impact on New Zealand's cultural landscape.

Sharp pursued higher education at the University of Auckland, earning a doctorate in English literature in 1982 with a thesis on "Wit at several weapons: a critical edition." Following his academic achievements, he qualified as a librarian from the New Zealand Library School. He dedicated a portion of his career to the Special Collections Department of Auckland Central City Library, contributing to the preservation and accessibility of literary treasures.

Beyond his work as a librarian, Sharp was a prolific writer and critic. He was a regular reviewer, columnist, and edited the books page for the New Zealand Listener magazine, and later for the Sunday Star-Times. His critical acumen was recognized when he was named Reviewer of the Year at the 1999 Montana New Zealand Book Awards. His literary output includes several collections of poetry, such as "Why Mammals Shiver" (1981), "She Is Trying to Kidnap the Blind Person" (1985), "The Pierrot Variations" (1985), and "The Singing Harp" (2004), as well as notable non-fiction works like "Real Gold: Treasures of Auckland City Libraries" (2007) and the biography "Heaphy" (2008).

Iain Sharp was also a devoted family man, remembered as the devoted husband of Joy, cherished brother of Marion, and a beloved uncle and step-father. His passing is mourned by his family, friends, and the literary community, who will remember him for his wit, insightful commentary, and significant contributions to New Zealand literature and culture. A celebration of his life was held in Nelson, New Zealand.