Ian Wedde

Ian Wedde (born 1946) is a New Zealand poet, fiction writer, art critic, and academic. He is a significant figure in New Zealand literature, known for his diverse and experimental writing style, as well as his contributions to critical discourse on art and culture.

Born in Blenheim, New Zealand, Wedde was educated at the University of Auckland and Oxford University. His early poetry, such as that found in Made Over (1974), exhibited a formal, almost academic approach. However, his work gradually evolved towards a more accessible and engaged style, incorporating elements of colloquial speech and exploring themes related to New Zealand identity, colonialism, and the Pacific region.

Wedde's poetry often blends personal narrative with broader socio-political concerns. He is known for his long poems, such as Pathway to the Sea (1993), which demonstrate his ability to sustain complex arguments and weave together diverse threads of experience. He has published numerous collections of poetry, and his selected poems provide a comprehensive overview of his poetic career.

In addition to poetry, Wedde has written several novels, including Symmes Hole (1986) and The HARS Committee (1996). These novels often explore similar themes to his poetry, but with a greater emphasis on character development and narrative structure. He has also written extensively on art, contributing to journals and publishing critical essays on New Zealand and international artists.

Wedde has held various academic positions, including Professor of Creative Writing at Victoria University of Wellington. He has received numerous awards and fellowships for his writing, solidifying his place as a leading figure in New Zealand's literary and intellectual landscape. His work has been translated into several languages, extending his reach beyond New Zealand's borders. He served as New Zealand Poet Laureate from 2011 to 2013.