Kevin Ireland (1933 – 2023) was a much loved New Zealand poet, short story writer, novelist and librettist who had published prolifically over the lifetime of his career. Kevin was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Literature by Massey University and received the Prime Minsters Award for Literary Achievement.  He was awarded an OBE for his Services to Literature and in 2006 he received the A W Reed Award for Contribution to New Zealand Literature, recognizing him as a writer who has made an outstanding contribution to the New Zealand Literary Community.  Other acknowledgements include the New Zealand Book Award for Poetry for Literary Cartoons; Writer in Residence at Canterbury University; the Buddle Findlay Fellowship; the Grimshaw-Sargeson Fellowship; University of Auckland’s Writing Fellow; the New Zealand Commemoration Medal; and the Montana Book Award for History and Biography.