Harry Borrer Kirk (9 March 1859 – 15 July 1948) was a New Zealand school inspector, biologist and university professor.

He was born in Coventry, Warwickshire, England on 9 March 1859 to Sarah Jane Mattocks and Thomas Kirk.

Harry studied for University of New Zealand exams at home, gaining a BA in 1882 and a MA 1883, after which he joined the Department of Education first as a clerk and then as an inspector of native schools.

It is to be borne in mind that English is not only an important subject in itself but that it is a 'key' subject to others.In 1903 Kirk was appointed inaugural chair of biology to Victoria College (now Victoria University of Wellington)[3] and he largely devoted the rest of his life to building up the biology capabilities of the university.

[1][4][5] During the First World War he produced several innovations in military camps for to reduce fly contamination,[6] and he is said to have refused a Captain's commission.