Research Group Summary
The Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies was founded through a bequest from the late Professor John Macmillan Brown (1846-1935), a founding Professor of the University of Canterbury and a former Vice Chancellor of the University of New Zealand who spent a considerable time travelling and studying the countries of the Pacific.
Under the terms of Professor Macmillan Brown's will, the Centre was established in 1988 at the University of Canterbury to facilitate the 'investigation and research of the history, traditions, customs, laws, and ideas of the peoples of the Pacific generally.'
The main areas of research of the Centre are the societies and cultures, past and present, of the indigenous peoples of Oceania (including New Zealand). In developing its research programme, the Centre is responsive to concerns expressed by these people.
It is administered by the Director, Prof Karen Nero, Administrative Assistant, Ms Moana Matthes, and an Advisory Board of twelve persons appointed by the University Council. The chair of the Macmillan Brown Advisory Board is Prof Peter Hempenstall of the History department.