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Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies

• World class centre for interdisciplinary Pacific research
• New Zealand’s leading interdisciplinary research centre on Pacific issues
• Home of the Global Research and Innovation Hub on the Pacific (GRIPac)
• Largest, most comprehensive and most innovative Pacific doctoral research program in New Zealand
• Leader of a number of major global research projects such as the Palgrave handbook on ethnicity, the largest, most comprehensive and cutting-edge project on ethnicity ever
• Provides Chair of the International Political Science Association Research Committee on Security, Conflict and Democratization

Kia ora; Fakalofa lahi atu; Halo olgeta; Malo e lelei; Ni sa bula; Salaam alaykum; Kaise; Aloha; Kia orana; Kam na mauri; Talofa lava; Kaselehlia; Yokwe; Nǐ hǎo yuèyǔ; Hafadai; Greetings.

The Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies (MBC) is a world leader in interdisciplinary research on the Pacific. We are involved in cutting edge research; we promote innovative thinking; we carry out consultancies; we engage in policy briefings, we are experts in project analysis, public outreach; we are at the forefront of publication and knowledge dissemination on a wide range of issues related to Pacific peoples, their livelihood, cultures, histories, knowledge systems, development, relationships, environment, resources, art and future trajectories. Our research and engagements cover the whole Pacific region (including the Pacific Rim) and extends internationally to cover the globalized Pacific diaspora. 

MBC hosts the Global Research and Innovation Hub on the Pacific (GRIPac). It also leads a number of global projects such as the Palgrave handbook on ethnicity project (consisting of more than 100 experts around the world), Pacific regional security research network and global security and civil-military relations project. It also leads a number of projects such as the Fulbright research initiative on affirmative action and Pacific minorities in New Zealand and the United States and a University of Canterbury-University of Otago project on social protection and wellbeing amongst the Pacific population in New Zealand.        

Study with us

Study options, information for Honours, Masters’ and PhD students.

Current postgraduate students

See the current MBC postgraduate students and their research topics.

International connections

MBC works with prestigious organisations and people in the field of Pacific Studies.

Visiting Scholars

The Macmillan Brown Research and Visiting Scholars programme attracts distinguished researchers studying the Pacific.

Artists in Residence

Provides an opportunity for artists to develop their practice and supports the development of indigenous Pacific art.

About MBC

See our mission statement, Strategic Action Plan and Macmillan Brown Centre Advisory Committee.

News, events and seminars

Gardening to change minds and save lives

A University of Canterbury (UC)-led project aims to reduce type 2 diabetes in local Pacific communities by bringing ...

UC Pasifika graduates celebrate their success

Congratulations to all our Pasifika students celebrating graduation this month.

Free public event: Run it straight – Towards a ...

What does it mean to be a Māori or Polynesian male in Aotearoa New Zealand today? How is that shaped?