Keri MillsKeri Mills

Dr. Keri Mills is a senior researcher at the Policy Observatory, AUT. Her research specialties are in Māori/Pākehā and Māori/government relationships in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the history of conservation. Her PhD on the relationship between DOC and iwi at Tongariro National Park was awarded by the Australian National University in 2013. She has previously worked at the University of Auckland, the Office of Treaty Settlements, and the University of the South Pacific. @keri_mills

The pōhutukawa and the Takapuna apartment dwellers

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An ancient grove of pōhutukawa on Takapuna beach was once used by Māori to prepare the dead for burial. Today the trees are frail and pose a danger to the path below. Mana whenua want it closed but some residents want to keep it open as it provides easy access to the beach. There’s a … Read more

Summer reissue: The Moriori myth and why it’s still with us

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Summer reissue: The go-to argument for many people spouting anti-Māori sentiment often starts with ‘… but Māori killed all the Moriori’. Researcher Keri Mills was eager for fellow Pākehā to do some reading before reaching for this lazy argument, sparking a major nationwide conversation. This post was first published 3 August 2018. Firstly, the myth. … Read more

The Moriori myth and why it’s still with us

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The go-to argument for many people spouting anti-Māori sentiment often starts with ‘… but Māori killed all the Moriori’. Researcher Keri Mills is eager for fellow Pākehā to do some reading before reaching for this lazy argument. Firstly, the myth. You’ve heard it before. There were a pre-Māori people in New Zealand, called the Moriori. … Read more

What the heck is the Crown/Māori Relations portfolio?

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According to the government, the new Crown/Māori Relations portfolio was introduced (among other things) to improve the way government departments engage with Māori and find new and different opportunities for more active partnership. But what does that actually mean? Not sure what the new Crown-Māori Relations portfolio is all about? Don’t worry – neither is … Read more