Keri Mills

Guest writer

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

Beachgoers shelter under a pohutukawa, northern end of Takapuna Beach. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections T0248

The pōhutukawa and the Takapuna apartment dwellers

An ancient grove of pōhutukawa on Takapuna beach was once used by Māori to prepare the dead for burial. Today it's at the centre of a battle between local iwi and apartment owners.

By Keri Mills | 10th July, 2019

Tree carving on the Chatham Islands, ca 1900 by an unknown photographer.

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

The go-to argument for many people spouting anti-Māori sentiment often starts with '... but Māori killed all the Moriori'. But researcher Keri Mills says that's a lazy argument

By Keri Mills | 28th December, 2018

Tree carving on the Chatham Islands, ca 1900 by an unknown photographer.

The Moriori myth and why it’s still with us

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.

By Keri Mills | 3rd August, 2018

The Tino Rangatiratanga flag flies alongside the New Zealand national flag on the Auckland Harbour Bridge during Waitangi Day celebrations (photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images).

What the heck is the Crown/Māori Relations portfolio?

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?

By Keri Mills | 7th April, 2018