About the Polynesian Society

The Polynesian Society was formed in New Zealand in 1892. It is thus one of the oldest learned societies in the Southern Hemisphere. Its aim is to promote the scholarly study of past and present New Zealand Maori and other Pacific Island peoples and cultures.

To this end, it publishes a journal, The Journal of the Polynesian Society, which appears quarterly and contains articles, reviews, correspondence, shorter communications and other news.

The Society also publishes a monograph series in which over the years since its foundation a wide variety of books on Maori and Pacific topics have appeared.

The Society's activities are supported by the membership dues and institutional subscriptions as well as by sale of its publications.

The Society's affairs and activities are administered by a Council consisting of the officers of the Society and eight elected members.