I have worked in the Art History Department at The University of Auckland since 1997 and focused my research on Māori art primarily, especially of the 19th century. In 2012 I was appointed Coordinator of the Museums and Cultural Heritage Programme in the Faculty of Arts. My PhD thesis focused on the Iwirakau Carving School from 1830-1930 and the nature of art in the area including whare karakia, whare whakairo and wharekai. Other recent research projects have focused on the four whare whakairo currently overseas, and moko as signature.