Conal McCarthy is the programme director in the School of Art History, Classics and Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.

"Using a theoretical perspective grounded in museum practice, McCarthy masterfully brings the experiences of both museum professionals and Māori communities together over the past three decades and discusses the successes, pitfalls and frustrations posed by the social and ethnic tensions that exist in New Zealand despite the government’s attempts at 'biculturalism' … This case study of museums and Māori could fit any country where Europeans invaded and colonized indigenous peoples. This book is required reading for museum professionals currently working in museums that hold and exhibit indigenous collections and for anyone planning to become a museum professional. I would also recommend this to anyone studying identity politics, the history of colonization and de-colonization, and the advancements by indigenous peoples throughout the world who are engaging in the process of self-determination.' – Shelby Tisdale, PhD, Director Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Santa Fe"