This book had its genesis in a number of university courses we teach. Students over a number of years have produced assignments and asked questions that have made us think more critically about aid. Student research for PhD and masters’ theses by Avataeao Junior Ulu, Faka’iloatonga Taumoefolau, Felicia Talagi, Helen Mountford, Finbar Kiddle, Thomas McDowall and others has deepened our understanding of how aid relationships work in practice in the Pacific region. As a colleague and ‘pracademic’ par excellence, Gerard Prinsen has opened our eyes to the intricacies and importance of aid modalities, financial management systems and the like. And many conversations with Gerard and other colleagues at the Paekakariki Institute of Social Sciences, DevNet and NZADDS – Nicki Wrighton, Regina Scheyvens, Glenn Banks, Emma Mawdsley, Terrence Wood, Jo Spratt, Luke Kiddle, Andrew McGregor and many others – have helped shape and question the way we see aid. And for this book, we wish to acknowledge the very helpful comments of Tony Binns and anonymous reviewers which helped to sharpen our material. We thank all of the above for contributing to our education in aid. However, given the range of views about aid, its worth and its future – and long may such debates continue – we alone take responsibility for the views expressed in this book.