Thomas Broun, the prolific New Zealand Coleopterist, described four species in the genus Abraeus Leach (Histeridae), two of which were placed in the genus Tribalus Erichson (Tribalus phylloides (Broun) is a junior synonym of Tribalus brouni (Broun), new synonymy), including one that is transferred to Parepierus Bickhardt (Parepierus brunneus (Broun), new combination). The fourth species, Abraeus vividulus Broun, was scored for 37 characters into a previously published data matrix, which demonstrated that a new genus-level status is required to accommodate the species. Brounhister Leschen and Oˆ hara, new genus is named and the type species, Brounhister vividulus (Broun), new combination, is redescribed and placed in Abraeinae incertae sedis. A key to the New Zealand histerid genera is presented. Comments on histerid characters and the New Zealand fauna are included.