Start From Scratch: The New Zealand Histories Curriculum

Sean Plunket recently asked one of our top historians, Dr Paul Moon, Professor of History at Auckland University of Technology, for his view on the new history curriculum to be taught in New Zealand schools. His answer? Start from scratch.

Watch the interview here:

SOURCES

The Platform: Sean Plunket interviews historian Paul Moon, 1 April 2022

Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories site

Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories curriculum document

Education NZ history

Go back to the May 2022 newsletter

The 'decolonisation' of civics and citizenship education

May 06, 2022

“The definition of ‘civics’ must also be broader than simply liberal democratic notions premised on the idea of indivisible sovereignty. The definition must look beyond the existing constitutional arrangements and carefully incorporate Indigenous constitutionalisms and aspirations” - NZPSA Civics Citizenship and Political Literacy in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Public Discussion Paper Continue reading

No real changes to the radical draft New Zealand ‘histories’ curriculum

Oct 01, 2021

A recently released report on the draft curriculum content for teaching New Zealand’s ‘histories’ in our schools points to a determination to continue down the path of foisting upon our children an ideologically driven lop-sided version of our history. This is despite much criticism about the lack of balance in the draft content from historians, educationalists, parents/family, and community members. Continue reading

‘Māori-Crown Partnership’ features strongly in revamp of education system

Jul 08, 2021

During 2018 the Government announced a three-year work programme to bring about significant changes to New Zealand’s education system, from preschool to university. The reforms include a complete overhaul of the Ministry of Education, a review of Tomorrow’s Schools, and NCEA, and a programme of change for vocational education. Continue reading

New history curriculum - thumbs down from some

Mar 16, 2021

The Government has recently released their draft New Zealand history curriculum, which has been circulated for public feedback. The main themes include the arrival of Māori, early colonial history, the Treaty of Waitangi, the New Zealand wars, and New Zealand's role in the Pacific. Continue reading

Te Hurihanganui - education or indoctrination?

Oct 16, 2020

The Ministry of Education is about to implement a programme to radically change our education system. True to the doctrine of a Treaty partnership, the Ministry has been working with Māori academics and educationalists to design a blueprint for a ‘transformative shift’ in the education of our children and grandchildren. Continue reading

New rules seek to impose Māori cultural values on all our children

Feb 01, 2020

With its significant boost to the place of the Treaty of Waitangi in schools, the Education and Training Bill is another instance of the insidious shift of power and authority in government agencies. This Bill will confer undue rights on Maori to influence the education of our children and young people. Please do not let this Bill go unchallenged! Make a submission on this very important issue. Continue reading

More on our highly unsatisfactory new NZ history curriculum

Nov 04, 2021

Haka performed in front of the Ōhinemutu pā, which withstood the assault by Te Waharoa in 1836. PUBL-0014-53, Angas, George French, 1822–1886: War dance before the Pah of Oinemutu, near Rotorua Lake. J.W. Giles lith., 1847. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington. Following the comments we made last month about the inexplicable decision by the Ministry of Education not to release for public viewing submissions made on the proposed new history curriculum, look at what noted historian Dr Paul Moon says about how the exercise was handled. Continue reading

< May 2022 newsletter