These contexts and activities can be used to generate conversations for discussion in the classroom, as well as inspire students with their own research topics.
Waka: connecting the ocean and history
As islands in the vast Pacific Ocean, the topic of waka is an obvious place to begin exploring aspects of Aotearoa New Zealand's history. more...
A reflection on historical silences
As educators it’s important we continually remind ourselves and our students about the partial and biased nature of historical narratives. more...
Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
Currently, young New Zealanders at the age of 16 cannot vote. This is something Make it 16, a youth-led campaign, wants to change. more...
What to do with markers of our colonial past?
In many places, Black Lives Matter protests have widened to consider the meaning and relevance of colonial-era statues, memorials and names. more...
Comparing pandemics
Historian Elizabeth Cox compares New Zealand’s response to the 1918 flu pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. more...
Anzac Day and remembrance
Activities for teachers and students working on topics related to Anzac Day and war remembrance. more...
New Zealand Wars
Are the New Zealand Wars our forgotten wars? Where do they fit in our exploration of who we are as a nation? more...
Suffrage 125
We remember 125 years of women's suffrage through the lens of contemporary women’s rights and feminist issues in New Zealand. more...
Tuia – Encounters 250
Resources and suggestions to help students engage with the topics relating to Tuia 250 Encounters. more...
Treaty of Waitangi
Treaty of Waitangi-related activities and ideas for srudents and teachers. more...
Featherston incident
Teaching and learning activities related to the riot at Featherston POW camp during the Second World War. more...
Capital punishment
Discussion and activities relating to the death penalty more...
A sense of place
Place-based teaching as a way to engage with wider historical concepts and ideas. more...
Te Tangata Kōhuru – The Murderous Man
To many Māori Native Minister John Bryce was Tangata Kōhuru – The Murderous Man). To the settler community he was ‘Honest John’. more...