Celebrating Ngā Kōrero ō Mua - NZ History Inquiry

 This week we celebrated the end of the first part of our NZ History Inquiry, Ngā Kōrero ō Mua. Students have been investigating different topics within our rich national and local histories. Thinking hard about the cause and effect of certain events, they have produced detailed essays, beautiful works of art and entertaining films. We are really proud of the engagement and thinking that has taken place and are looking forward to connecting these national stories to those of our own families in Term 3. 

We celebrated this Inquiry with our friends from Tautoru. Our work will be on display next term and we also look forward to sharing it again during Student-led Conferences! 

Here are a few snippets of our mahi:

Will's Cause & Effect diagram about the Wairau Affray

There were misunderstandings in The Treaty between Pakeha and Maori which led to conflict, such as war and land confiscation. Although things are improving, we still see conflict today for example, Putiki Bay, Waiheke Island which is being developed into a shopping area/loading dock which is frustrating local iwi. I think that in the future the Treaty will be respected more. - Isabella W

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

As part of our Inquiry 'Pūmanawatanga' we have been learning more about New Zealand's history. We have revisited our learning around Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We read a comic about Te Tiriti (read it here), we learnt about the different perspectives held by Māori, The Crown and others in New Zealand at the time. Our complex history is very interesting and things are beginning to click for the students. We are learning about the various 'characters' involved, among whom are James Busby, Edward Gibbon Wakefield and Tāmati Waka Nene.

We had discussions around the 'pros and cons' of Te Tiriti. As we discussed the different view points, we also went back to previous discussions around who writes history, and what is the truth?

We encourage discussions of this at home - there is a lot to learn, and it's great to be learning alongside students!