The Treaty of Waitangi in the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum
Have you had a chance to explore the new Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum? The Treaty of Waitangi – Te Tiriti o Waitangi is understandably a key focus. To succeed in today’s world, students need to understand the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and perspectives of those who are impacted by this important document today.
The treaty and its history is interwoven across many of the curriculum’s content areas but is also specifically explored within the “Know” section of Tino rangatiratanga me te kāwanatanga | Government and organisation.
In this blog post, I will share how our resources help you to cover specific progress outcomes related to Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi. You can explore the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum further here.
Year 1-3 – Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi
Know: Tino rangatiratanga me te kāwanatanga | Government and organisation.
1. Waitangi Day
Key Question: What do we know about the people who were at Waitangi around the time of signing?
Learning Experiences:
Explore examples of:
- the range of people present on 6 February 1840.
- other places in New Zealand where the nine separate sheets of Te Tiriti were signed.
This resource’s purpose is to explore where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. See more of this resource here.
Know: Tino rangatiratanga me te kāwanatanga | Government and organisation.
2. Waitangi Day
Key Question:
- Why is February 6 called Waitangi Day?
- How does the community acknowledge the significance of 6 February 1840?
Year 4-6 – Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi
Know: Tino rangatiratanga me te kāwanatanga | Government and organisation.
1. Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi
Key Questions:
- How did iwi and hapū in our rohe participate (or not) in the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi?
- Who was present and what was debated?
- What were the range of views expressed by Māori rangatira at the signings of Te Tiriti o Waitangi?
Learning Experiences:
- Explore examples of the range of views among rangatira Māori.
Know: Tino rangatiratanga me te kāwanatanga | Government and organisation.
2. Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi
Key Question: How was participation (signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi) similar or different elsewhere?
Learning Experiences:
- Explore the places where Te Tiriti | the Treaty was signed.
Where Was Te Tiriti o Waitangi Signed?
The purpose of this resource is to explore how iwi and hapū participated (or not) in the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the people who were present and what was debated, and the range of views expressed by Māori rangatira at the signings of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Get our Where Was Te Tiriti o Waitangi Signed? activity pack here.
Know: Tino rangatiratanga me te kāwanatanga | Government and organisation.
3. Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi
Key Questions:
- What are the differences between the English language and te reo Māori versions of the Treaty | Te Tiriti?
- What is the significance of these differences?
Learning Experiences:
- Explore the differences between the English language and te reo Māori versions.
The Treaty of Waitangi Close Reading Activities
The Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand’s founding document and an important part of who we are. Engage your students with this easy-to-use differentiated reading resource. These activities are great for your guided reading program, or as homework tasks. Integrate these activities into your history and/or social studies projects! Learn more about this Treaty of Waitangi Close Reading resource here.
Waitangi Day Reading Comprehension scavenger hunt and puzzle pack (Year 5-6)
Engage your students in Treaty Commemorations and learn about New Zealand’s founding document with our interactive Waitangi Day Reading Comprehension scavenger hunt and puzzle pack. Your students will learn about the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the history and traditions of Waitangi Day, the Maori chief Hōne Heke, the impact of the treaty, and how Waitangi Day is observed now. Get this unique activity here.
Treaty of Waitangi Stations Activities
The purpose of the Treaty of Waitangi Stations Activities is to explore concepts and ideas of the Treaty of Waitangi and Waitangi Day through an engaging and collaborative format. Set up the stations around your classroom (or around the school), get your students into groups armed with the tools they need (see more below), and let them loose! Get this collaborative activity here.
Year 7-8 – Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi
Know: Tino rangatiratanga me te kāwanatanga | Government and organisation.
1. Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi: background
Key Question: What was the significance of He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni | The Declaration of Independence?
Learning Experiences:
- Explore the significance of He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni | The Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence Year 7 and 8 Activities
The purpose of this resource is to explore the reasons why the 1835 Declaration of Independence was a significant document for both Māori and the British Crown, the events leading up to the drafting, writing, and signing of the declaration, and a brief summary of the four sections of the 1835 Declaration of Independence. Get our The Declaration of Independence Year 7 and 8 Activities here.
Year 7-8 – Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi
Know: Tino rangatiratanga me te kāwanatanga | Government and organisation.
2. Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi: background
Key Questions:
- What factors influenced the Crown’s decision to establish and sign Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi?
- How did Māori experiences with early newcomers influence their decision to sign Te Tiriti o Waitangi?
Learning Experiences:
- Explore the wider context of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi.
Pre-Treaty New Zealand Year 7-8 | The Wider Context Behind the Treaty of Waitangi
Aotearoa New Zealand History Resources
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Onwards and upwards,
