“Perhaps the Queen may listen to the petitions if they are presented by her Māori sisters, since she is a woman as well.”
Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia on Māori matters of concern, addressing Te Kotahitanga Parliament (Māori Parliament) on this date, 1893.
Stories of the Māori signatories of the 1893 Women's Suffrage Petition have not always been visible, such as that of Tai Tokerau suffragist Meri Te Tai (Te Rarawa), who requested not just the vote for women, but the right to stand in parliament. Māori women were highly engaged in issues of women’s rights in this era.
Māori women & the Suffrage Petition: ow.ly/oXRz50J5QXk
Image source: ow.ly/tu8w50J5QXl ... See MoreSee Less
These fine young men from Dilworth School, Auckland, were the first students to visit Waitangi this term. They impressed us with their depth of thinking as they completed digital missions in Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi. Part of a 3-day Year 13 history trip, they also visited other significant historic sites in Northland.
The Bay of Islands Education Network organised it all for them, including activities, meals, transport and accommodation. Why not let them make organising school trips and camps easy for you! Find out more: ow.ly/x3qX50J4LoS ... See MoreSee Less
This week (9-15 May 2022) is New Zealand Sign Language Week (NZSL), a celebration of NZSL as an official language of New Zealand. NZSL became an official language in 2006, and we first celebrated NZSL Week in 2007. Did you know that the Treaty of Waitangi has been translated into 30 of the languages spoken in NZ? NZSL is the only one to have the Māori version of the Treaty of Waitangi - Te Tiriti o Waitangi, translated into NZSL.
Read our blog for more: ow.ly/yGmI50J4FBZ
Image: "The Treaty of Waitangi" in NZSL: ow.ly/Cmyp50J4FC0 ... See MoreSee Less
Welcome to Term 2! Our education team looks forward to hosting your group - you'll often be welcomed by the tuneful notes and noisy whirring flight of tūī. In te ngahere (the forest), discover traditional lore of our flora and fauna. Did you know that Māori stories tell of tūī, great mimics, being kept as pets and trained to talk? Some manu (birds) were so well-trained they could welcome people to a marae.
For student Education Experiences: ow.ly/cAOH50IWIMh
For teacher/principal visits and support around the new ANZH curriculum: ow.ly/oAbn50IWIMf ... See MoreSee Less
Their names shall live for ever
In the Halls of Memory.
They gave their lives as ransom
That we who live be free.
They bought us peace and freedom,
Nor grudged the utmost price.
God grant that we prove worthy
Of their great sacrifice.
(From "A Poem for Anzac Day" by a New Zealander)
Full poem: ow.ly/Cwnu50IPkUw
Observed on 25 April every year, Anzac Day commemorates all New Zealanders killed or missing in war and also honours returned and serving servicemen and women. It marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian troops, popularly known as the ANZACS (the acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915.
Photo: This Field of Remembrance includes a cross for 'A New Zealand Soldier Known unto God' which represents the thousands of New Zealanders killed or missing in action who have no known grave. ... See MoreSee Less
Cadets from the Leadership Academy of A Company formally lay this Field of Remembrance at Waitangi in preparation for Anzac Day. The crosses each bear a name and commemorate the nearly 600 men of the famed 28 (Māori) Battalion killed in action who lie on foreign soil in Greece, Italy, Austria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Germany, and Poland. Some 16,000 Māori and Pacific Island soldiers enlisted in the armed forces during the Second World War. About 3600 served in the 28 (Māori) Battalion. Education groups can explore their stories in Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship.
Read more on the 28 (Māori) Battalion: ow.ly/h1PX50INglu
For more on Anzac Day: nzhistory.govt.nz/war/anzac-day-resources ... See MoreSee Less
A highlight for many education groups is being welcomed into Te Whare Rūnanga, Waitangi's beautifully carved meeting house, for our cultural performance. Our resident kapa haka group, Te Pitowhenua, showcases Māori performing arts in a high-energy show that leaves students of all ages spellbound. Te Pitowhenua welcomes questions and photos with students after the show- perhaps they may inspire some of them to become performers in the future, helping to preserve and share these rich cultural taonga (treasures). ... See MoreSee Less
Wartime graffiti shows NZ soldiers retaining identity and culture in another land. This greeting ‘Kia Ora’, flanked by ferns, is carved on a tunnel wall under Arras, France, possibly by a New Zealand (Māori) Pioneer Battalion member. In 1916, over 40 battalion members assisted the New Zealand Tunnelling Company to construct the massive underground complex. Hokianga soldier Fred Eru Toe's name is among the many carvings; he was 21 when he enlisted in the battalion. It would have been bitterly cold when he joined the men digging the tunnels. What may have been going through the soldiers' minds as they left their marks in the cold, dark tunnels? We encourage students visiting Te Rau Aroha to imagine the reality of wartime life for these soldiers.
Photo copyright: Jeff Gusky, 2014 ... See MoreSee Less
On this date in 1919, the Pioneer Māori Battalion was welcomed home with a mix of joy, relief and sorrow, and wide public acclaim. The Herald at the time described the Auckland Domain occasion as "the greatest Māori ceremonial of its kind since the royal visit to Rotorua in 1901".
The first Māori Contingent had left New Zealand in early 1915. A year later the NZ Pioneer Battalion was formed of Māori and Pākehā platoons. In 1917 it became a Māori unit, the Pioneer (Māori) Battalion, which later included Pacific Islanders too.
This photo (Auckland Weekly News) of the soldiers marching up Queen Street on 6 April 1919 is seen in Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship, which honours Māori commitment to the armed forces. As students explore exhibits, we encourage them to think critically about the reasons many Māori chose to work and fight alongside Pākehā in both WW1 and WW2, and whether their sacrifice was worth the quest for equality.
Photo: Auckland Libraries, Heritage Collections AWNS-19190410-34-2
For classroom ideas and activities around Anzac Day, explore curated WW1 learning and teaching resources from the National Library: ow.ly/8gTC50IByQO and Christchurch City Library: ow.ly/J2r050IByQN ... See MoreSee Less
Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi ends with a whakatauki (proverb) alongside this pounamu kōhatu (greenstone boulder). Te Whārikī kia mōhio ai tātou ki a tātou – The Tapestry of understanding embodies the weaving together of peoples and understandings in our nation. Gifted to the Waitangi National Trust and the Ngāpuhi people by Ngāi Tahu/Ngāti Waewae, it's the perfect space for students to gather and reflect on the many strands that make up the tapestry of our histories. ... See MoreSee Less
Waka and navigation are an important part of Waitangi's story. Waka have always played a vital role in Māori culture, essential for travel and uniquely constructed and carved as symbolic representations of each iwi’s (tribe’s) identity and spirituality. Here at our waka area, our kaiako Cherie leads students in a hands-on 'paddling' experience as they learn about traditional methods of navigation, such as Te kapehu whetū – the Māori star compass. It divides the 360 degrees around a canoe in the open ocean into different whare (houses). The location of these houses depends on where the sun, moon and stars set and rise. The navigator attempts to keep the canoe on a course relative to these observations. ... See MoreSee Less
We're excited that the final content for teaching Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories and Te Takanga o Te Wā in schools and kura has been released. From 2023, students up to Year 10 will learn how our histories have shaped our nation. Planning ahead for PLD for your school? We can support and inspire you on your journey. We welcome teacher groups to join us for an Aotearoa New Zealand's Histories Te Kōngahu Museum Tour, designed to build on understanding aspects of the curriculum. Make a day of it and explore the grounds fully!
For info on the tour and more: ow.ly/SLOI50Itajf
Find out about the new curriculum: ow.ly/XQBx50Itaje ... See MoreSee Less
Today in 1834, a crowd gathered right here as 25 northern rangatira chose our first official flag, needed as trade grew with New South Wales. We share with students how Hokianga chief Patuone and relative Taonui sailed to Sydney on the Sir George Murray, first NZ-built European-style ship. Impounded on arrival, it breached British maritime laws requiring ships to fly a national flag. Did you know Te Kara is still a legal flag of NZ? Read more: ow.ly/10LK50Iev6x ... See MoreSee Less
Your local area is the best place to start exploring Tūrangawaewae me te kaitiakitanga/Place and Environment, one of 4 national contexts in the new ANZ's histories curriculum. It looks at relationships of individuals, groups, and communities with the land, water, and resources, and at the history of contests over their control, use, and protection. Our Māori placenames record stories of important ancestors and events, creating a striking snapshot of our history. Check out our inquiry unit - Stories of our Māori Placenames: ow.ly/oxv350IknY9 ... See MoreSee Less
Tapora School (Wellsford) Year 1-8 teachers and students visited Waitangi recently. Here curious explorers take different perspectives of Te Kōngahu's digital stories. Projections show Northern Hemisphere navigators arriving, followed by whalers, sealers, traders and missionaries. Students imagine those early meetings and interactions between Māori and Europeans as relationships developed.
📷 Michelle Carmichael ... See MoreSee Less
A picture worth a thousand words - this image in Te Kōngahu conveys Māori disillusionment after the treaty. Today marks 177 years since the British flag on Maiki Hill above Kororāreka (Russell) was felled for the fourth time. This challenge to the British Crown launched the Northern War (1845-46) led by Hōne Heke and Kawiti. Can't visit just yet? Check out our Virtual Experience on causes and consequences of the Northern War and wider NZ Wars: ow.ly/pzTG50IgG1B ... See MoreSee Less
In Te Kōngahu students view a film of NZ history (1860s to present), including the story of Whina Cooper (Te Rarawa). She worked for decades for Māori rights, especially for women. Made a Dame in 1981, she became a member of the Order of New Zealand in 1991. Today, International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women like Whina Cooper. As educators, we're excited for the June 2022 release of a biopic film "Whina". See trailer: ow.ly/WNLk50Icsb1 ... See MoreSee Less
Today NZ celebrates Te Rā O Ngā Tamariki - Children's Day. Dame Whina Cooper, seen in Te Kōngahu museum in this iconic photo with granddaughter Irenee, reflected on our responsibilities to our tamariki.
"Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will the shape of Aotearoa."
How can educators take care as we explore our histories with students? Read our blog: ow.ly/k8wR50Ib4Hi
Photographer: Michael Tubberty ... See MoreSee Less
Our education team understands tamariki need to let off steam during learning and that they also need snack breaks! Our expansive upper grounds just seem to invite them to have a run or two around the flagstaff. After that, we can always find a big old shady tree to sit under, have a picnic and share stories of Waitangi. We work with you before visits to create an Education Experience to suit your group. Find out about visits: ow.ly/7hsE50I45Y5 ... See MoreSee Less
The Documents Room in Te Kōngahu displays facsimiles of the 9 sheets making up our treaty. Digital interactives engage students to explore the fascinating tohu of around 540 rangatira Māori who signed at about 50 gatherings around NZ, until Sept 1840. We ask groups what they know about chiefs who signed or not from their area, and discover more about these rangatira. Read more on the treaty's travels: ow.ly/Qrh850I40S7 ... See MoreSee Less
We warmly welcome Rehu Kara as Education Administrator, previously Guiding Supervisor at Waitangi, and guide for 7 years.
He uri ahau nō Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Apa, Ngā Rauru, Te Āti haunui-a-pāpārangi, Ngāti Kahungunu, me Kai Tahu.
I also descend from the local hapū of Ngāti Kawa ki Ngāti Rahiri Iti, am mana whenua from Pouerua ki Waitangi who also whakapapa to Maikuku and chiefs that signed the Treaty. What inspires me here is the fact that my people have been here since before the Treaty, during the signing of the Treaty and we are still here today. ... See MoreSee Less
Check out our latest newsletter to find out about our education team and programmes, and to see what's new and what's on! ... See MoreSee Less

Term 1 2022
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Ngā mihi nui kia koutou As we share this newsletter, we hope you've been making the most of summer with whānau and friends! We understand the challenges 2022 has brought; as educators we're all ada... Games are a great time for fun and whanaungatanga during learning. This group is playing a traditional Māori hand game, Hei tama tū tama. All about mental dexterity, winning's important, but the way you win is the focus. Smiles, grimaces and teasing to put opponents off are all part of it! After visiting Te Rau Aroha, students experience the game after hearing how the 28 (Māori) Battalion soldiers played it as a warm-up. Read our blog on Māori games: ow.ly/fPTJ50I3WGg ... See MoreSee Less
I te wiki nei i taetae mai ngā tai tamariki o Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Pukemiro. E tūhuratia ana rātou i te Whare Tiriti, arā, i te whare o James Busby me tana whānau. I te tau 1835, i konei i waitohua 34 ngā rangatira ‘He Wakaputanga’. I konei hoki, te wāhi whakatakato te tuhinga tuatahi o Te Tiriti. Pai ake te tae ā-tinana mai, te kite ā-kanohi, i ngā taonga, i ngā wāhi hīkoi, kia rongo te tino wairua o te wāhi nei, a rātou mā. Ka mau te wehi tamariki mā!
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Pukemiro (Kaitaia) visited us this week for our Education Experience. Here they explore the Treaty House, home of James Busby and family. He Whakaputanga - the Declaration of Independence, was signed here by 34 chiefs in 1835. The Parlour Room is where the Treaty of Waitangi was drafted. Wandering through the house gives students a real feel for the events and people of that time. What an awesome bunch of friendly, respectful children! ... See MoreSee Less
On this date in 1840, the largest signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the country took place at Māngungu Mission, near Horeke in the Hokianga Harbour. After lengthy debate, about 70 rangatira (chiefs) signed the Waitangi Sheet before a gathering of several thousand Māori representing many different hapū (subtribes) within the Ngāpuhi iwi (tribe).
Image of Māngungu Mission after an 1838 sketch of Emma Hobbs, 10 year old daughter of missionary John Hobbs, who interpreted at the gathering (Archives NZ) ... See MoreSee Less
182 years ago today, the first signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi|The Treaty of Waitangi took place at Waitangi. Over 40 northern rangatira Māori signed, including 3 female chiefs. The treaty timeline shows how rushed the process was.
• 29 Jan 1840: Captain Hobson arrives in the Bay of Islands with instructions to get a treaty drawn up with the Māori chiefs
• Early Feb: Hobson and Busby write up a treaty between the British Crown and NZ hapū, in English
• 4 Feb: Henry and Edward Williams translate the treaty into te reo Māori but the 2 versions do not say the same thing
. • 5 Feb: Williams discusses Te Tiriti (the Māori version) with rangatira -some chiefs are for and some are against
• 6 Feb: Te Tiriti signed by Hobson and over 40 rangatira
We often talk with students about whether this rushed affair with little time for discussion, two conflicting versions of the treaty, and no consultation of hapū Māori around the rest of NZ would be acceptable today, and why it was considered acceptable in that very different time.
This image is of a painting titled “The Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi” by Ōriwa Haddon (Archives New Zealand). ... See MoreSee Less
182 years ago today, James Busby (Puhipi) invited local rangatira to come to Waitangi on 5 Feb, after William Hobson's arrival on 29 Jan 1840.
My dear friend, I make contact with you again. A war ship has arrived with a chief on board sent by the Queen of England to be a Governor for us both. Now he suggests that all the chiefs of the Confederation of New Zealand, on Wednesday of this holy week coming should gather to meet him. So I ask you my friend to come to this meeting here at Waitangi, at my home. You are a chief of that Confederation.
And so, to conclude.
From your dear friend,
Puhipi, ... See MoreSee Less
Rangatira Māori signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi|The Treaty of Waitangi in various ways; some chiefs wrote their names and others signed with a unique tohu (mark) often taken from their tā moko (facial tattoo) designs. Students get creative in our He Tohu activity; they design a tohu to represent themselves and sign a special sheet with a feather pen and ink. If you make a class treaty for the new year, why not sign it like this? Find our He Tohu activity: ow.ly/z4Ik50HE7kr ... See MoreSee Less
Planning ahead for PLD for your school? Join our Aotearoa New Zealand's histories Te Kōngahu Museum Tour designed by our educators for educators, to build on knowledge and understanding in order to implement the new histories curriculum. Waitangi's the perfect place to make part of your journey of discovery!
"Thank you for your expertise with taking us through the Waitangi museum, our staff thoroughly enjoyed the experience." (Jan 2022)
Find out more: ow.ly/80YY50HyyRa ... See MoreSee Less
Wanted! Chief John Heke! On this date in 1845, the British governor issued this poster after Hōne Heke had twice attacked the Kororāreka flagstaff. The Union flag had replaced the United Tribes flag; to Heke this denied Māori equal status with the government. In return, Heke is said to have offered 100 pounds for Fitzroy’s capture. Just 4 days later, the flagstaff was chopped down again; the final felling in March 1845 began the Northern War, led by Heke and Kawiti. ... See MoreSee Less
If you're thinking of taking your students on a journey of discovery through Aotearoa New Zealand's most significant historical area check out Bay of Islands Education Network. Let them make it easy for you - they organise it all! As well as a visit to Waitangi, they offer a variety of options from day trips to multi-day itineraries for school trips and camps, including activities, meals, transport and accommodation. Find out more: ow.ly/QVIL50Htmra ... See MoreSee Less
On 11 January 1846, Ruapekapeka Pā was the site of the Northern War's infamous final battle. Legendary warrior Kawiti (Ngāti Hine) adapted pā design to withstand artillery firepower; one story tells how he was hunting tuna (eel) and took inspiration from how they hid in riverbank tunnels. Education groups can explore the story and people of Ruapekapeka in both our museums, and they often visit the site with its highly visible, well-preserved defences carved into the landscape. Read more in our blog: ow.ly/i3QF50HqxK0 ... See MoreSee Less
On this date in 1834, William Colenso arrived in Paihia as the Church Mission printer. Before the treaty signing began on 6 Feb 1840, his concerns that many Māori were unaware of the treaty’s meaning were dismissed. He later published his memoirs of the events; a facsimile of his journal is seen in Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi. His most memorable printing work was the Māori text of Te Tiriti|The Treaty of Waitangi. Read his memoirs: ow.ly/AljH50HkGFO ... See MoreSee Less
The Waitangi education team wishes all teachers, students and whānau a very Merry Christmas and safe and happy holidays.
Thank you to all the groups who took part in our programmes in 2021. It has been a year of ups and downs, with some postponements due to travel restrictions, but we look forward to many more of you being able to visit in 2022. Te pai katoa! ... See MoreSee Less
A pūtātara (conch-shell trumpet) like this one seen in Te Kōngahu Museum, was used in the first known conversation between Māori and Europeans. On this date in 1642, two waka of Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri people approached two strange ships anchored off the north-western tip of the South Island. The ships were commanded by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman and this first encounter did not go well. Read more in our blog: ow.ly/emNi50HeGQw ... See MoreSee Less
Legendary Polynesian navigator Kupe is the tekoteko (carved figure) adorning the gable of Te Whare Rūnanga. He holds a hoe (paddle) signifying exploration and leadership and seems to keep a watchful eye over visitors entering the carved meeting house. While nothing beats experiencing the magnificent whakairo (carvings) up close, you can explore them virtually in this 3D model of Te Whare Rūnanga: ow.ly/OENN50HaZ0q ... See MoreSee Less
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Digital technology enhances student engagement as they explore the stories and taonga in our museums. We design digital missions to support their learning focus; as students take photos, answer questions and share their ideas, this feeds directly back to the educator's device - an effective way to give feedback and promote discussion. Here, students look for two inaccuracies on Captain James Cook's 1770 map of New Zealand. Can you spot them? ... See MoreSee Less
Our team receives some very special thank you cards and letters from students after they visit Waitangi. We often include games in our education programmes and this joyful little drawing was sent to us after a visit from a pre-school group, who obviously had fun playing at the Treaty Grounds. Even the flowers look blooming happy! ... See MoreSee Less
Waitangi's resident kapa haka (Māori performing arts) group Te Pitowhenua, is always a highlight for visitors. Students from pre-school to secondary and teachers alike are in awe of their passionate and powerful performance showcasing aspects of Māori culture. Experiencing it inside the impressive carved meeting house, Te Whare Rūnanga, surrounded by carvings representing various iwi (tribes) makes it feel truly special and authentic. ... See MoreSee Less
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We may not have had as many school visits as usual this term, but our team's always busy with new ideas and projects! Here our talented educator Lynne works her magic, recycling materials to create a unique and colourful korowai (Māori cloak) for students to wear during re-enactments. Using props and costumes brings history to life, enriching the experience in a very personal and memorable way. ... See MoreSee Less
Groups with a focus on first arrivals to Aotearoa New Zealand sometimes experience hands-on waka drills. They imagine the sheer boldness of sailing from East Polynesia across the vast Pacific Ocean to settle a new land. Students can explore a wealth of information on traditional navigation methods, like Te Kapehu Whetū-the Māori star compass. The carved face seen on Ngātokimatawhaorua's bow represents Ngāpuhi ancestor Nukutawhiti, captain of the waka. ... See MoreSee Less
Re-enacting historical events like the signing of Te Tiriti|The Treaty expands students' knowledge and understanding of people and events of the period. To re-enact events in the place they happened is even better! Our He Tohu activity combines drama, art, and use of symbols; students design a unique tohu (mark or sign) and sign a special sheet. What tohu would you create to represent yourself?
See our He Tohu activity: ow.ly/6p7K50GP5s6 ... See MoreSee Less
Whangārei Girls' High School took part in our Education Experience, with eleven Year 10 classes visiting over 2 terms. Groups explored Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha, completing digital GooseChase missions in both museums. Teacher feedback was that "students were engaged and interested, lots of deep thinking, questioning and discussion - supported our learning outcomes in an authentic way." Hoki mai anō! ... See MoreSee Less
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The trunk cut from this kauri stump provided the planks for the carved prow and sternpost of Ngātokimatawhaorua, the world’s largest ceremonial waka taua (war canoe), launched in 1940 and looked after at Waitangi. Here Year 4-6 students from Hurupaki School (Whangārei) imagine the sheer size of the approximately 800-year-old tree, and the huge task the waka makers faced felling it and working the timber with just hand tools and muscle power. ... See MoreSee Less
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A mini officer inspects a flag parade as Year 10 students from Tauraroa Area School (Whangārei) hold the 3 official flags in use at different times of our history. The United Tribes flag, New Zealand flag, and Union flag always fly on the Waitangi flagstaff. Teachers shared that bringing students to Waitangi “added a layer of reality to a subject that can seem to have happened well outside their experience." ... See MoreSee Less
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Welcome back to Term 4! We look forward to hosting education groups able to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds this term. Experiencing Waitangi the place brings history to life as students imagine the people and events of the past.
Here students soak up history on the very site te Tiriti o Waitangi|the
Treaty of Waitangi was first signed on February 6, 1840. What would that day have been like for all the different people here? ... See MoreSee Less
Did you know Aotearoa New Zealand has the world record for the longest placename? It belongs to a hill near Pōrangahau in Hawke’s Bay. Locals simply call it Taumata Hill! Our Māori placenames create a striking snapshot of history, telling tales of travel and discovery, romance and war.
Explore placenames and find teaching resources: ow.ly/BUqu50GsFHH ... See MoreSee Less
The cheerful ‘cheet cheet’ call and energetic flying antics of pīwakawaka|fantail are a friendly 'welcome to Waitangi'. Māori look on them as a model for agility to handle traditional weapons like taiaha. A highlight for education groups is our cultural show, with a wero (challenge) from a warrior during a pōwhiri (formal welcome). Wielding his taiaha, he displays impressive footwork, darting from side to side as pīwakawaka flit about overhead.
Holiday fun fantail jigsaw: jigex.com/eSKS4 ... See MoreSee Less
School groups at Waitangi look across to Russell, NZ’s first permanent European settlement and a busy seaport. The original Māori name was Kororāreka, 'sweet penguin'- Kororā (Little Blue Penguin), reka (sweet). It became known as the “hell-hole of the South Pacific” due to its seedy reputation as whalers and sealers arrived for supplies, rest and rowdy recreation. It was renamed after Lord John Russell, Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Try our online kororā jigsaw: ow.ly/nV5c50GoaWZ ... See MoreSee Less
At our waka, you'll learn how the kūaka (godwit) helped Polynesian explorer Kupe find Aotearoa. He studied their migration patterns, deducing there was land to the south. By day voyagers sailed in the flight's direction, guided at night by the kūaka's noisy cries above the waka. Flying kūaka are known as waka kūaka. You may even see them at Waitangi in spring, perhaps asleep. Who wouldn't be after flying 11,500 km non-stop Alaska to NZ!
Try our online kūaka jigsaw: ow.ly/zlpp50GlLx8 ... See MoreSee Less
Kia hora te marino, kia whakapapa pounamu te moana, kia tere te kārohirohi i mua i tō huarahi.
May peace be widespread, may the ocean glisten as greenstone, and may the shimmer of light guide you on your way.
Happy holidays from the Waitangi education team! Try our online jigsaw puzzle of the mighty Ngātokimatawhaorua: ow.ly/IlRa50GjQNs Keep an eye out for new puzzles! ... See MoreSee Less
These school holidays, join our digital scavenger hunt when you bring your whānau along to explore Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi. Take photos and answer questions as you go. It's super-easy to download the GooseChase app and the game is loads of fun! And we promise that it won't be a wild goose chase - tamariki earn points as they complete missions and learn about our stories and taonga.
October 2nd - 15th www.waitangi.org.nz/whats-on/events/ ... See MoreSee Less
This week in 1893, women in New Zealand won the right to vote, a world first. In July, the "monster petition", 13 sheets around a broom handle, had been unrolled with great drama down Parliament's central aisle, hitting the end wall with a thud. The Women's Suffrage Petition is at the He Tohu exhibition, along with He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi -The Treaty of Waitangi.
Read about Taitokerau suffragist Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia: www.waitangi.org.nz/maori-women-and-the-1893-suffrage-petition/ ... See MoreSee Less
Oturu School have been learning about protecting our waterways. They created a Virtual World using Tiltbrush to show their learning. Careful Tae - don't fall in! ... See MoreSee Less
Anyone for cricket? Far North schools recently visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for the launch of a new education programme linked to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022. Top players from the White Ferns got alongside students as they learnt skills on the nation's most iconic stretch of lawn.
The Cric-Kids resource is available in te reo Māori and English, with a focus on hauora and wellbeing.
Read more and find out how to access this resource for Term 4: ow.ly/ruRS50GcGEI ... See MoreSee Less
Students from Hikurangi School develop a Virtual World to showcase their learning. ... See MoreSee Less
To support NZ Schools with distance learning, we have the Virtual Experience available while there are travel restrictions in place or for those who can't visit Waitangi. These 45-minute interactive sessions are designed for Years 6-13 and link closely with the Social Studies curriculum.
Choose from 3 topics: Early Contact | Te Tiriti o Waitangi and The Treaty of Waitangi | New Zealand Wars.
Available from the 13th September via Zoom, subject to availability.
For more information: www.waitangi.org.nz/learn/visit/virtual-visit/
To book contact Brigitte on education@waitangi.org.nz ... See MoreSee Less
Master carver Anamarie adds the finishing touches to her pou in Peria School's virtual world. Her virtual pou was created in SculptGL and she designed her tools in Tinkercad. Peria School students created an amazing virtual world designed to share their learning about their own personal history. ... See MoreSee Less
Jerome observes a (virtual!) pukeko in Maromaku School's VR world. The students have learnt how to show their learning by creating content using a variety of digital tools. ... See MoreSee Less
Maromaku School have been learning about the natural world. In this photo Arabella installs a birdhouse that she created using Paint3D into the shared VR world created in Tiltbrush. ... See MoreSee Less
Students from Auckland Seventh-Day Adventist High School thanked our Kapa Haka rōpū Te Pitowhenua with a beautiful rendition of He Honore. ... See MoreSee Less
Kaikohe West School Year 5 -6 classes recently took part in our digital learning programme.
Their topic was space and stars, and inspired by Waitangi’s stories of early navigators to Aotearoa, students told their own stories through digital technologies.
They created rockets, other 3D objects and 2D artwork, with all cosmic creations put together to form a virtual galactic world.
Read more here: ow.ly/M9Ho50Fx9qY ... See MoreSee Less
Our education team welcomed over 500 tamariki, along with kaiako and whānau, to celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year. Each day schools enjoyed interactive storytelling, traditional games and kite flying. We invite local schools to take part annually – it’s all about having fun together as we learn about this special time of year, officially a public holiday from 2022.
Read more here: www.waitangi.org.nz/matarikiatwaitangi/ ... See MoreSee Less
Pakaraka School students recently enjoyed a busy morning of hands-on learning with our team. A signing activity with a feather quill pen had a special connection to their school’s area; Hōne Wiremu Heke Pōkai (Hōne Heke), the first rangatira to sign Te Tiriti/The Treaty, was born in Pakaraka, Bay of Islands around 1807. Students designed their own tohu (mark or sign) and signed a paper sheet, imagining what it was like for Hōne Heke on 6 February 1840 as he made his mark on history. Read more here: ow.ly/E47050FbfyG ... See MoreSee Less
Waitangi’s unique artefacts give tangible form to the intangible past. As students explore historical taonga, they connect with the time, places, events, and people of our history. Exposure to artefacts brings them closer to the past in a way that words alone often cannot do, bringing to life the stories about how our nation, communities and cultures came to be. Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi and Te Rau Aroha offer a special place to view taonga.
www.waitangi.org.nz/museum-based-learning/ ... See MoreSee Less
Waitangi Treaty Grounds has won a Ministry of Education contract to develop Classroom Support Materials to aid schools with the delivery of the new Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories curriculum that will be rolled out from February 2022.
The Education Project Team at Waitangi is developing a suite of Inquiry Units for years 1 to 10, covering the full breadth of the curriculum. Drawing on their expertise in the education and culture and heritage sectors, the content developers aim to provide resources that can be used by teachers across the country. ... See MoreSee Less
Matariki will rise shortly signalling the Māori New Year. If you are looking for ways to support your classroom learning about Matariki, check out our Matariki Resource here: ow.ly/opAd50F7VBr ... See MoreSee Less
Tūrangawaewae – a Māori concept meaning ‘a place to stand’, to belong, our foundation and place in the world. Kamo Intermediate School’s learning focus for recent visits was to inquire into Waitangi as a significant tūrangawaewae. A visit to Te Rau Aroha, with its focus on the A Company of the 28 (Māori) Battalion, was very important for the students. Kamo principals and teachers had spent time with our ed team at Waitangi to get a feel of our education experience before planning visits for 700 students over several weeks. Read more here: ow.ly/H1nB50EQVc6 ... See MoreSee Less
Education groups with a focus on waka and navigation have been appreciating our multi-sensory He Kaupapa Waka exhibition. The powerful images of the fleet of waka, kaihoe (paddlers) and spectators, were captured by photographer Te Rawhitiroa Bosch at Waitangi Day 2020. Some of our visiting students feature in photos; there is also the story of a local school’s special connection with our Prime Minister. www.waitangi.org.nz/upholding-mana-of-waka/ ... See MoreSee Less
Students are encouraged to reflect on the past when they visit Waitangi but also consider their own role and responsibility in shaping our shared future as citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand. Ōpononi Area School has a special connection to Waitangi's stories. Read more here: www.waitangi.org.nz/opononi-area-school/ ... See MoreSee Less
When Harko is not busy running workshops around the motu, you might find him at Waitangi working with school groups. Harko said he really enjoys working here at Waitangi. ... See MoreSee Less
Brigitte is the friendly voice at the end of the phone when you ring the education office to book in your visit to Waitangi. ... See MoreSee Less
Karen is the newest member of our team and can not wait to start working with the Raranga Matihiko schools. She is an experienced teacher who loves to use digital technology in her teaching practice. Karen enjoys working in beautiful Waitangi. ... See MoreSee Less
Imogen runs onsite visits with schools, and if your kura can't make the trip to the Treaty Grounds, you will meet her during your Virtual Experience. Imogen enjoys the variety of groups that visit Waitangi and designing personalised programmes to meet their learning needs. She also writes the Education blog: www.waitangi.org.nz/learn/education-blog/
Imogen is pictured with students from Pakaraka School who took part in our Education Experience. ... See MoreSee Less
If your class is bilingual or from a Kura Kaupapa Māori, Cherie will be your kaiwhakaako. Ngati Rehia – Ngāpuhi. ... See MoreSee Less
Monika is the Education Manager here at Waitangi. During her four years here she has worked across all of the education offerings from Raranga Matihiko, Virtual Experiences, LEOTC, all the way to teacher PLD. Monika is really excited about the new history curriculum content and is looking forward to helping schools implement this into their school curriculum. ... See MoreSee Less
Join the #RarangaMatihiko team at Waitangi for the year as Educator Mātauranga Māori. Bring your prior experiences & knowledge and learn new skills in an innovative and supportive context at one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand.
www.waitangi.org.nz/about/work-here/ ... See MoreSee Less
The new Aotearoa New Zealand Histories component will be part of the curriculum from next year. A visit to Waitangi allows you and your students to engage with history close and personal – and enjoy a break with a view. Students from Whangarei Boys’ High school play a game of cricket on the Upper Treaty Grounds during their lunch break. Check out the blog post about their visit: ow.ly/uQdp50DC9Fm. ... See MoreSee Less

Whangarei Boys' High School visit - Waitangi
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Whangarei Boys’ High School Year 10 students recently took part in our Education Experience over a week of visits. They made the most of exploring both our museums to research their topic. In betwee... Wondering what your class visit to Waitangi might look like? Contact our Administrator Brigitte to arrange your free pre-visit for teachers via email education@waitangi.org.nz or on 09 – 402 7437 x263. Paeroa Christian School students got a real sense of the past as they explored the Treaty House. To read more about this visit: ow.ly/CIuj50DC9z2 ... See MoreSee Less
Education Experiences are in full swing. At COVID Alert Level 2 we are keeping everyone safe by:
• Maintaining social distancing
• Sanitising high-contact surfaces and equipment frequently
• Reducing the use of shared equipment
• Keeping records of all visiting students and adults for contact tracing purposes
We’re looking forward to seeing you and your learners at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds! ... See MoreSee Less
We can’t wait to see you and your students at Waitangi! Talk to our educators about what activities will best support the learning of your class. Students from Kaikohe East School sign their attendance sheet during our He Tohu activity. Read more about their visit: ow.ly/VqEQ50DC9qX. ... See MoreSee Less
Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its travels
After the first signing on 6 February 1840, treaty copies travelled all around New Zealand to collect signatures.
To find out more, head to our blog ow.ly/WKTx50DDd8f
#nzhistory ... See MoreSee Less
Te Rau Aroha's permanent exhibition is The Price of Citizenship, Te Utu o Te Kiriraraunga. Students learning about the New Zealand Wars have the chance to further their knowledge while visiting the museum. The exhibition explores the Māori commitment to the armed forces, or what Sir Āpirana Ngata said was ‘The Price of Citizenship’. ... See MoreSee Less
The signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi # 2: In this sample unit, students will use TinkerCAD and create 3D objects to share their learning about Te Tiriti o Waitangi| The Treaty of Waitangi (most suitable for Y4 – 8) To find the unit, click here: ow.ly/PeRa50De2Oo
#teachingresources #nzhistory ... See MoreSee Less
The signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi # 1: In this sample unit, students will share their learning about Te Tiriti o Waitangi through coding with Scratch (most suitable for years 4 – 6). Click here: ow.ly/SBUC50De2MV
#teachingresources #nzhistory ... See MoreSee Less
Stories of our Māori Placenames: This inquiry unit explores the importance of tapa whenua (naming places) in Māori culture (can be adapted for use with years 5 – 10).
www.waitangi.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Placenames-edited-to-upload.pdf
#teachingresources #nzhistory ... See MoreSee Less
Waka Inquiry Unit: From whakataukī to pepeha to waka ama competitions: waka play an important role in our lives in Aotearoa New Zealand. This site contains inquiry units which can be used individually or combined into one longer inquiry unit (can be adapted for use with years 3 – 10). Find it here: ow.ly/d0Bp50De2yU
#teachingresources #nzhistory ... See MoreSee Less