NZ Histories Call Back Day



Image by anncapictures from Pixabay 

Tamsin Hanly talked us through her Curriculum Programme Resource (CPR) for teaching NZ histories. 

I appreciated Tamsin sharing her story. As a 15-year-old she was really affected by the Bastion Point protests and delved into the stories leading up to this protest. She was shocked that there was so much about NZ history that she was never taught and never aware of. That set her off on a journey to learn more about NZ history and become a teacher, academic and writer to share what she learned with others.  

I relate, because as a high-schooler I listened to all the news reports about the Foreshore and Seabed issues and I completed a school project on it. I also was shocked at the injustice, the mis-information and the missing information. It was probably at that point that I started to question the "NZ Standard Story". From my perception this is a cultural narrative that says (in a nutshell) that Māori are to blame for their own problems. It empowers the dominant culture to continue in racist thinking and acting. 

Tamsin talked a lot about 'accurate histories' and I think she wants to shed the light on the parts of our history that we have ignored or been ignorant of. We will be much better as a people if we can honestly see and understand what has gone before us.  

Another point of connect with me was her discussion of "Pakeha Culture." Pakeha often feel 'culture-less'. However, NZ would be a better place if Pakeha could recognise and celebrate their own culture. Pakeha would feel more secure in their identity. This idea of "Pakeha Culture" connected with me because I've been asking that question of myself and others recently - "What is my culture??" Where are my cultural celebrations, dances, songs and foods? This is a welcome and timely opportunity to explore that further for myself, my family and the students I teach. 

Let the learning continue... 

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