Preserving History

Overview

This 60-minute lesson focuses on the importance of preserving the history and culture of Ngāti Kauwhata, aligned with the Te Marautanga o Aotearoa framework for Year 8 students. Students will engage in a collaborative learning activity culminating in creating a presentation or artwork that reflects their understanding. This is Lesson 9 of 10 in the unit "Ngāti Kauwhata's Journey".

Learning Objectives

Aligned with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa Social Sciences and key competencies:

Understand the value of preserving tribal (iwi) history and cultural knowledge (Mātauranga Māori).
Know the traditions, stories, and historical experiences important to Ngāti Kauwhata.
Do create a meaningful presentation or artwork that demonstrates personal and collective learning about Ngāti Kauwhata’s journey and the significance of history preservation.

This aligns with fostering identity, language, and culture as the taonga tuku iho (treasures passed down) and supports the development of key competencies: Relating to others, Participating and contributing, and Using language, symbols and texts .

Curriculum References

Social Sciences – Aotearoa New Zealand Histories: Understand how Māori and other peoples view the past, and how this shapes identity and society.
Mātauranga Māori & Tikanga: Integration of Māori language and customs into learning about history.
Key Competencies: Communication in Te Reo Māori, collaboration, critical thinking.
Values Emphasised: Whanaungatanga (relationships), Manaakitanga (care and respect), and Kotahitanga (unity).

Lesson Structure (60 minutes)

Time	Activity	Description	Resources/Materials
5 min	Welcome & Whakarākākā (warm-up)	Open with a pepeha or whakataukī reflecting the importance of language & history. Quick round: students share anything special they've learned about Ngāti Kauwhata so far.	Pepeha/Whakataukī on board or card: “Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori.”
10 min	Discussion: Why preserve history?	Class discussion to explore why preserving Ngāti Kauwhata’s history and culture is vital. Use guiding questions: What do we lose if the stories aren’t preserved? How does tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) relate to history?	Whiteboard/chart paper, markers
15 min	Group Project Planning	In pairs or small groups, students choose to create either a digital/oral presentation or a creative artwork (e.g., collage, painting, tukutuku-style pattern) reflecting their learning about Ngāti Kauwhata. Discuss key messages their work will convey.	Paper, pencils, art supplies, iPads/devices if available
20 min	Creation Time	Students work collaboratively or independently to begin creating their presentations or artworks. Teacher supports tikanga Māori protocols in creation and encourages use of te reo and Māori concepts.	Art supplies, device access, presentation templates
5 min	Sharing & Whakarāpopototanga (reflection)	Quick presentations or sharing of artworks-in-progress. Reflect on the process and learning: How will this help preserve the history?	Group circle, feedback prompts

Teaching Considerations

Encourage use of te reo Māori throughout, reinforcing language as the taonga tuatahi (first treasure).
Scaffold learning with support on key concepts such as iwi, whakapapa, tikanga, and kāinga (sense of place).
Use storytelling and visual symbols to deepen connections, accommodating diverse learning preferences.
Reinforce the idea that preservation is an active practice involving community—link to whanau roles.
Connect with future lessons: Lesson 10 will build on these products to share and celebrate.

Assessment Opportunities

Formative: Teacher observation of participation in discussions and group planning using a rubric for engagement, contribution, and respect for tikanga.
Summative: Evaluation of students’ presentations/artworks based on understanding, creativity, and cultural respect, with criteria co-developed with the class.
Use oral, written, or visual evidence aligned with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa assessment practices.

Whakataukī to Close

"Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngahere. Ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao."
The bird that partakes of the miro berry reigns in the forest. The bird that partakes of the power of knowledge has access to the world.

This proverb sets the tone for valuing the wisdom accumulated through preserving history and culture .

If desired, this lesson plan can be digitally enhanced with multimedia sources of Ngāti Kauwhata stories or artefacts to further engage students and anchor the learning in lived experiences. This approach supports Te Marautanga o Aotearoa principles of genuine and localised learning.

Teaching Instructions