Human Rights Commission welcomes Maori history education initiative
Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy has welcomed a new initiative to boost the teaching of Māori history in
primary and secondary schools.
“Māori history is New Zealand history and if our children don’t learn their own history then we have failed them,” said
Dame Susan.
“New Zealand is now regarded as a nation with high realisation of human rights: but this hasn’t always been the case.
Next year New Zealand turns 175 and we need to ensure our children understand and learn from the incredible, sometimes
heartbreaking journey it’s taken to get here.”
Yesterday Associate Minister of Education, Dr Pita Sharples launched a new education initiative to support and
strengthen the teaching of Māori history in Years 1-13 in schools and kura. The publication, Te Takanga o Te Wā, is part
of the Government’s $1.6 million investment to support and strengthen the teaching of Māori history in Years 1-13 in
schools and kura.
“Hopefully more young people will be able to talk about and learn from the New Zealand Wars, as well as Anzac Day and
other more publicised events marking significant events from our history,” said Dame Susan.
ENDS