Last week, we had a wonderful 3 days in Wellington exploring history and politics in our capital city.

Nanni's vlog on the trip is worth a watch!

Politics is so enmeshed in history that it seemed fitting to watch democracy in action in Parliament. Question Time was an eye opener in politicking with questions asked both by opposition to challenge, but also questions from allies to allow MPs a soapbox to show what they have achieved. Issues included the controversial school lunch scheme and frontline doctors and nurses. Dunedin North MP, the Hon. Rachel Brooking (an old flatmate from 1999 London days of Ms Evans ) was then very kind to give the students an hour alongside Ingrid Leary (Dunedin South) discussing politics, Dunedin and current issues.

Eleanor: We all really loved parliament

Nanni: it was so lit

We visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where the students learnt about career opportunities and worked through a simulated ambassadorial activity. Levi Turner was our excellent guide.

Another highlight was the charismatic and quick-witted Assoc. Prof. Delores Janiewski, who gave a lecture for us at Victoria University on The Great Man Theory, set against the backdrop of current politics. We explored The Great Beast twist (Diarmid McCulloch) on Thomas Carlyle's C19th Great Man theory too. This ties into our Scholarship theme for the year effectively: an individual's impact on history.

Mixed in also were visits to Te Papa, the National Library, cable car, ice-cream parlours and the cinema. Ruby celebrated her 17th birthday with a big group meal🎈🎂.

We packed a lot in and walked close to the length of a marathon over 48 hours. Students know the lay of the land well in the capital but Ms Evans will be hearing about the walking for months to come. What a brilliant trip away with a delightful group of Year 13 students.