Exploring the major themes of time, continuity and change and a collective identity, this year the 9C Aotearoa Studies students have explored the journey we have travelled as a nation and the places, people and land that is important to us. Using a historical and social lens to view the timeline of events, students explore the aspects of colonisation, deforestation and social amnesia as well as the aspects of respect and love for elders and the land. In this journey, the rangatahi have learned to look at the past to build hope for the future.

Spring boarding from the Turangawaewae Unit of study, Students explored the interpretations and perspectives of the past and how these have shaped people's lives and communities, especially on the West Coast. While exploring World War I, ANZAC traditions and partnerships, students examined issues arising from the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand. They also examined issues that bring Kiwis together and those that cause division and protest. 

Working on a Social Sciences project and as part of the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Studies, the Year 9C class chose to help collect resources with a team, for a family who lost their house in the floods. Lockdown took us by surprise so we were not able to complete the project. However, since our aim was to build knowledge around the local contexts and about how people deal with crises, like the recent flooding on the West Coast and the Pike River Mine explosion, we were able to shift our focus to some historic and geographical sites on the West Coast. We are very fortunate to have the support of Birchfield Mines as we made a trip to the Rapahoe site of Birchfield Mines and finally visited the Punakaiki rock formation. We also stopped at the entrance of the Paparoa Track while returning to Greymouth.

Students also examined significant milestones affecting Māwhera and NZ during the 20th Century. They explored citizenship perspectives and recognised the rights and responsibilities of New Zealand citizens in times of conflict and peace. They tried to understand the partnerships and relationships that had been forged between New Zealand, Australia and the other Pacific nations that were shaped by the First World War and subsequent events. Eventually we explored Peace treaties and aspects of reconciliation: exploring how individuals, groups, and nations can reconcile differences and build safe and healthy communities.

Our highlight of the year was a visit to Shantytown and discovering what life was like for the children and community in the 20th Century. The rangatahi sat in a traditional classroom and were taken through a journey back in time with train rides and stepping into roles of doctor, nurse, and clergy. Adopting its name from the Grey River/Māwheranui, Māwhera (Greymouth) boasts of a rich history of Coal, Gold and timber which have changed the economic and social dynamics of the West Coast. As we explore and step into a new phase of what the future opportunities will look like for our rangatahi, we want to carry the richness of the past as we aspire towards building a future on some strong foundations.

Aleta Chowfin

Year 9C Aotearoa Studies Teacher