John Robinson: Proposed New Zealand history curriculum - a critical appraisal

Maori are just one part – around one sixth – of the people of New Zealand (16.7% of the national population in 2020).  The focus of the draft curriculum on only this one group, with the claim that “Maori history forms a continuous thread, directly linking the contemporary world to the past”, denigrates the significance of the experiences of all other New Zealanders.  Pupils, of diverse backgrounds in a multicultural society, should all be included, and taught the history of us all – including their own ancestors whether Maori or other.

Maori should stop posturing (yes, I have read He Puapua ^[1]) and take their place as equals with the rest of us. This ethnic exceptionalism is nonsensical and damaging to our New Zealand community.