NZ in the 19th century - NCEA 3 History

The broad survey of New Zealand in the 19th century provides a context within which to prepare for the three external achievement standards offered in NCEA Level 3 history namely:

• Analyse and evaluate evidence in historical sources
• Examine a significant decision made by people in history and
• Examine a significant historical situation in the context of change

Three key themes are explored:

Maori-Pakeha relations

The relationship between Maori and Pakeha underpins the entire topic. This relationship involves complicated struggles surrounding land, law and sovereignty as New Zealand was transformed from a Maori world to a European one.

Economic and social change

The economic transformation of New Zealand was achieved via the acquisition of large quantities of Maori land. The political and economic aspirations of the settler population quickly overrode those of Maori.  

Society and attitudes

The migration to New Zealand of tens of thousands of settlers in the 19th century had a significant impact on their lives and those of Maori. The physical and social landscape was transformed as towns and cities developed. Maori, settler Pakeha and new migrants responded to the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Content coverage

This broad survey presents students with the challenge of studying a time period longer than any they have previously studied in NCEA history. One suggestion is to break the content down into three broad time periods. This approach makes the process of ‘compare and contrast' easier. Some suggested time periods are:

• The period up to 1840, sometimes referred to as the 'race relations apprenticeship', in which New Zealand is very much a Maori world.
• The 1840s through to the 1860s. The Treaty of Waitangi and war dominate this period. The settler population increases and seeks greater political power and more land for settlement.
• 1870-1900. New Zealand is transformed economically and socially and is now very much a European world.