Role play - nuclear-free New Zealand - NCEA Level 1 history

Use the feature Nuclear-free New Zealand and your own knowledge and ideas to help you complete the following activity.

Imagine you are a journalist at a press conference given by the New Zealand Prime Minister, David Lange, in February 1985. The United States has reacted to the refusal to allow the Buchanan to visit by severing intelligence and military ties with New Zealand as well as downgrading political and diplomatic exchanges. In this conference you will have the opportunity to ask David Lange what his reactions are to these developments.

Write three questions for the prime minister about the government's decision to ban nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed ships. Then, write the replies to these questions that could be expected from him. Your questions and answers should consider the prime minister's justification for this decision.

• A member of the class could take the role of David Lange and the class could select six questions from the class to ask him. Some students could be reporters asking the questions. The remainder of the class can record the questions and answers. At the end of the conference, check the accuracy of the notes made by the class 'recorders'.
• This would be an ideal opportunity to discuss the purpose and nature of political press conferences.