New Zealand and the United Nations - social studies activities

This page gives a broad outline of how The feature New Zealand and the United Nations and in particular the material on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights could be used by teachers and students of social studies and history.

Some other useful links for you to explore include:

• the United Nations cyberschoolbus
• the New Zealand Human Rights Commission.

The Human Rights Commission, Te Kahui Tika Tangata is a key institution in New Zealand in terms of upholding human rights in this country. The Human Rights Act 1993 sets out the commission's functions. The commission's vision is that New Zealanders know their rights, acknowledge their responsibilities and respect the rights of others.

• Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand

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Social studies

Human Rights Day is held on 10 December each year. It is a day when people throughout the world acknowledge the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 June 1948. 

The issue of human rights is relevant to a number of social studies topics. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides an opportunity to look at New Zealand's involvement with organisations like the United Nations and to explore the work of the United Nations and its associated agencies.

Te celebration of Human Rights Day each year might also give your class or school a chance for a school-wide celebration or acknowledgment.

• For more detail of specific activities relating to this feature go to Human Rights Day activities- social studies

NCEA Level 1 history

New Zealand’s participation in the United Nations is an integral part of the popular topic 'New Zealand's search for security 1945–85'. The decision to become an active member of the United Nations is a good case study in New Zealand’s commitment to the notion of collective security as well as an example of an increasingly independent foreign policy.

More classroom topics

See other ideas and activities relating to social studies.

See other ideas and activities relating to NCEA Level 1 history.

For other resources for all teachers and students see The Classroom.