Classroom ideas - Confrontation in Borneo

This page contains a broad outline as to how the material on the confrontation in Borneo could be used by teachers and learners studying history at NCEA Level 1 and in particular the popular topic of New Zealand's Search for Security 1945-1985. 

Students in particular will find this to be a concise summary that will assist them with revision. 

We welcome feedback. Please use the comments box at the bottom of this page.

NZ Forces in Asia 1948-72

NCEA History Level 1 

In the aftermath of the Second World War it became clear that New Zealand could no longer rely on Britain for it's defence. Attention turned to the United States which brought New Zealand into the Cold War and the United States' determination to contain the spread of communism in Asia. New Zealand became increasingly involved in Asia after the Second World War including military involvement in Korea, Malaya and Vietnam. Having helped fight Communist insurgency in Malaya as a part of its commitment to Britain, New Zealand supported the newly independent Malaysia (and Commonwealth ally) in 1964 in resisting Indonesia's attempt to wrestle control of the North Borneo territories. In what was known as the Confrontation Campaign, New Zealand soldiers mounted covert cross-border raids into Indonesia. Like the Malayan Emergency, New Zealand's involvement in Borneo is often overlooked by its participation in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The campaigns in Malaya and Borneo are important aspects of New Zealand's search for security and international relations in the post-war period.

This feature can provide students with a context in which to prepare for:

• achievement standard 1.5, by describing the causes and course of this historical development as well as the consequences of these developments.
• achievement standard 1.6 as the Cold War and emphasis on Asia had a significant impact on the shaping of the identity of New Zealanders
• achievement standard 1.3 as there are any number of excellent historical sources relating to these developments which can be used as practice for final assessment

More Classroom topics

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