NZHTA End of Term 1 Pānui, 2026

NZHTA End of Term 1 Pānui, 2026

Tēnā koutou katoa,

As Term 1 draws to a close, we get a chance to reflect on the term and plan for the remainder of the year ahead. It has been a crazy busy term. At a time of immense national and global change we need lessons from history now more than ever.

I have really enjoyed meeting many of you again online this term. We will be running workshops throughout the rest of this year. Info to come out early Term 2. Have a safe and relaxing break, and for those attending the upcoming NZHTA Conference, we look forward to welcoming you to Te-Matau-a-Māui/Hawke’s Bay next week! We will try and book in some sunshine for you all.

In this pānui:

• NZHTA Final Conference Information

• Message from the History National Assessment Advisor (NAA)

• Changes to NCEA qualification confirmed

• Rebuilding the Canterbury/West Coast database

• Sgt. Haane movie release

   

Take care and reach out to me as always with any help you need.

Ngā mihi

Nick Fitness

nzhtaexec@gmail.com

NZHTA Final Conference Information

We are on the countdown to the NZ History Teachers’ Conference here in the mighty Hawke’s Bay on next week! Keynotes are locked in, workshops are filling up fast, a kaiako hītori day to kick the conference off, and the programme is looking stacked. Please double-check your emails for bus departure times from accommodation to the conference venue at Lindisfarne. We look forward to welcoming you all from 7-10 April.

Full conference booklet available at https://nzhta.org.nz/conference

The NZHTA proudly hosts this FREE EVENT in Hastings for Kaiako Māori teaching history. Nau mai haere mai! Whakarongo ki a Charles Ropitini as he shares about the history of Heretaunga; engage in a critical "Principled Resistance" wānanga scaffolded with Ngā Tāhei, over the draft Social Sciences curriculum with Jane Jarman and Kārena Ngata. Participate in a workshop that explores an Ethical Remembering approach to teaching about Parihaka. Link to registration: https://confer.eventsair.com/nzht.../kaiako-hitori-day/Site/Landing Point

Message from the History National Assessment Advisor (NAA)

Kia ora koutou, I hope this message finds you all looking forward to a well-deserved Easter break. I look forward to catching up with so many of you at the NZHTA conference in Napier. A few reminders: Please submit moderation for that Standards on your plan as early as you are able to. Having these come in throughout the year not only helps to manage our workflow, but importantly allows us to provide responsive assessor support. Several exemplars and APTs have been added to and refreshed over the past 6 months, so please check in on these if you have not done so for a while. To be published very soon, is also a webcast unpacking Excellence requirements for 92024.

As per usual, any queries you have regarding the standards can be made through the request for clarification link. This is now an online form and substantially more accessible and manageable for teachers to use. Thank you for you continued support and mahi.

Happy Easter. Christina Nicolaas.

Changes to NCEA qualification confirmed

This information is published on Tāhūrangi https://tahurangi.education.govt.nz/ncea_tranche1 

These include:  

• Replacing NCEA with a new secondary qualifications system with two levels over two years at Years 12 & 13. 

• Introducing subject-based assessment for Years 12 & 13, ensuring students are   assessed on whole curriculum subjects.  

• Removing NCEA Level 1 and replacing it with deeper, curriculum-driven learning in Year 11. This will better prepare students for the qualification in Years 12 and 13.   

• Introducing a Foundational Award recognising students’ achievement in literacy and numeracy at a Year 11 curriculum level.  

   

Schools are not required to make any changes in 2026 as the NCEA still applies.  The new qualification system will be implemented from 2028 (Y11), 2029 (Y12) and 2030 (Y13). As you will be aware, the development of Phase | Tūārere 5 Years 11-13 of the curriculum is underway. The draft curriculum will be released for wider feedback in three tranches, firstly in May, followed by June and July. The new curriculum will be implemented progressively for Years | Tau 11-13 from 2028 to 2030 and will align with the new qualification system.  

There will be significant PLD provided in this space from NZHTA starting over the coming terms as this curriculum and assessment information is released.

Rebuilding the Canterbury/West Coast database

I am rebuilding the Canterbury/West Coast contact database to create a support network around curriculum changes and moderation. If schools have not already been included on this and would like to be they can email me at wlj@papanui.school.nz to be added – Josie Welch.

Sgt. Haane movie release

Directed by Tearepa Kahi, Sgt. Haane tells the story of L. Sgt. Haane Manahi DCM (Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa), whose extraordinary courage during a 1943 World War II battle at Takrouna, Tunisia, secured a critical victory for the Allies. Blending dramatic re‑enactment with the voices of descendants, the film explores legacy, whakapapa and remembrance. The film Sgt. Haane releases nationwide in theatres on April 23. I have been in talks with the producers to get some teachers screenings - more info TBC!

Missed a pānui?

You can find all our previous pānui on our website: https://nzhta.org.nz

Ā kō ake nei | Coming up soon

7 -10 April 2026 – NZHTA Conference – more info at  https://nzhta.org.nz/conference

Kōrero Mai | We'd love to hear from you!

At NZHTA, fostering connections with our history community is at the heart of what we do. Whether you have questions, feedback, or ideas to share, we’re here and ready to listen. Your input helps us continue to support educators, enhance our resources, and advocate for quality history education across Aotearoa New Zealand. Reach out to us and let’s keep building a strong, supportive network together.