Resources

Description: Students are taught about significant historical events and figures that have shaped New Zealand, the Pacific, and the world. Students are taught how to use practices of history, such as interpreting primary and secondary sources, constructing and contesting narratives, and applying evidence to explain the past. Students are taught how historical interpretations and perspectives are used to explain the past and establish historical significance. History leads to pathways in humanities and related disciplines such as political science, law, international relations, tourism, and cultural studies. 

This is the 2026 Draft Social Sciences Curriculum - a Te Tiriti-centric Hauora Focused Critical Analysis. Prepared by Kārena Ngata on behalf of the (NZHTA) Kaiako Māori Roopu.

Phase | Tūārere 4 Years 9 – 10 Social Studies:

The Ministry has still not given us a date for when the final version of this Y1-10 Social Sciences curriculum will be released. We have been told that they are currently working through the submission feedback and making refinements.

“Regarding feedback, we are in the process of analysing and considering all the consultation feedback. We are currently working to release the final National Curriculum in mid-2026. Alongside the release, we will share with the sector the “what you told us” report for each Learning Area summarising the feedback we received during the consultation, and how we responded to it.”

As soon as we know when this will be out, we will let you all know. There will be plenty of PLD in this space coming up! These workshops will help teachers to interrogate the curriculum and to understand the nature of the two different sections: 

Knowledge - The facts, concepts, principles, and theories to teach. 

Practices - The skills, strategies, and applications to teach.

Phase | Tūārere 5 Years 11-13 History:

History Update:

There have been quite a few queries already about 'Where is History?' in the Group 1 release of Social Sciences subjects. History is in Group 3, so we are going to be in the last group of subjects to be released for consultation. The Ministry once again hasn't yet provided us with a firm date, but we have been told it will be mid-July to mid-August.

NCEA Update:

The government has also confirmed that from 2028, NCEA will be replaced with 2 new national qualifications:

• New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) for Year 12

• New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) for Year 13

NZCE will roll out in 2029, followed by NZACE in 2030.