Govt must emphasise civics in new curriculum

The Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand
Media Release – 26 March 2007

Government must emphasise civics in new curriculum

The Republican Movement urges the Government and the Ministry of Education to add an emphasis on civics education to the draft New Zealand Curriculum. The current 2006 - 2007 draft makes no mention of civics and constitutional education in the Social Sciences segment.

"In August 2005 the Government's own Constitutional Inquiry Committee recommended to the Government that civics and constitutional education should be improved in New Zealand schools, and this was accepted by the Government,” said Lewis Holden, president of the Republican Movement.

"And yet there is almost no mention in the Draft curriculum framework of the need for students to learn about how their constitution works. We urge the Government to rectify this - encouraging critical discussion in schools and
communities means more civic awareness and a emphasis on learning
about political ideas and philosophical debate".

"A democracy works best when as many people as possible are able to
participate and contribute their ideas and opinions. It is important
that we empower young people to express themselves politically. Wider awareness of our constitution and our parliamentary system means better and more satisfying political debate and discourse. No matter what side of the republic debate you’re on, that has to be a good thing".

ENDS

The current draft curriculum can be viewed here:

http://www.tki.org.nz/r/nzcurriculum/pdfs/curriculum-framework-draft.pdf

The Republican Movement wants a republic to replace the monarchy in New Zealand with a democratically-elected New Zealander as our head of state, to truly represent our unique culture and our place in the world as an independent nation.

We are committed to:
- involving all New Zealanders in the debate
- providing relevant and reliable information
- focusing on ideas, not personalities
- winning a referendum to establish the republic

Creating a republic does not require any change to the Treaty of Waitangi, flag or Commonwealth membership.

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