New Governor-General educational resources

GOVERNMENT HOUSE
New Zealand

6 April 2009

Media release

New Governor-General educational resources

The newly launched website of New Zealand’s Governor-General includes educational resources for use by primary and secondary school teachers.

The website (www.gg.govt.nz), which has a fresh modern look, also includes new image galleries and a seven minute video tour of Government House Wellington prior to its closure last year for a major conservation project.

Governor-General, Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, said the educational resources were designed to assist teachers in explaining his role in New Zealand’s system of government.

“Since I was appointed in 2006, my wife Susan and I have visited schools the length and breadth of New Zealand where I have taken the opportunity to explain my constitutional, ceremonial and community leadership roles and answer questions from students.

“However, I have often received feedback from teachers that they would like to either preview or follow-up our visit with specific lesson plans on my role. These two resources, along with a new booklet on the role of the Governor-General, are designed to fill that gap by providing accessible resources on civic education.”

The two educational resources were prepared by working teachers to meet the requirements of the social studies section of the new national curriculum. Both are in PDF format so they can be downloaded and printed off. They include photos and other material that can be used in a class setting.

The first resource is designed for use at Level 4 (senior primary level) and explores how the Governor-General is appointed, the skills required for this leadership position, and the roles he or she undertakes and the consequences of his or her leadership on New Zealand society and local communities.

The second resource is designed for use at Level 5 (junior secondary level) and explores the concept of a constitutional monarchy and the Governor-General’s role within a New Zealand context. Students are then able to compare and contrast the Governor-Generals’ role in New Zealand's system with other democracies.

The site also provides links to other educational resources available on the internet about New Zealand’s system of government and civics education.

ENDS

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