Do Now: Polynesian Panther Primary Source Analysis
Do Now: Polynesian Panther Primary Source Analysis · Years 7–10
Ngā Whāinga Akoranga · Learning Intentions
- Investigate a social, historical, economic, or political question using evidence
- Analyse multiple perspectives on complex social issues
- Understand how historical and contemporary forces shape society and identity
- Evaluate the relevance of Māori concepts and frameworks to understanding social issues
Paearu Angitu · Success Criteria
- I use at least two different sources or perspectives in my investigation
- I can explain how historical events or processes connect to present-day conditions
- I can present a clear position supported by specific evidence
- I connect at least one Māori concept or value to the social issue I am investigating
Primary Source Analysis — 5 minutes
The text below is from a real pamphlet distributed by the Polynesian Panther Party in the 1970s. The Panthers were a group of young Pasifika and Māori activists who organised against racism and discrimination. Read carefully and answer the questions that follow.
"IF YOU ARE a Polynesian... and have been receiving unjust treatment from landlords, employers, government departments or the police... THEN CONTACT US. We are here to help our people. We will fight for your rights. We will not stand by and see our people get pushed around. Educate to Liberate."
- Who is the intended audience for this pamphlet?
- What specific problems were the Panthers trying to solve?
- What does the slogan "Educate to Liberate" tell you about their approach and goals?
Hononga Marautanga · Curriculum Alignment
Level 3–4: Investigate how historical, political, and economic processes shape societies; understand how people participate in communities to create change; analyse different perspectives on social, cultural, and environmental issues.
Level 3–4: Gather, evaluate, and synthesise information from multiple sources; construct well-reasoned arguments using evidence; communicate social science understanding clearly in written, oral, and visual forms.
Tuhia ōu whakaaro · Write Your Thoughts
Reflect on your learning. What was the most important idea? What question do you still have?
Aronga Mātauranga Māori
Social Sciences taught well in Aotearoa should be uncomfortable — because the history of this land is one in which Māori and other communities have faced injustice, and in which those injustices are not yet fully addressed. Mātauranga Māori offers frameworks for thinking about social change that go beyond Western political theory: the concept of tino rangatiratanga (self-determination), of kotahitanga (unity in purpose), of utu (reciprocity across time) — these are not abstract ideas but working tools for analysing how power has been distributed and how it might be redistributed more justly.
Ngā Rauemi Tautoko · Resources already provided
- Source analysis framework — for evaluating primary and secondary sources
- Perspective mapping template — for identifying multiple viewpoints on an issue
- NZ timeline reference — key events in Aotearoa social and political history