Video Activity: The Aotearoa Wars
Understanding the Conflicts that Shaped New Zealand
Do Now: Watch & Reflect
Watch the video "The Aotearoa Wars - Full Documentary" by Great War Media (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAlzg3g3w_c). As you watch, consider the questions below. This activity is designed to be a "Do Now" to spark discussion at the beginning of a lesson.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. The documentary calls these conflicts "The Aotearoa Wars" rather than "The New Zealand Wars" or "The Land Wars". Why is this choice of language significant? What does it change about how we perceive these events?
2. The video highlights several key causes of the wars. Identify and explain what you believe to be the most significant cause, using evidence from the video.
3. (Extension) This documentary was produced by an international media company, not a New Zealand one. How might this international perspective influence the way the story is told? Does it make it more or less reliable? Explain your reasoning.