Historical Significance & Changed Perceptions
A reflection on Graeme Ball's presentation

Graeme Ball's presentation on February 11th didn't change my world view, but it did give me a massive sense of vindication. I've always been a big supporter of the Aotearoa New Zealand's Histories (ANZH) curriculum, but was unaware that Ball was the one who pushed the 2019 petition and helped build that curriculum. Putting a face to that curriculum content, and realising the content I already adore came from someone with that level of grit and conviction, makes me feel a lot more grounded in my own perspective. It's a bit of a "missing link" for me — connecting the complex, decolonising nature of that curriculum that I value back to the actual advocacy that made it possible.

My awareness is changing slowly, from seeing the curriculum as a set of rules to seeing it as a hard-won right for our rangatahi. Ball's point about the "lottery" of historical knowledge in our schools really stuck with me. It reinforced the idea that we aren't just teaching a subject; we are actively correcting a shameful silence that has existed for decades. I feel more confident than ever that Te Tiriti is the only logical starting point for any history we teach in Aotearoa. It's not about guilt; it's about giving students the honesty they deserve so they may actually understand the country they live in.

In my teaching, unpacking and understanding Te Tiriti will not be some "add-on" unit for a few weeks of the year. Because I'm already so aligned with this kaupapa, my goal is to develop a dual-narrative approach as the default for my classroom. It's about being upfront with the often uncomfortable history warts and all, as Ball advocates for. Ensuring Māori perspectives are woven into every inquiry we do. If we're talking about local issues in a place like Kirikiriroa/Hamilton, we have to be talking about the Treaty — otherwise, we're just telling half the story.

Beyond the classroom, the biggest way I'm putting this into practice is through Te Kete Ako. I see building this resource hub as my way of honouring the Treaty by making it easier for other teachers to find high-quality, honest content aligned with Mātauranga Māori. It's my way of helping to end that "lottery" and ensure every ākonga gets a decent education.