Unit 2, Lesson 3: The 20th Century Fight for Rights
Activism and Urbanisation
Lesson Overview
This lesson explores the complex landscape of 20th-century Aotearoa, focusing on the paradox of Māori fighting for freedom overseas while facing discrimination at home, the great migration to the cities, and the rise of a new wave of activism.
Learning Activities
1. Do Now: Primary Source (10 mins)
Use the Polynesian Panthers Primary Source Do Now to introduce the themes of urban activism and discrimination.
2. Jigsaw Activity (25 mins)
Divide the class into two groups. Group A reads the Māori Battalion Legacy handout. Group B reads the Urban Māori Identity handout. Then, students form new pairs with a member from the other group and "teach" each other the key ideas from their handout.
3. Exit Ticket (5 mins)
"What was one major challenge and one major opportunity for Māori in the 20th century?"