The teacher should cover the developments in Maori and Pakeha race relations in the context of WWII.
Part 1
Learning intentions Students are learning to…
Focus: What were the effects of world war two and subsequent urbanisation on race relations?
- To explore ways in which Maori attempted to gain equality in NZ society.
- To identify the impact the Maori Battalion had on the NZ psyche.
Success criteria (How do students know they have achieved success?)
I can…
- I can describe some of the motivating factors for enlistment in the Maori Battalion.
- I can demonstrate an understanding of the role the Maori Battalion played in WWII.
- I can discuss how the war contributed to race relations in NZ.
Key Content to Cover
- Maori response to WWII
- The Maori Battalion
- Motivations of the Maori Battalion – Desire for equality
- Maori Battalion’s military role and reputation
- Organisation of the Maori Battalion
- Maori War Effort Organisation
- Maori Women during WWII
- Consequences of participating in the war for Maori both during and after the end of the conflict
Key concepts:
- Urbanisation
- Equality
- Theatres of war
TASK:
Assign a theatre of war to different groups who then research the Maori battalions exploits etc.
Relevant Film Archive footage and Key Questions
DVD 2. IMPACT OF WAR
There are a number of poignant and moving excerpts about the Maori Battalion and the early moves
towards urbanisation.
They would be best used to spark a classroom discussion on the impact the Maori Battalion had on
New Zealand and on the place of Maori in NZ.
DVD 2. IMPACT OF WAR
The Maori Battalion, Fighting Fury: Maoris Ready to Reinforce Famous Battalion, 194-
- Key points – folklore “glory”
- Note age of reinforcements - casualties 6 in 10 killed or wounded. (nearly 3 times the overall NZ casualty rate)
- Maori Battalion song becomes NZ army song regardless of race
Questions:
- What evidence is there of amalgamation/integration?
- Who were the Maori Battalion?
- Did they represent all Maori?
- How were they organised?
- How are the Maori Battalion presented here?
- What effect would this have had on perceptions in NZ of Maori?
DVD 2. IMPACT OF WAR
Weekly Review 232: The Maori Battalion Returns, 1946
Points of interest: The Maori Battalion came home late to save them from another “Cape Town” –
when the battalion was first travelling to war, they were not allowed off the ships in South Africa by the authorities!
The Maori Battalion were volunteers the whole war.
They had an extremely high casualty rate of 5 in 7!!
Quotes from excerpt:
“Return not as conquering heroes but as remnants of a brave battalion.”
Maori War effort organisation organised the occasion “The Maori people share the cost”
“In years to come their deeds will be told again and again so long as Maori blood endures”
Note traditional “Tapu removal”
Part 2
Learning intentions Students are learning to…
Focus: What were the effects of world war two and subsequent urbanisation on race relations?
- To investigate the impact of urbanisation on Maori communities.
Success criteria (How do students know they have achieved success?)
I can…
- I can discuss how the war contributed to race relations in NZ.
- I can describe how urbanisation began to affect Maori and Pakeha communities and the issues that arose.
Key Content to Cover
The teacher should cover the developments in Maori and Pakeha race relations in the context of WWII.
Key content:
- Beginning of Maori Urbanisation
- Maori Women during WWII
- Consequences of participating in the war for Maori both during and after the end of the conflict.
Key concepts
Relevant Film Archive footage and Key Questions
DVD 2. IMPACT OF WAR
Women in Wartime, Our People Our Century: Families at War, 2000
Caught up in recruitment drive to bring workers to cities - urbanisation
Discuss the impact of moving from rural to urban
– impact of size
– trams
– excitement
– dance halls
– American servicemen
DVD 2. IMPACT OF WAR
Lost Generation, Te Puhi Kai Ariki: A Salute to the Maori Women's Welfare League
Urbanisation – confusing period for Maori
Discuss what effect the high casualty rate and the war had on future Kaumatua. How would this affect Maori society?
DVD 2. GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY RESPONSES (REHABILITATION) 1949
Weekly Review 402: Maori Rehab... new farms beside Wairoa
This excerpt could be used to illustrate rhe rehabilitation schemes offered to Maori Battalion Veterans.
Modern homes built for former members of the Maori Battalion. Ex-servicemen trained to be farmers.
Discuss: Is this useful as evidence of integration? Assimilation?
European farming/ownership/housing/tennis.
“The European dream” – “civilising” Maori
Interesting quote: “If all housing were as good as this there would be a great improvement in the health of
Maori children.”
