Official Information Act Request – New Zealand History Official Information Act Request – Israel-Palestine in NZ School Curriculum
Will Bruce made this Official Information request to Ministry of Education
Currently waiting for a response from Ministry of Education, they must respond promptly and normally no later than (details and exceptions).
From: Will Bruce
Dear Ministry of Education,
Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request the following information regarding how the history and current events of Israel and Palestine are taught in New Zealand schools:
1. Any official curriculum guidelines, directives, or policies that outline how the Israel-Palestine conflict, Middle Eastern history, or related topics (e.g., Zionism, Palestinian statehood, colonialism, or modern conflicts) should be taught in New Zealand schools.
2. Teaching resources, lesson plans, or recommended materials (e.g., textbooks, videos, or external sources) provided to schools on this subject.
3. Whether there are specific standards, neutrality policies, or guidelines for discussing contentious international issues like Israel-Palestine in classrooms.
4. Any recent changes (since 2020) in how these topics are addressed in the curriculum, particularly in Social Studies, History, or Politics.
As required by the OIA, I look forward to your response within 20 working days. If you anticipate delays, please notify me in advance.
Yours faithfully,
Will Bruce
From: Enquiries National
Ministry of Education
Kia ora Will
Thank you for the information request below. The Ministry will consider
and respond to your request in accordance with the Official Information
Act 1982 the Act).
Under section 15(1) of the Act, we are required to make and inform you of
our decision on your request as soon as reasonably practicable and in any
case not later than 20 working days after the day on which your request is
received. You can therefore expect to receive our decision on your request
on or before 9 June 2025. If more than 20 working days are needed due to
the potential workload and/or consultations involved in answering your
request, we will notify you accordingly.
The Ministry may publicly release on our website the response to your
request five days after you have received it. Any personal information
will be removed.
In the interim, if you have any questions about your request, please email
[1][email address]
Ngâ mihi
Enquiries National Team | Te Tâhuhu o te Mâtauranga | Ministry of
Education | TW
[2]education.govt.nz
We shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent
outcomes
He mea târai e mâtou te mâtauranga kia rangatira ai, kia mana taurite ai
ôna huanga
[3]Te TD huhu o te MD tauranga
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