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NCEA Level 2 History study materials
NCEA Level 2 History study resources

NCEA Level 2 History practice questions

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Question 1Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student is carrying out an inquiry into the sinking of the ferry Wahine in Wellington Harbour in 1968. Which statement best describes the purpose of establishing a focused inquiry question at the start of the process?

  1. It replaces the need to evaluate the reliability of the sources consulted
  2. It removes the requirement to consider different perspectives on the event
  3. It narrows the scope of research so evidence gathering stays directed and manageable Correct answer.
  4. It guarantees the inquiry will reach a predetermined conclusion about the event

Explanation

A focused inquiry question defines the boundaries of the investigation, guiding which sources and evidence are relevant. Without a clear focus, research drifts and becomes difficult to structure or conclude. It does not predetermine findings or remove the need for source evaluation and multiple perspectives.

Question 2Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

When planning an inquiry into the 1981 Springbok tour, a student writes a question asking 'why did protest against the tour become so widespread in New Zealand?' Which feature makes this an appropriate inquiry question?

  1. It focuses only on the personal opinion of the student
  2. It invites investigation of causes and can be supported with evidence Correct answer.
  3. It has already been settled by a single authoritative source
  4. It can be answered with a simple yes or no response

Explanation

An effective inquiry question is open-ended and asks about causes, significance or change over time, allowing evidence to be gathered and interpreted. A question about why protest spread invites analysis of multiple causes. Closed questions, opinion-only questions and questions already settled offer little to investigate.

Question 3Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student investigating the construction of the Auckland Harbour Bridge uses a 1959 newspaper article, an oral history interview with a bridge worker, and a modern engineering report. What is the main reason for using more than one type of source?

  1. To ensure the inquiry reaches a single uncontested viewpoint
  2. To cross-check claims and gain different perspectives on the event Correct answer.
  3. To increase the total word count of the final presentation
  4. To avoid having to reference any of the sources used

Explanation

Using a range of source types allows claims to be corroborated and gives access to different viewpoints and kinds of evidence. A newspaper, an oral history and a technical report each offer distinct strengths and limitations. Triangulation strengthens the reliability of conclusions drawn.

Question 4Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

While researching the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, a student finds a diary written by a Napier resident in the days after the quake. Which type of evidence does this source provide?

  1. A statistical dataset compiled by a government agency
  2. A primary source created close to the time of the event Correct answer.
  3. A fictional account with no historical value
  4. A secondary source created long after the event

Explanation

A diary written shortly after an event by someone who experienced it is a primary source, offering a first-hand perspective. Primary sources are created at or near the time by participants or witnesses. Later interpretations built from such material are secondary sources.

Question 5Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student is evaluating a website about the 1918 influenza pandemic in New Zealand. Which detail would most strongly suggest the source may be unreliable for an historical inquiry?

  1. The page lists no author, date or references for its claims Correct answer.
  2. The page was updated within the last two years
  3. The page was published by a university history department
  4. The page includes quotations from contemporary newspapers

Explanation

Reliability is assessed using criteria such as authorship, date, purpose and supporting references. A page with no identifiable author, date or citations cannot be easily verified or contextualised. University publication, use of quotations and recent updating are generally positive indicators rather than warning signs.

Question 6Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

In an inquiry into the 1951 waterfront dispute, a student needs to explain the differing positions of the employers and the watersiders' union. Which approach best meets this requirement?

  1. Rely on a single union pamphlet as the sole source of evidence
  2. Use sources reflecting both sides and explain the reasons for their differences Correct answer.
  3. Present only the government's account because it is the official record
  4. Assume both parties held identical views and describe them together

Explanation

Explaining differing positions requires evidence from multiple perspectives and analysis of why those perspectives diverged. Using sources from both employers and workers allows the student to compare and account for the differences. Relying on one side or one source produces a one-sided account.

Question 7Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

An inquiry into the Tangiwai disaster of 1953 requires the student to describe the sequence of events on the night of the accident. Which skill is being demonstrated when the student orders the evidence chronologically?

  1. Sequencing events to establish cause and effect Correct answer.
  2. Identifying the purpose of a propaganda poster
  3. Evaluating the reliability of a source
  4. Calculating the statistical significance of the event

Explanation

Placing evidence in chronological order helps establish how events unfolded and how one event contributed to another. Sequencing is fundamental to explaining cause and effect in an historical inquiry. It is distinct from source evaluation, purpose analysis or statistical calculation.

Question 8Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student's inquiry into the 1975 land march (Te Hīkoi Whakatū) must include an explanation of why the event was significant to New Zealanders. Which statement best explains historical significance?

  1. The event was reported in a single newspaper
  2. The event involved only a small group with no wider impact
  3. The event had lasting consequences and mattered to many people Correct answer.
  4. The event happened a very long time ago

Explanation

Historical significance relates to the importance and consequences of an event for people at the time and afterwards. An event that produced lasting change and mattered widely is significant. Age alone, single coverage or narrow impact do not establish significance.

Question 9Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student investigating the 1967 sinking of the ferry Wahine finds two accounts that disagree about the number of people rescued. What is the most appropriate next step in the inquiry?

  1. Accept the first account encountered and ignore the other
  2. Remove both accounts from the inquiry entirely
  3. Investigate the origin and reliability of each account before deciding Correct answer.
  4. Average the two figures to create a new number

Explanation

When sources conflict, the inquirer should examine their origins, purposes and reliability before drawing a conclusion. This may involve checking against further sources such as official records. Simply choosing, averaging or discarding evidence undermines the integrity of the inquiry.

Question 10Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

An inquiry into the 1985 bombing of the Rainbow Warrior requires the student to consider the actions of the French government. Which concept is most directly being applied when the student examines why France acted as it did?

  1. Perspective Correct answer.
  2. Chronology
  3. Cause and effect
  4. Continuity and change

Explanation

Examining why an actor behaved as it did requires understanding that actor's perspective, values and interests. Perspective involves interpreting motives and viewpoints within their context. Chronology, continuity and change, and cause and effect address different historical concepts.

Question 11Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student wants to strengthen an inquiry into the 1893 women's suffrage petition by finding additional evidence. Which source would most directly provide relevant primary evidence?

  1. A blog post summarising the suffrage movement
  2. A copy of the suffrage petition held in the national archives Correct answer.
  3. A textbook chapter on New Zealand politics
  4. A modern novel set in nineteenth-century New Zealand

Explanation

The suffrage petition itself is a contemporary document directly connected to the campaign, making it primary evidence. A novel, blog post and textbook chapter are later interpretations or creative works. Primary sources provide the closest connection to the event under investigation.

Question 12Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

When presenting findings from an inquiry into the 1947–1957 waterfront dispute, a student makes a claim about the number of working days lost. What must the student do to support this claim?

  1. Present the claim without any supporting material
  2. Rely on memory rather than consulting any source
  3. State the claim more forcefully to make it convincing
  4. Reference specific evidence such as official statistics or records Correct answer.

Explanation

Claims in an historical inquiry must be supported by specific, referenced evidence that a reader could check. For a statistical claim, official records or reliable datasets are appropriate. Assertion without evidence cannot be verified or trusted.

Question 13Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student's inquiry conclusion states that the 1931 Napier earthquake 'changed building regulations across New Zealand'. Which piece of evidence would best support this conclusion?

  1. A record showing new earthquake-resistant building standards introduced after 1931 Correct answer.
  2. A survivor's description of the shaking during the quake
  3. A photograph of damaged buildings taken after the quake
  4. A map showing the location of the earthquake's epicentre

Explanation

To support a claim about changed building regulations, evidence must directly address regulatory change. A record of new standards introduced after the earthquake connects directly to the conclusion. Photographs, survivor descriptions and epicentre maps document the event but not the regulatory response.

Question 14Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

An inquiry into the 1975 land march uses a government file, a participant's oral history and a newspaper report. Which statement best evaluates the strengths of the oral history?

  1. It provides personal insight into motivation but may be shaped by memory Correct answer.
  2. It offers no useful evidence for an historical inquiry
  3. It is identical in purpose to an official government file
  4. It is always more reliable than any written document

Explanation

Oral histories offer valuable personal insight into experiences and motivations that documents may not capture. However, memory can fade or be reshaped over time, so oral evidence is usually weighed alongside other sources. It is neither automatically superior nor useless.

Question 15Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student investigating the 1918 influenza pandemic wants to understand its impact on Māori communities. Which consideration is most important when selecting sources?

  1. Seeking sources that specifically address Māori experiences and perspectives Correct answer.
  2. Using only sources written outside New Zealand
  3. Ignoring any source that mentions differences in impact
  4. Choosing only sources that describe the pandemic in general terms

Explanation

To understand impact on a particular community, sources must specifically address that community's experiences. General accounts may overlook or understate differences in impact. Selecting sources that reflect Māori perspectives and experiences is essential for an accurate inquiry.

Question 16Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student is structuring an inquiry into the 1951 waterfront dispute. Which structure best reflects the inquiry process?

  1. Conclusion, then question, then evidence, then evaluation
  2. Question, then evidence gathering, then analysis, then conclusion Correct answer.
  3. Evaluation only, with no evidence gathering
  4. Evidence gathering only, with no question or conclusion

Explanation

The inquiry process generally moves from framing a question, through gathering and evaluating evidence, to analysis and a supported conclusion. This logical sequence ensures conclusions rest on evidence. Starting with a conclusion or omitting key stages undermines the process.

Question 17Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

An inquiry into the 1981 Springbok tour finds a protest pamphlet and a police report describing the same march. The accounts differ sharply. What does this difference most likely indicate?

  1. Both sources should be discarded
  2. The event did not actually take place
  3. The sources reflect different perspectives and purposes Correct answer.
  4. One account must be entirely false

Explanation

Differing accounts of the same event often reflect the different perspectives, purposes and audiences of their creators. A protest pamphlet and a police report serve different interests. The historian's task is to analyse these differences rather than assume one is wholly false.

Question 18Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student's inquiry into the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera uses a letter written by a settler in the weeks afterwards. Which question is most useful for evaluating this source's reliability?

  1. Is the handwriting neat and legible?
  2. Was the letter written on expensive paper?
  3. Who wrote the letter and what was their position and purpose? Correct answer.
  4. How many words does the letter contain?

Explanation

Evaluating reliability involves identifying the author, their position, their purpose and the context of creation. These factors shape what the source records and how it should be interpreted. Length, handwriting and paper quality do not address reliability of content.

Question 19Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

An inquiry into the 1975 land march concludes that the march 'raised public awareness of Māori land grievances'. Which type of evidence would most directly support this conclusion?

  1. A list of the marchers' accommodation stops
  2. Newspaper coverage and public discussion showing increased attention to the issue Correct answer.
  3. A biography of one marcher's childhood
  4. A map of the route walked by the marchers

Explanation

A claim about raised public awareness is best supported by evidence of public attention, such as increased media coverage or public debate. A route map, a childhood biography or a list of stops documents logistics rather than awareness. Matching evidence type to the specific claim is essential.

Question 20Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student investigating the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake finds a modern documentary and a set of contemporary photographs. How should the student treat these two types of source differently?

  1. Treat the photographs as primary and the documentary as secondary Correct answer.
  2. Treat both as primary sources of equal standing
  3. Treat the documentary as primary and the photographs as secondary
  4. Treat both as secondary sources with no primary value

Explanation

Photographs taken at the time are primary sources, while a modern documentary is a secondary interpretation drawing on such material. Recognising this distinction helps the student weigh each source appropriately. Primary and secondary sources serve different evidentiary roles.

Question 21Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

Two students investigate the 1951 waterfront dispute. One relies mainly on employer publications, the other mainly on union material. Their conclusions differ. What does this most clearly demonstrate about historical inquiry?

  1. That historical conclusions are purely arbitrary and meaningless
  2. That the selection of sources can shape the conclusions reached Correct answer.
  3. That only employer sources are trustworthy
  4. That the dispute cannot be studied at all

Explanation

The sources an inquirer selects influence the perspective and conclusions of the inquiry. Relying on one side's material produces a correspondingly one-sided account. This demonstrates why balanced source selection and critical evaluation matter.

Question 22Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

An inquiry into the 1985 Rainbow Warrior bombing must explain the event's significance to New Zealanders. Which argument best justifies its significance?

  1. It occurred in a harbour that is popular with tourists
  2. It involved a well-known international organisation
  3. It raised serious questions about state sovereignty and foreign interference Correct answer.
  4. It happened during a period of economic reform

Explanation

Significance is best justified by the consequences and meaning of an event for people. The bombing raised profound questions about national sovereignty and the limits of foreign action on New Zealand soil. Tourist popularity, organisational fame or economic context do not by themselves establish significance.

Question 23Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student's inquiry into the 1918 influenza pandemic concludes that it 'had a disproportionate impact on Māori communities'. To test this conclusion rigorously, what should the student do?

  1. Rely on a single general history of the pandemic
  2. Compare mortality data for Māori and non-Māori populations Correct answer.
  3. Assume the conclusion is correct without further checking
  4. Repeat the conclusion more confidently in the final report

Explanation

Testing a comparative claim requires comparative evidence, such as mortality data for the different populations. This allows the student to verify whether the impact was indeed disproportionate. Repeating, relying on a single source or assuming correctness does not test the claim.

Question 24Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

An inquiry into the 1975 land march draws on a participant's oral history recorded forty years later. Which limitation should the student most carefully consider?

  1. The participant may misremember details or reinterpret events with hindsight Correct answer.
  2. Oral histories are never used in historical inquiry
  3. The recording is too recent to have any value
  4. The participant was not actually present at the march

Explanation

Oral histories recorded long after an event can be affected by fading memory and reinterpretation shaped by later experiences. The student should weigh such testimony against contemporary evidence. This is a limitation to consider, not a reason to dismiss oral history entirely.

Question 25Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student investigating the 1893 suffrage campaign wants to assess whether a petition was widely supported. Which evidence would most strongly support a claim of broad support?

  1. A personal opinion posted online
  2. Signatures gathered from many regions across the country Correct answer.
  3. A modern film about the campaign
  4. A single letter from one suffragist

Explanation

A claim of broad support is strengthened by evidence showing participation across many regions and groups. Signatures from across the country directly demonstrate widespread involvement. A single letter, a modern film or an online opinion cannot establish breadth of support.

Question 26Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student begins an inquiry into the 1981 Springbok tour by writing a focus question. Which focus question best suits an historical inquiry for this achievement standard?

  1. Why do people play rugby?
  2. What happened during the Springbok tour?
  3. How did the 1981 Springbok tour affect race relations in New Zealand? Correct answer.
  4. Was the Springbok tour good or bad?

Explanation

A strong inquiry focus question is open, arguable and specific enough to guide evidence gathering about an event of significance to New Zealanders. It should invite analysis of cause, consequence or significance rather than a yes/no judgement or a simple factual recount.

Question 27Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

In an inquiry into the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, a student must decide which sources are primary. Which source is a primary source for this event?

  1. A school textbook chapter on New Zealand disasters
  2. A 2011 museum display about the earthquake
  3. A history website article published in 2020
  4. A letter written by a Napier resident in February 1931 Correct answer.

Explanation

A primary source is produced at or near the time of the event by someone with direct connection to it, such as a letter written in February 1931. Later textbooks, websites and museum displays are secondary sources that interpret and summarise earlier evidence.

Question 28Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student's inquiry into the 1886 Tarawera eruption needs to explain the event's significance to New Zealanders. Which statement best explains significance?

  1. Many tourists now visit the Rotorua region each year.
  2. The eruption destroyed the Pink and White Terraces and killed over 100 people, making it one of New Zealand's deadliest natural disasters. Correct answer.
  3. The eruption happened in the North Island on 10 June 1886.
  4. The eruption was caused by a volcanic vent beneath Lake Rotomahana.

Explanation

Explaining significance requires showing why an event matters, usually through its scale of impact, its consequences for people and places, or its lasting place in national memory. Stating that the eruption caused major loss of life and destroyed internationally known landmarks does that work.

Question 29Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

An inquiry into the 1951 waterfront dispute uses a union newsletter and a newspaper owned by the employers' side. The two sources describe the same confrontation differently. What is the most appropriate way for the student to handle this?

  1. Compare both accounts and explain how each source's perspective shaped its version of events Correct answer.
  2. Use only the union newsletter because workers experienced the dispute directly
  3. Average the two accounts to produce a balanced description
  4. Use only the newspaper because it was published commercially

Explanation

When sources conflict, an historian weighs each account against its purpose, audience and perspective rather than simply choosing one. Explaining how a union newsletter and an employer-aligned newspaper each framed the confrontation demonstrates critical use of evidence.

Question 30Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student investigating the 1893 suffrage campaign wants to evaluate whether a petition sheet is reliable evidence. Which question is most useful for this evaluation?

  1. Who collected the signatures, and under what conditions were they gathered? Correct answer.
  2. Was the sheet printed on good quality paper?
  3. How many words are written on the sheet?
  4. Is the handwriting on the sheet neat and legible?

Explanation

Evaluating reliability involves asking about the origin of a source: who created it, for what purpose, and in what circumstances. Knowing who collected signatures and how they were obtained helps the student judge whether the petition reflects genuine support.

Question 31Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

In an inquiry into the 1918 influenza pandemic, a student wants to describe how the outbreak spread through New Zealand. Which detail is most relevant to include?

  1. New Zealand's population was around one million at the time.
  2. Troop ships returning from overseas carried the disease, and it spread quickly through crowded urban areas. Correct answer.
  3. The pandemic occurred towards the end of the First World War.
  4. The Armistice was signed in November 1918.

Explanation

Describing the spread of the pandemic requires evidence of transmission routes and conditions, such as returning troops and crowded housing. The other details give context but do not explain how the disease moved through the population.

Question 32Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student's inquiry into the 1975 land march must evaluate the usefulness of a television news clip from the march. Which judgement best reflects its usefulness as evidence?

  1. It is useful for showing how the march was presented to the public at the time, but it reflects the choices of the news crew. Correct answer.
  2. It is useless because television reporting is always biased.
  3. It is fully reliable because it is a moving image recording.
  4. It is useful because it shows what marchers looked like and what they wore.

Explanation

A news clip is useful evidence of how an event was publicly represented and received, but it is shaped by editorial choices about what to film and how to frame it. Judging usefulness means recognising both its value and its limits.

Question 33Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

An inquiry into the 1985 Rainbow Warrior bombing concludes that the event damaged New Zealand's relationship with France. Which action would best strengthen this conclusion?

  1. Finding a trade or diplomatic record from 1986 showing strained relations between the two countries Correct answer.
  2. Describing the weather in Auckland Harbour on the night of the bombing
  3. Adding a photograph of the sunken vessel to the presentation
  4. Repeating the conclusion in the final presentation

Explanation

A conclusion is strengthened by evidence that directly supports the claimed consequence, such as diplomatic or trade records showing the effect on relations. Additional evidence should test or corroborate the conclusion rather than simply restate or illustrate it.

Question 34Carry out an inquiry of an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 4 credits)

A student investigating the 1947–1957 waterfront dispute finds that two secondary sources give different figures for the number of workers involved. What is the most appropriate next step for the inquiry?

  1. Choose the larger figure because it is more likely to be complete
  2. Leave the figures out of the inquiry to avoid confusion
  3. Choose the figure from the older source because it is closer to the event
  4. Record both figures and investigate what each source counts, such as union members versus all wage earners Correct answer.

Explanation

Discrepancies in secondary sources often arise because each counts a different category or relies on different records. Investigating what each figure measures allows the student to explain the difference rather than arbitrarily selecting one number.

Question 35Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

The 1840 Treaty of Waitangi is a central event in New Zealand history. Which statement best describes why the Treaty is regarded as significant to New Zealanders today?

  1. It ended all conflict between Māori and European settlers permanently and required no further negotiation.
  2. It was a commercial shipping agreement that set tariffs on imported goods arriving in New Zealand ports.
  3. It transferred complete and unchallenged authority to Māori chiefs over all European residents.
  4. It established the framework for the ongoing relationship between Māori and the Crown and remains central to debates about sovereignty and rights. Correct answer.

Explanation

The Treaty is significant because it created an enduring constitutional and moral framework governing the relationship between Māori and the Crown. Its principles continue to shape legislation, Treaty settlements, and public debate about rights and partnership. Historians study it as a living document rather than a closed event.

Question 36Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

In a research portfolio for this achievement standard, a student must explain the significance of a chosen historical event or place. Which approach best demonstrates genuine significance rather than mere description?

  1. Listing the exact dates and locations of the event without explaining its consequences.
  2. Describing the weather and scenery at the place where the event occurred.
  3. Copying a paragraph about the event from an encyclopedia and citing it as personal research.
  4. Explaining how the event changed the lives of a group of New Zealanders and why it still matters to people today. Correct answer.

Explanation

Significance requires explaining impact, consequences, and continuing relevance to people, not just recounting facts. A strong answer connects the event to the experiences and identities of New Zealanders. Description alone does not meet the explanatory demand of the standard.

Question 37Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

The 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera destroyed the Pink and White Terraces and buried several villages. Why is this event considered significant to New Zealanders?

  1. It was the first volcanic eruption in the world to be recorded in writing by European observers.
  2. It destroyed a major tourist attraction and killed many Māori, reshaping the local economy and prompting debate about how the disaster was interpreted. Correct answer.
  3. It led directly to the creation of the national park system the following year.
  4. It caused the single largest loss of life from a natural disaster in New Zealand's recorded history.

Explanation

The eruption destroyed the internationally famous terraces and devastated Māori communities, with lasting economic and cultural consequences for the region. It also became a focus of debate about tourism, memorialisation, and interpretation. This combination of loss and ongoing meaning makes it significant.

Question 38Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

A student investigating the Springbok Tour of 1981 wants to assess the reliability of a newspaper editorial published at the time. Which question is most useful for evaluating the reliability of that source?

  1. Was the editorial printed on high-quality paper and widely distributed?
  2. How many words long was the editorial compared with other articles in the same issue?
  3. Did the editorial include photographs of the protesting crowds?
  4. What was the political stance of the newspaper and what evidence does the editorial use to support its claims? Correct answer.

Explanation

Reliability depends on the source's purpose, perspective, and the evidence it presents. Identifying a newspaper's political stance helps a historian recognise bias and weigh claims accordingly. Physical format and length are not indicators of reliability.

Question 39Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

The 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake devastated Napier and Hastings. Which outcome most clearly illustrates the event's long-term significance to New Zealanders?

  1. The earthquake caused the permanent relocation of the capital from Wellington to Auckland.
  2. It was the first earthquake ever recorded by scientists in New Zealand.
  3. Napier was rebuilt in a distinctive Art Deco style that became central to the city's identity and heritage. Correct answer.
  4. The government immediately abolished all building regulations nationwide.

Explanation

The reconstruction of Napier in Art Deco style gave the city a lasting architectural identity that remains a source of civic pride and heritage tourism. This shows how a disaster can shape a place's culture and economy for generations. The other statements are factually incorrect.

Question 40Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

When planning research into a historical place of significance, a student should frame an inquiry question. Which inquiry question is most appropriate for this standard?

  1. How many photographs of the place exist in the national archive?
  2. What is the exact latitude and longitude of the place today?
  3. How has the meaning of this place changed for different groups of New Zealanders over time? Correct answer.
  4. Which bus route provides the fastest access to the place?

Explanation

A strong inquiry question invites explanation and analysis of significance, including changing meanings for different groups. It opens up interpretation rather than a single factual answer. The other questions yield narrow factual data rather than historical understanding.

Question 41Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

The 1981 Springbok Tour divided New Zealand society. Which description best captures why the tour was significant to New Zealanders?

  1. It was significant mainly because it introduced rugby to New Zealand audiences.
  2. It was cancelled before any matches were played because of public pressure.
  3. It forced New Zealanders to confront the links between sport and apartheid, triggering mass protest and a national reckoning over racism and international obligations. Correct answer.
  4. It was a sporting event that had no impact beyond the rugby field.

Explanation

The tour brought the politics of apartheid into New Zealand's sporting and public life, prompting widespread protest and debate about racism and international responsibility. Its social divisions left a lasting mark on national politics and identity. This makes it far more than a sporting occasion.

Question 42Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

A student is evaluating two sources about the 1951 waterfront dispute: a union newsletter and a government statement. Which conclusion is most defensible?

  1. The government statement is automatically more reliable because it is official.
  2. Each source reflects a particular perspective, so the historian should compare their claims and seek corroborating evidence. Correct answer.
  3. Neither source can be used because both are biased.
  4. Both sources are equally reliable because they are both primary sources.

Explanation

Being a primary source does not guarantee reliability; each document reflects the interests of its creator. Historians compare perspectives and look for corroboration to build a balanced account. Dismissing all biased sources would leave no evidence to interpret.

Question 43Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

The 1951 waterfront dispute involved a confrontation between the Watersiders' Union and the government. Which statement accurately describes a key feature of that dispute?

  1. The dispute concerned a proposal to build a new port in the South Island.
  2. It was resolved in a single day through mediation by the Governor-General.
  3. The dispute ended with the union winning full recognition of its demands.
  4. The government declared a state of emergency and used military personnel to keep the ports operating. Correct answer.

Explanation

The government responded to the strike by declaring an emergency and deploying troops to work the wharves, a defining feature of the dispute. The confrontation became a symbol of the struggle between organised labour and state authority. These measures shaped public perceptions of the conflict.

Question 44Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

A student claims that the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi was significant only for Māori. Which evaluation of this claim is most accurate?

  1. The claim is too narrow, because the Treaty shaped the constitutional relationship between Māori and the Crown and continues to affect all New Zealanders through law and governance. Correct answer.
  2. The claim is correct because settlers were not present in New Zealand in 1840.
  3. The claim is correct because the Treaty only affected Māori land ownership.
  4. The claim is too broad because the Treaty was a private agreement between two individuals.

Explanation

The Treaty's significance extends beyond Māori to the constitutional and legal framework of the whole country, including the Crown's obligations and the basis of settlements. It affects all New Zealanders through governance and law. The claim therefore oversimplifies a shared national history.

Question 45Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

Which event is most commonly identified as the first armed conflict between Māori and British colonial forces following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi?

  1. The Wairau Affray of 1843 Correct answer.
  2. The Battle of Gate Pā in 1864
  3. The siege of Ōrākau in 1864
  4. The invasion of the Waikato in 1863

Explanation

The Wairau Affray in 1843 is generally regarded as the first significant armed clash between Māori and British settlers after 1840. It arose from a disputed land claim in the Wairau Valley. Later conflicts such as the Waikato campaign and Gate Pā followed in the 1860s.

Question 46Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

The Battle of Gate Pā in 1864 is studied as significant for which reason?

  1. It demonstrated successful Māori defensive engineering and resulted in a British defeat, challenging assumptions about military superiority. Correct answer.
  2. It resulted in the signing of a permanent peace treaty between all iwi and the Crown.
  3. It was a decisive British victory that ended the New Zealand Wars immediately.
  4. It was the first battle fought using aircraft.

Explanation

At Gate Pā, Māori defenders used well-constructed fortifications to withstand British bombardment and inflict a significant defeat. The battle challenged contemporary assumptions about British military superiority and remains a symbol of Māori resistance. It did not, however, end the wars or produce a universal peace treaty.

Question 47Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

A student is selecting a place of significance to research. Which place and justification pairing best fits the standard?

  1. The site of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi at Waitangi, because it is central to the nation's founding political relationship and ongoing debate. Correct answer.
  2. A local shopping mall, because it is convenient for the student to visit.
  3. A random street corner, because it appears on a map.
  4. A sports stadium, because a famous overseas team once visited.

Explanation

A place of significance must have demonstrable historical importance and meaning for New Zealanders, such as Waitangi's role in the nation's founding relationship. Convenience or random selection does not establish significance. The justification must explain the place's impact and continuing relevance.

Question 48Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

Which statement best explains why the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake is often described as a turning point in New Zealand's approach to building safety?

  1. It caused the government to abandon all forms of urban planning.
  2. It led to the introduction of stricter building codes and earthquake-resistant design standards. Correct answer.
  3. It proved that earthquakes could never occur in New Zealand again.
  4. It resulted in the banning of all multi-storey buildings in New Zealand.

Explanation

The destruction of poorly built masonry buildings prompted reforms to building codes and encouraged earthquake-resistant design. These changes influenced construction practice across the country. The disaster thus became a turning point in how New Zealanders prepared for seismic risk.

Question 49Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

When writing about the significance of a historical event, a student should include an evaluation of different perspectives. Which sentence best models this?

  1. Everyone in New Zealand agreed that the event was important.
  2. The event happened in a particular year and involved several people.
  3. I think the event was interesting because I like history.
  4. For many Māori the event represented loss of land and authority, while for some settlers it appeared to bring order and opportunity. Correct answer.

Explanation

Evaluating perspectives means acknowledging how different groups experienced and interpreted the same event. Contrasting Māori and settler viewpoints demonstrates this analytical skill. Statements of personal preference or false consensus do not.

Question 50Examine an historical event or place that is of significance to New Zealanders (Internal, 5 credits)

The 1981 Springbok Tour prompted the formation of groups such as HART (Halt All Racist Tours). What does the existence of such groups best demonstrate about the event's significance?

  1. That New Zealanders were indifferent to apartheid in South Africa.
  2. That rugby had lost all popularity in New Zealand.
  3. That many New Zealanders were willing to organise politically and take direct action over their opposition to apartheid. Correct answer.
  4. That the government had banned all forms of protest.

Explanation

The growth of organised protest groups shows that a substantial section of the public was prepared to act politically against apartheid. This illustrates how the tour mobilised citizens and deepened national debate. It reflects active engagement rather than indifference.