by admin | Aug 1, 2014 | Uncategorized
At the St Andrew’s Trust for the Study of Religion and Society (SATRS) conference on August 1 we gave a copy of the McGuinness Institute’s Nation Dates: Significant events that have shaped the nation of New Zealand, Second Edition and EmpowerNZ’s Draft Constitution for the 21st Century to all attendees.
The Institute will be writing a third edition of Nation Dates next year and we welcome any suggestions. If there are significant events that you think should be added, please leave a comment on this post.
Big thanks for all your help,
Wendy
by admin | Apr 16, 2014 | Uncategorized
During the McGuinness Institute’s recent TalentNZ Tour, we were fortunate to meet many interesting people. Not only did we hear some great ideas about how New Zealand can build a talent-based economy, but also some great suggestions for Nation Dates – including the addition of a new date: the creation of the Council for Volunteer Service abroad in 1962.
1962: Council for Volunteer Service Abroad
The Council’s purpose is to send volunteers abroad on two-year assignments to places in need of aid. The Council is established in 1962, after a meeting attended by representatives from 30 organisations.
To find out more:
Gully, J. S. (1966). Volunteer Service Abroad. In Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved April 16, 2014: from: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/volunteer-service-abroad
by admin | Nov 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
Here at the Institute we were excited to hear about Eleanor Catton’s Man Booker Prize success and we think it could potentially be a great date to include in the third edition of Nation Dates.
2013 Eleanor Catton wins Man Booker Prize
Eleanor Catton becomes the youngest ever winner of the prestigious Man Booker Prize for her novel The Luminaries – the longest book ever to win the award. The only other New Zealand novel to receive the prize is Keri Hulme’s The Bone People in 1985.
To find out more:
Kiwi Eleanor Catton wins Man Booker Prize. New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 11 November, 2013 from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11140469
by admin | Nov 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
With the launch of the Institute’s TalentNZ Initiative, education has been very much at the forefront of our thinking. The development of our education system is an important story in our history; one that has affected all New Zealanders. Listed below are some potential dates we have identified to add to Thread 52 (Education and knowledge) in the third edition of Nation Dates.
1870 The University of New Zealand founded
The University of New Zealand is established under the University of New Zealand Act 1870. The University is the degree-granting body for all New Zealand universities. With the exception of the University of Otago which retains its name, the universities are known as ‘university colleges’ and include what would later become the universities of Auckland, Canterbury and Victoria. The University of New Zealand is disestablished in 1961.
To find out more:
University of Otago. History and governance of the University of Otago. Retrieved 11 November, 2013 from: http://www.otago.ac.nz/about/history/
Victoria University of Wellington. Victoria’s history. Retrieved 11 November, 2013 from: https://www.victoria.ac.nz/about/victorias-story/history
University of Auckland. Our history. Retirieved 11 November 2013 from: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/about/the-university/university-history/uoa-our-history
1877 Education Act
The Act introduces New Zealand’s first free and compulsory national system of primary education. Approximately 730 schools are administered by regional education boards, 78% are rural with only one or two teachers.
To find out more:
Swarbrick, N. Country schooling – Getting an education: 1800s. In Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 11 November, 2013 from: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/country-schooling/page-1
1914 Education Act
The act introduces free secondary education for all those who pass a proficiency exam – known as the ‘free place system’. The system limits the previous autonomy of the secondary schools, as growing student numbers increase reliance on the central department for grants and the requirements of the entrance exam result in the beginnings of a standardised curriculum.
To find out more:
McLintock, A. H. Education evolution of present system: A new Education Act. In Te Ara –the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrievedhttp://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/education-evolution-of-present-system/page-4
1930 Atmore Report published
Written by the Minister for Education, Harry Atmore, the Report aims to create an egalitarian education system. The reforms include the raising of the school leaving age to 15, the establishment of intermediate schools, abolition of scholarship entry to post-primary school and the expansion of the secondary syllabus beyond university entry requirements. The Report also endorses a single national teaching service and equal pay for men and women.
To find out more:
Tunnicliff, S. Atmore, Harry. In Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 11 November 2013 from: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/4a23/atmore-harry
by admin | Sep 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
Dalziel’s fascinating book The Origins of New Zealand Diplomacy has an abundance of interesting information about early government in New Zealand. We found the information about the position of Agent-General particularly interesting.
1871 First Agent-General appointed
The Agent-General is New Zealand’s first permanent overseas representative. There are five Agent-Generals between 1871 and 1905, including Isaac Earl Featherston, Sir Julius Vogel, Frances Dillon Bell, Westby Brook Perceval and William Pember Reeves. In 1905 the title is changed to High Commissioner. (Dalziel, 1975: 13)
Dalziel, R. M. (1975). The origins of New Zealand diplomacy, p. 13. Wellington: Victoria University Press.
by admin | Sep 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
Identifying how an event will be historically significant can be difficult when it is initially unfolding. However, considering current events within an historical framework can be useful for understanding their potential impacts. With this in mind, we have been taking note of some of this year’s key events for possible inclusion into the next edition of Nation Dates:
April: Same sex marriage legalised
The Marriage Amendment Act 2013, which legalises same sex marriage is passed 77 votes to 44.
July: Immigration Amendment Act 2013 passed
The new legislation aims to deter people smuggling. However there are concerns, as the new legislation will allow the court to detain groups of 10 or more people, which some see as a breech of civil rights.
August: Fonterra botulism scare
Tests carried out by AgResearch suggest that botulism causing bacteria are present in whey protein produced by dairy giant Fonterra. The whey protein is commonly used in infant formula and the scare causes some trading partners to block New Zealand dairy products. Further tests by the Ministry for Primary Industries reveal that the initial tests were inaccurate.
August: David Shearer resigns as Labour leader
David Shearer steps down from his position as leader of the Labour party, as he does not believe that he has the full confidence of the caucus. In order to elect a new leader Labour has adopted a new model, where the voting ratio has been split 40% caucus, 40% members and 20% unions.
August: Government Communications Security Bureau and related legislation Bill passed
The controversial bill is passed in the house by two votes. The new legislation extends the powers of the SIS and military to gather data on New Zealand citizens. This had been illegal under the previous legislation.
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