Section outline

  • FOCUS / ARONGA

    FOCUS / ARONGA learning intentions:

    • We are FOCUSING on the 2023 election by discussing the importance of democracy
    • We are FOCUSING...
    • We are FOCUSING...

    I am an active learner as I know what I need to learn, where I am with that learning and what my next learning steps are:

    • Emerging:
      • I know what I am learning and why
      • I can use evidence to identify where I am with my learning
      • I can use evidence to identify my next learning steps
    • Growing:
      • I can describe what I am learning and why, using our shared language for learning; GREAT Ako
      • I can use evidence to describe where I am with my learning
      • I can use evidence to plan and take my next learning steps




    Branches of Government Chart Social Studies Chart - Etsy New Zealand

    New Zealand Election Process

    Complete the word search & glue it into your book

    Use the Merriam Webster Learner's dictionary (follow the link on Google Classroom) to find definitions for the following words from your wordsearch.

    • Government

    • Parliament

    • Cabinet

    • Prime Minister

    • Law

    • Voting

    Write the definitions in your books


    After the 2017 Election there were 2 Political Parties in the Executive Branch of Government.


    Labour and New Zealand First formed a coalition government - meaning they would govern together (with help from the Greens).



    Think, Pair, Share

    What do governments do?




    Video explains how the New Zealand judicial system works - NZ Herald

    Legislative Branch

    This is Parliament, which is the House of Representatives (where all the MPs sit). They make new laws and update old laws.

    Which political parties currently make up our legislative?


    ALL of our current 120 MPs make up the legislative branch of parliament.


    Executive Branch


    This is the government (the parties who are in power). They make the big decisions like how to spend money.


    Which political parties currently make up our executive?


    After the 2017 Election there were 2 Political Parties in the Executive Branch of Government.


    Labour and New Zealand First formed a coalition government - meaning they would govern together (with help from the Greens).

    Complete the activity and glue it into your book.



    Judicial Branch


    These are the judges and the courts. They interpret the laws and punish people who break them.


    Why do we split Government into 3 different branches? 


    Why not have just one branch of government?


    The Separation of Powers


    • The separation of powers with the three branches of government is important because it stops one person or group from having too much control. 


    • It helps make sure that no one can make all the decisions, keeps things balanced, and makes sure the rules are followed in a fair way. 



    What do Governments Do?


    Open the What do Governments Do? activity sheet on Google Classroom. 


    Read through the first page then complete the activities individually, writing the answers in your book or on the sheet. 


    3 Branches of Government


    https://www.youtubeeducation.com/watch?v=ZCB8EOY5d48

    Test your food & health smarts | Center for Science in the Public Interest

    Get ready for a pop quiz!

    Write 1-5 in your books

    A close up of a sign Description automatically generated

    Today we are going to look at New Zealand’s election system.


    Mixed Member Proportional (MMP)





































    Go to Google Classroom and complete the following…


    Activity One

    Complete the The NZ General Election Activity.pdf. Answer the questions on the last page in your books. ANSWERS  


    Activity Two

    Complete the New Zealand's Political System Scavenger Hunt Write the answers in your books.

    ANSWERS