Hipkins replied by saying that as a Pkeh New Zealander, he didn’t “feel the slightest bit threatened by Mori history being taught in our schools and it is something I hope my kids will have the advantage of learning about”.
The minister’s answer received applause in the House.
To another question about teachers who find the ‘big idea’ about colonisation “incorrect and divisive”, the Education Minister said Kiwis didn’t let up.
“I want to ensure that young people in New Zealand understand all of our history – the good, the bad and the ugly – and a recognition of the fact that we have passed down generations of discrimination that has led to some New Zealanders being disadvantaged in their educational journey, some New Zealanders not receiving the same opportunities as others.
“If our young people leave school with an understanding of that, that will be a damn good thing.”