Students classify some responsibilities of local and national government.  Examples of work councils have done provide the basis for a storyboard for a TV Reality show 'Think Global Act Local'.

Learning intentions

We are learning how to:

• classify and describe roles performed by national and local governments
• identify our local MP, mayor and electorate boundaries
• explore and evaluate some of the actions local councils have taken to solve problems in their area.

How will we know we have done these things?

We will be able to:

• sort functions of local and national government
• describe roles of national and local government
• evaluate the actions taken by some councils to address problems in their area and make this into a storyboard.

Key social studies concepts

• government systems
• democracy
• rights
• responsibilities

Processing knowledge

• describe
• classify/analyse
• compare

Reflecting on knowledge

• evaluate

What you need

• pictures cut up for groups
• template to paste pictures on (optional)

Background reading

In New Zealand, we have two main political areas of decision making -national government and local government.  Parliament is the place where decisions for the nation are made - these include issues of national significance such as public health, defence, education, social welfare and immigration.

National government

In New Zealand we have a representative democracy. Members of Parliament (MP's) are chosen to represent a:

• general electorate (defined geographic areas within New Zealand), or a
• Maori electorate

or s/he can be elected as a list MP (where their position on a Party list and the strength of that Party's vote, enable them to gain a seat in Parliament, to help fill that party's share of seats).

Since 1993, the electoral system used in New Zealand has been the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP). Under this system, each person who is enrolled as an elector (whether in a General or a Maori electorate) has two votes:

1) A Party vote for the political party the elector most wants to be represented.

2) An Electorate Vote for the candidate the elector wants to represent his or her electorate.

Local government

Local governments assume responsibility for local issues. They operate at three different levels:

1) Regional Councils (12) - responsible for environment and natural resources at a regional level - such as the Auckland Regional Council.

2) City Councils (16) and District Councils (58) - provide local services to a district or city such as rubbish collections, libraries and provision of parks and reserves.

3) Community Boards - focus on issues affecting an immediate community and are represented at the wider city or district council.

There are 86 territorial local councils in New Zealand. 

Getting elected

People get elected for local and national governments in much the same way. They are nominated and campaign for election by the vote of people within the electorate. This occurs about every three years.

Candidates for election to local or national government must be New Zealand citizens, on the electoral roll, and committed to serve their local community or nation.

A storyboard activity involves the creation of 'shots' for a video camera to take and accompanying text for the interview etc. Pictures can be sketched without much detail and captions can be brief. It is helpful to state the number of shots required for the storyboard (8-12, for example).

1 - Whose Job?

All Levels

a) Copy and cut up the following pictures on to heavy paper or card. Allow enough copies for students to work in groups of 4-6. At this stage, work with what the students already know about government. In groups, students will classify the pictures into central government and local government activities.  Some fit into both!

The template below could provide a framework for this.

Pictures

Download A4 PDF (63 Kb)

b) Investigate prior knowledge of the students by questioning and observing their classifications.  If students appear to need more background, read out the Background Reading: Getting involved in New Zealand section, or let them research relevant websites.  Discuss as a class and then complete the sentences beneath each category.

Classifying local and national government responsibility

2 - Your place

Investigate your local area to discover:

• What General electorate are you in?
• What Maori electorate are you in?
• Who is the MP for these electorates?
• What is the name of your local Council?
•          What District or City is your school in?
• Who is your local mayor?

Use these links for some clues

• Electorates
• School locations
• City & district councils

Put the six questions and answers on to a "Salt and pepper' template and ask members of your class for the answers.

3 - Active Councils

All levels

Read out the following excerpts of action 3 councils in New Zealand are taking about issues of concern in their region. These are selected as finalists in the New Zealand Post Management Excellence Awards for Councils in 2003.

Auckland City Council

Zero Policy for Graffiti Prevention and education programme

Auckland Council had specific concerns about graffiti in Auckland city raised by members of the community. In response, the Council put together a programme for shop owners and community groups to keep Auckland's streets graffiti free. They provide education to primary school children about preventing graffiti. They use digital photography and internet databases to track vandals and hold them accountable. Communication with local groups has been excellent and residents are happy, retailers and council members are happy with the results.

Waikato Council

Kingitanga Heritage Trail

The Kingitanga Heritage Trail was a project initiated by the Waikato Council to acknowledge the history of the Ngaruawahia area in both Pakeha and Maori perspectives.

The Council worked with Tainui, to gain an understanding of their history, as well as local historians to produce the Trail for the benefit of all. The Trail is located near to State Highway 1 on 'The Point' at Ngaruawahia. It is free for the enjoyment of all members of the public.

Dunedin City Council

Dunedin City Branding

The Council identified a difference in the image of Dunedin to New Zealander's and the reality of life in Dunedin city. They launched a Dunedin Branding Campaign after significant research and wide consultation to identify current perceptions.

The result was a Branding campaign entitled I AM DUNEDIN with advertisements in most areas of New Zealand and on TV. The Council anticipates positive spin-offs in population, tourism and business growth.

a) Complete the graphic organiser to summarise what the Councils did.

b) Students will choose one of these and storyboard it for a new Reality TV show 'Think global, act local' about the successes and challenges of local NZ Councils. Include a caption for each storyboard describing how the shots and interviews would occur. Include an evaluation section on the storyboard describing why what the Council did was valuable.

c)Make the storyboard into a video or powerpoint to show to others.

Levels 3-4

d) Imagine you are a mayor for a day of your local district or city.

Use ideas from these activities to plan a busy day and the diary of the Christchurch mayor

4 - It's your move!

Organise a trip to parliament or your local council to look at how they operate. Prepare questions to ask some of the people you meet.