History students explore Northland’s historic landmarks
Posted on June 11, 2026
History came to life for a group of Macleans College students as they travelled through Northland, exploring some of New Zealand's most significant historic sites and gathering first-hand evidence for their studies.
Over two days, the students visited locations that played important roles in shaping New Zealand's history. Their journey began at the Stone Store in Kerikeri, the country's oldest stone building. They then travelled to Russell (Kororāreka), New Zealand's first capital, before visiting the Ruapekapeka battle site to learn about Māori defensive strategies during the New Zealand Wars.
On the second day, the group visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where they deepened their understanding of the events surrounding the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its significance in New Zealand's history.
Back at school, students used the evidence gathered during the trip to create a comprehensive research folder examining key historical events from multiple perspectives. The project formed an important component of their internal assessment and allowed them to apply their learning using information collected.
