New Zealand languages – classroom activities, Ngā reo o Aotearoa – ngā ngohe akomanga

Updated 29 Oct 2025

Examples of classroom activities to help students think about their future and how New Zealand languages might relate to the world of work.

In New Zealand languages you communicate in English, te reo Māori, te reo rangatira and New Zealand Sign Language. Learn how to understand different societies, cultures and history.

NCEA subjects that link to this learning area on Tahatū:

New Zealand languages

Career activities for Year 7 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 7, i tua atu anō hoki,

Activity	Description
Jobs for 2050/2100	Length of activity: Individual/pairs Type of activity: Whole class Brainstorm and research a future job. Identify technical and soft skills needed for success.
Communication and writing skills discussion	Length of activity: Short Type of activity: Whole class Discuss: Who uses communication and writing skills in their work? Explore real world examples.
Creative writing: guess the job	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Write a creative piece about a job without naming it. Classmates read and guess the job.
Tahatū career research	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Create and narrate a PowerPoint about someone’s career using Tahatū as a research source. Remember Tahatū features a number of kaupapa Māori ideas that can be explored.
Tahatū career research: videos	Length of activity: Extension Type of activity: Individual Watch Tahatū career videos and reflect using guided questions about subjects, skills and advice. For example: Did the person mention any school subjects that would be helpful? Did the person mention any courses they did? What are some of the things the person does in their job? Could you see yourself doing those things? Why/why not? Was there any advice that the person gave about the job, or for people looking to do the job? What was it?

Career activities for Year 11 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Activity	Description
Career map/ family tree	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Create a career map or family tree reflecting on life roles and career paths of older family and whānau members.
Job site language skills analysis	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Individual Browse job listings and analyse language-related skill requirements, how they’re described.
Career roleplay presentation	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Group Create a roleplay, video or presentation about a career inspired by a story you’ve read.
Interview roleplay and CV preparation	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Group Read the interview tips and prepare a CV guide pages. Roleplay a job interview. Observe and give feedback on strengths and areas to improve for others in your group. Tips for interviews How to write a CV
Careers debate	Length of activity: Long Type of activity: Whole class Debate the pros and cons of different careers or study paths, using persuasive techniques.

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Ako atu,

Students can check out the study categories in the Explore study and training section of Tahatū to find out more about tertiary study in New Zealand languages.

Explore study and training

Students can browse study areas on Tahatū. For example:

Career activities for Year 11 and upwardNgā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Find out moreAko atu,

Career activities for Year 11 and upward
Ngā ngohe aramahi mō te Tau 11, i tua atu anō hoki,

Find out more
Ako atu,