Īhaka Martyn is the Kairuruku Whakaari / Script Co-ordinator for Playmarket. Here, he shares the work of Playmarket alongside some recommendations of Māori playwrights and plays for use in schools.

Whakarongo Tauranga, on behalf of Dramatic Inquiry Network Trust, introduces her unit ‘Who owns the paihikara, who owns the whenua’ for upper primary ākonga. The unit uses Mantle of Expert (drama and inquiry) to support learners to see Te Tiriti from the perspective of tangata whenua. 

This curriculum unpacking resource consists of eight A3 colour-coded posters that unpack each level of the New Zealand Curriculum.

Explore some of Augusto Boal’s most famous games and Image Theatre exercises, with a specific focus on adapting them for younger students.

A Drama and Literacy resources by Samantha Bates based on the traditional Māori story, Rātā and the Waka, focussing on environmental sustainability and the interconnectedness of all living things.

This resource, created by Evelyn Mann, for Years 4-8 focusses on understanding mana and exploring the history of Aotearoa.

This resource, created by Kim Snider, using Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds’© inspiring picture book, “I am Love: A Book of Compassion” to explore emotions and promote well-being in young learners years 5-8.

Health and Wellbeing for Arts Educators - Mindfulness ideas for the primary classroom, including breathing exercises and activities to promote relaxation and focus.

A resource to support Primary teachers using drama strategies in their classroooms to enhance Literacy learning. This resource includes information and videos demonstrating the drama strategies in action in the classroom. An essential item for every Primary/Intermediate drama teacher's toolkit.

Video interview with Patrice Baldwin (world leading Drama educator, UK) Drama for Writing in the Primary Classroom

Video interview with Julie Dunn Associate Professor of Drama and Applied Theatre at Griffith University, Australia. De-Mystifying Process Drama in the Primary Classroom

A selection of ideas, stories and useful links to learn about Matariki shared by Drama NZ members.

This drama unit is based on the traditional Māori legend of The Star Fishes. Ākonga are encouraged to explore the characters in the story and the relationships and tensions between them.

This unit is based on Where I Stand by ©Philippa Werry. The drama encourages students to step into the shoes of various community members and explore past events reflected in this story.

Based on ©R.J. Palacio's Wonder, this drama unit delves into the question, "How do we treat others who are different?" It explores themes of empathy, compassion, acceptance, friendship, and kindness. Best for years 7-8.

This drama unit accompanies Finding, by ©David Hill, which follows the fortunes of two New Zealand families over seven generations and 130 years. Best for years 5-10.

A story adventure integrating drama, literacy and visual art. Two communities living in a parallel world share a precious resource. This units provides an opportunity to explores themes of treaties and agreements. Best for years 5-10.

In this unit, students connect with the character of Billy, a boy who worries, from ©Anthony Browne's Silly Billy.

Fairy tales offer rich opportunities for imaginative play. In this unit, students delve into the characters, settings, and plot of Rapunzel, exploring perspectives from Rapunzel herself, the Witch, and the Prince. The unit showcases how drama can be used to inspire and engage learners across various curriculum areas. Best for years 1-2.

Based on the book The Little Kiwi and the Treaty by ©Nikki Slade Robinson, students are encouraged to see themselves reflected in this story and make connections with their own history. The story of the Kiwis can be linked to the wider historical context of Aotearoa NZ and local community contexts.