Shaping of identity over time - Nuclear-free New Zealand - NCEA Level 1 history

Use the feature Nuclear-free New Zealand and your own knowledge and ideas to help you complete the following activity. See also the tips on good paragraph writing in the Teacher's Toolbox.

During the 1970s and 1980s, New Zealand developed its identity as a nation through its response to the nuclear debate. Some historians have described this debate as New Zealand's 'silent war of independence' and as being central to an upsurge in New Zealand nationalism. For example, the Kirk Labour government sent frigates to protest against French nuclear testing at Mururoa in 1973.

Write three paragraphs of between 100 and 150 words each, describing:

• the ways in which New Zealand became more concerned with nuclear issues between 1972 and 1985
• the actions taken by New Zealand governments (1972–85) that showed opposition to nuclear weapons and nuclear power
• in detail, ONE way that New Zealand's concerns with nuclear affairs in the period 1972–85 had affected its relations with its traditional allies by 1985.