Defending New Zealand covers the topic of New Zealand's search for security 1945-85 and has been written as a companion text to From Peace to War. Together, both books cover the fifth form history theme of International Relations.
In order to give students a complete understanding of this complex period in New Zealand's history, Defending New Zealand starts with a gripping series of quotations from New Zealand soldiers who were at Gallipoli and then goes on to consider why an understanding of foreign policy is necessary for this topic and what foreign policy is. The text then closely follows the syllabus outline, adding sufficient material on the rugby tours and economic issues to enable students to understand the way in which foreign policy can be affected by such concerns.
Some introductory advice to students on unit standards has been included and the skills of historical analysis and enquiry have been built into the activities.
