Push and Pull Factors: A foundational look at why people leave their homes. Students categorize influences such as Push factors (war, famine, lack of jobs) and Pull factors (safety, family reunification, better climate), applying these to both historical and current events.
Historical Migrations to Aotearoa: Traces the paths of the first Polynesian navigators, the subsequent waves of European settlement, and the more recent arrivals from the Pacific, Asia, and Africa that have shaped New Zealand’s modern identity.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Clear, sensitive modules defining the legal and human differences between refugees, asylum seekers, and economic migrants. It explores international responsibilities and New Zealand’s role in the global refugee quota system.
Internal Migration: Investigates movement within a country, such as the "Urban Drift" of Māori to cities in the mid-20th century or the modern movement of people from smaller towns to Auckland and other major centers.
The Impact of Climate Change: Explores the emerging issue of "Environmental Refugees." Students look at how rising sea levels and extreme weather are forcing communities, particularly in the Pacific, to plan for relocation.
Economic Impact of Migration: Analyzes how the movement of people affects both the "Source" and "Host" countries. Topics include the "Brain Drain" (loss of skilled workers), remittances (money sent home), and how migrant labor supports host economies.
Barriers to Movement: Investigates the obstacles migrants face, including physical borders, visa requirements, language barriers, and the high cost of travel, as well as the social challenges of settling in a new culture.
Case Studies of Forced Migration: Features in-depth looks at significant global events, such as the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the displacement caused by the Syrian Civil War, or the historical movement of laborers under the "Blackbirding" system.
Human Rights and Ethics: Encourages critical discussion on the treatment of migrants and the ethics of border control. Students evaluate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the context of global migration crises.
Data Literacy and Mapping: Practical activities where students interpret migration maps, population pyramids, and statistical graphs to identify trends and predict future movements of people.
Glossary of Migration Terms: A dedicated guide to essential vocabulary—such as Emigration, Immigration, Xenophobia, Diaspora, and Integration—to ensure students communicate with social science precision.