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The Queen, and The Commonwealth |
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TKI
Hot Topic for 16 January 2002
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Other Hot Topics
due to feature in the coming weeks include global warming.
Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, is due to arrive
for a tour of New Zealand on 22 February 2002. She will also attend the
rescheduled Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Queensland while
in this part of the world. This Hot Topic combines a little about the
English monarchy and the Commonwealth with some websites of interest.
The reign of the English monarchy dates back to the Dark Ages, with only
one interruption – from 1649 to 1660. The present Queen, Elizabeth
II, has reigned since 1952, and is descended from the Anglo-Saxon kings
of Wessex.
The monarch's power has been reduced over the centuries, but Queen Elizabeth
II still retains some powers as Head of State. As well as carrying out
constitutional functions, such as assenting to legislation passed by Parliament,
The Queen also acts as a focus for national unity in Britain, presiding
at ceremonial occasions, visiting local communities, and representing
Britain around the world.
The Queen of the United Kingdom is also The Queen of New Zealand. The
Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Silvia Cartwright represents The
Queen as Head of State of New Zealand.
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed between representatives of Queen Victoria
and rangitira of New Zealand hapu and iwi. On her visits to New Zealand,
The Queen has often been a focus for protestors pressuring the government
to honour the Treaty.
The Queen is also Head of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is a group
of 54 nations – 1.7 billion people – shaped by a history of
social cooperation, trade, and migration. Membership provides a network
for cooperation and dialogue among a set of countries that embrace most
of the world's races, religions, political systems, and ideologies.
New Zealand joined the Commonwealth in 1931. The newest Commonwealth
members are Cameroon and Mozambique, who joined in 1995.
The Heads of Government of Commonwealth countries meet regularly to discuss
how better to cooperate with each other. The next Commonwealth Heads of
Government meeting (CHOGM) is to be held this year in Queensland.
Resources on TKI
British Monarchy
The Official British Monarchy website (www.royal.gov.uk)
contains a history of the Monarchy, information on the royal palaces,
the rules for succession to the throne, and recent news.
The Prince of Wales
The official website of The Prince of Wales includes an online forum,
news and events, information about the Prince and his family, a picture
gallery, speeches and articles, and full details about the Prince's Trust
and charitable organisations (www.princeofwales.gov.uk).
Governor-General of New Zealand
Dame Silvia Cartwright is the Governor-General of New Zealand. Her site
(www.gg.govt.nz) has news, an outline
of the office's functions, and a programme of engagements.
Treaty of
Waitangi
This Hot Topic collects websites about New Zealand's Treaty of Waitangi.
There are links to Government and non-governmental sites with different
approaches to the history, meaning, and application of the Treaty and
the celebration of Waitangi Day (www.tki.org.nz/r/hot_topics/waitangi_e.php).
Office of Treaty Settlements
This site is an introduction to the Crown office responsible for negotiating
Treaty of Waitangi claims. It features recent developments in Treaty negotiations
and implementation of settlements, background information, and online
deeds and publications (www.ots.govt.nz).
Public Record Office: The National Archives
The Public Record Office is the national archive of England, Wales, and
the United Kingdom and preserves the records of central government and
the courts of law. The records span the 11th century to the present day.
The education section of the site contains a virtual museum (www.pro.gov.uk).
The ABC of the European Union
This website provides basic information about the European Union and contains
links to more detailed information. It presents information on the member
states, independent institutions, treaties, and the European Union's objectives.
It discusses key issues, and presents the history and background to the
integration of Europe (http://europa.eu.int/abc-en.htm).
The Commonwealth Institute
The Commonwealth Institute works with young people across the Commonwealth
(www.commonwealth.org.uk).
Commonlink
Commonlink is an Internet project on global citizenship open to all schools,
developed by the Commonwealth Institute, the British Council, and the
NSW Department of Education (www.montageplus.co.uk/commonlink).
The Commonwealth
The Commonwealth's website has details of the next CHOGM and an online
guide for young people which explains what the Commonwealth is and what
it does (www.thecommonwealth.org).
Commonwealth network for schools
The Commonwealth Electronic Network for Schools and Education (www.col.org/cense)
hosts Commonwealth information, provides support for teachers, learners,
education administrators, and promotes the awareness and practice of local
cultures.
Commonwealth war graves
The war graves commission records the burial or commemoration record of
those Commonwealth service men and women who died during the two world
wars (www.cwgc.org). The commission
also has maps and publications on some of the major cemeteries and memorials.
Commonwealth Games
The 2002 Commonwealth Games are to be held in Manchester. The official
site (www.commonwealthgames.com)
has information on the nations and sports involved, information on Manchester,
and news.
The British
Council
The British Council in New Zealand works to develop education links between
Britain and New Zealand (http://www.britishcouncil.org.nz),
runs a series of competitions, and ambassadorial schemes.
Curriculum
links on TKI
Social Studies in the New Zealand Curriculum (www.tki.org.nz/r/socialscience/curriculum/index_e.php)
is available on TKI.
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