New Zealand History in schools could be confrontational, expert panel says 19 May, 2021 08:26 PM 4 minutes to read The expert panel said it strongly supported the intent of the draft, including placing Māori history at its centre. Photo / RNZ The expert panel said it strongly supported the intent of the draft, including placing Māori history at its centre. Photo / RNZ RNZ An expert panel has warned that compulsory New Zealand history lessons next year could upset some children and lead to difficult classroom discussions. The panel, convened by the Royal Society of New Zealand to advise the Education Ministry on the draft Aoteaora New Zealand Histories Curriculum, also criticised the draft for "overly compacting" the curriculum and omitting major topics including the 600 years of pre-European Māori life.