Techlink :: Information for parents

Information for parents about Technology Education

Professor Bob Hodgson

"Globalisation and technological change are the two key features that are changing and shaping our lives. The technology curriculum has now developed to a level that I strongly recommend it as a subject, both to students who have an interest in making a career in engineering, technology or science, and generally as a means of better understanding the modern world."

Professor Bob Hodgson, Director, School of Engineering and Technology, Massey University

Chairman, New Zealand Council of Engineering Deans

Almost every aspect of our daily life – food, health care, transport, communications, entertainment, our environment – uses technology. This technology is constantly evolving and is changing the way we look at things and how we do things.

New Zealanders have an impressive history for being innovative and creative in technology areas. From Burt Munro (Worlds Fastest Indian), John Britten (motorcycle designer), Peter Witehira (award winning technologist, battery creator) to more recent examples, such as Orca, Canterbury, Icebreaker (performance sports wear), Alan Gibbs (Aquada aqua car) and Weta Workshop (film and television effects), New Zealanders can be proud of our country's contribution to technological advancements.

Technological literacy is becoming increasingly important to our everyday lives. Specialised technological knowledge and skills are vital to the current and future well-being of New Zealand – we need an increasingly wide range of technology professionals in many different fields to remain competitive and to contribute globally.

These pages explain what the subject Technology is and how it is being taught in New Zealand schools, and the new and exciting possibilities this presents for your child.

This information can be downloaded as a PDF (171kb), to be used by schools in their own publications promoting Technology Education.