The Post Primary Teachers Association is accusing Education Minister Hekia Parata of not knowing what actually goes on in classrooms in the country.
She told school teachers at the association's annual conference this week that Year 13 students should be learning New Zealand history.
Ms Parata said schools should teach history about people such as; Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi, who both led the Parihaka peace movement in the 1800s, at a time when the colonial government was trying to confiscate their land in Taranaki.
Association chairperson Robin Duff said her comments were met with surprise because New Zealand history is a part of the curriculum.
He said it was strange to hear her comments because important events such as Parihaka are taught in schools.
Mr Duff said he learnt about the peace movement when he was at school 35 years ago, and it's still being taught in schools.
