Exemplar for internal assessment resource Geography 3.6A for Achievement Standard 91431
Exemplar for Internal Assessment Resource
Geography Level 3
Resource title: The future of New Zealand’s energy
production
This exemplar supports assessment against:
Achievement Standard 91431
Analyse aspects of a contemporary geographic issue
Student and grade boundary specific exemplar
The material has been gathered from student material specific to an A or B assessment
resource.
Date version published by
Ministry of Education
December 2012
To support internal assessment from 2013
This task asks students to analyse the future of New Zealand’s Energy Production.
The annotations focus primarily on the aspect relating to the proposal of a suitable course of
action and justification of this solution.
Resource 3.6B will focus more on the aspect relating to people’s values and perceptions.
© Crown 2011
Exemplar for internal assessment resource Geography 3.6A for Achievement Standard 91431
Grade Boundary: Low Excellence
1.
To achieve this standard at Excellence the student needs to analyse comprehensively
aspects of a contemporary geographic issue.
This involves:

Fully explaining how people’s values and perceptions of the issue have led to
their responses.

Proposing a suitable course of action to address the issue and providing a full
justification of the solution showing insight. A full justification is an in-depth
response that uses clarity of argument and holistic understanding to
demonstrate why one course of action is better than the alternatives.
The following are extracts only from the student response to illustrate both how the
requirements for Excellence have been met and aspects that could be developed
further.
Suitable courses of action are clearly stated and this extract shows clarity of argument
and holistic understanding of the issue through the proposal of both short term and
long term solutions. “The ideal course of action should be predominantly focused on a
long term solution; however measures also need to be in place for the short term
period.
Reasons why the short term alternative is not valued as a long-term option is explained
“this is only ideal in the short term, as reliance on imported oil is beginning to be
economically unfavourable…” Geographic terminology and the concept of sustainability
are integrated throughout the response. [A]
The long-term proposal is fully justified. Alternatives are mentioned in extract [A] “This
is not a secure form of energy … reliance on imported oil is beginning to be
economically unfavourable …”and discussed in [B]. “ better than the idea of developing
and enhancing oil security and transport”. [B]
Holistic understanding of the issue and the implications of the proposed course of
action provide evidence of insight. “developing New Zealand’s renewable resources is
not a flawless plan, and requires some additional measures to be implemented to
improve it.” [C]
To be a more convincing Excellence response the elements of the argument relating to
the alternative courses of action needed to be developed further, with statistical
evidence.
© Crown 2011
Student 1: Low Excellence
The issue of the future of New Zealand’s energy is unique in nature, which provides a diverse range of possible
actions which could be implemented in the future of the country. According to the Draft New Zealand Energy
Strategy, there are 4 main areas in which these possible actions can be grouped. These are: Develop Resources,
Secure and Affordable Energy, Efficient Use and Environmental Stability. For New Zealand’s energy use to be
optimal, these priorities all need to be taken into account and combined in the best way possible for the
country in the long and short term.
The ideal course of action should be predominantly focused on a long term solution; however measures also
need to be in place for the short term period.
In the short term, I believe the best course of action is to firstly focus on oil security and transport. Half of our
total energy needs are met by oil imported from overseas. This is not a secure form of energy, as New Zealand’s
isolation and open economy means the country is vulnerable to increases in oil prices which is potentially
harmful to New Zealand’s economy. This reliance will continue for decades to come, so measures need to be
implemented during this time to increase oil security and transport for the benefit of the country. This can be
done by diversifying transport energy sources will help stabilise energy security and create resilience. Also,
increasing awareness in the business and residential sectors would reduce New Zealand’s reliance on oil,
therefore making the energy economy more stable.
However this is only ideal in the short term, as reliance on imported oil is beginning to be economically
unfavourable to the overall economy of New Zealand, due to the increase in oil prices and the rise of
environmental safety measures such as the Emissions Trading Scheme. This means a long term solution needs
to be put in place to ensure the future of New Zealand’s energy is managed over a longer time.
The concept of sustainability is highly important when looking at the long term. Sustainability is the long-term
maintenance of responsibility. In order to be sustainable, New Zealand’s energy future needs to ensure it caters
for the environmental, social and economic dimensions of the country.
The concept of environment also needs to be considered within the concept of sustainability when focusing on
a long term solution. With the environment becoming more and more depleted due to human influence with
each year that passes, a long term solution towards energy supply and use that has minimal impacts on the
environment needs to be followed.
In the long term, I believe the focus should be on developing New Zealand’s renewable resources. This is in my
opinion, the option that is the most sustainable in terms of New Zealand’s social, environmental and economic
dimensions, and is best suited to the country of New Zealand itself. These will be explained below, and
compared with the alternative options of developing New Zealand’s petroleum and mineral fuel resources, and
of focusing on improving transportation, security and use of imported, non-renewable energy resources such as
oil.
[A]
New Zealand is completely unique in the way that the country holds an abundance of a range of renewable
resources, which are able to be harnessed for energy production. These include wind power, solar power,
hydroelectricity, geothermal generation and the possible prospect of harnessing tidal energy in the future.
Having these resources spread throughout the country and so close to the consumers provides a huge benefit
to New Zealand, as the factor of instability due to external markets is eradicated, so energy supply and cost is
made more secure. This idea is better than the idea of developing and enhancing oil security and transport.
Enhancing oil security and transport keeps the country reliant on the overseas non-renewable resources, which
leave New Zealand susceptible to instability from these external factors. Developing renewable resources
within New Zealand however protects the country from these factors, keeping our energy market in our own
control….
Using renewable resources has minimal impacts on the environment. Renewable resources are just as they say
– renewable. This means they can continue to generate energy without depleting a natural resource. This
makes focussing on renewable energy very environmentally sustainable. This is very important the New
Zealand as a country, as it is seen as ‘Clean and Green’, and image which needs to be upheld in the future. Non-
renewable energy sources however are seen as ‘dirty’, and harm the delicate environment of the country,
polluting the air and waterways as well as harming flora and fauna, which are valued highly by the people of
New Zealand. A focus towards the development of renewable resources is better than the idea of the
development of petroleum and mineral fuel resources as it is more environmentally optimal. Renewable
resources are better for the environment in terms of improved air quality and health and a reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions. With the Emissions Trading Scheme, the increase in cost of having a carbon footprint
and the increase in taxes on non-renewable resources means a reliance on this form of energy will not be an
economically or environmentally favourable energy scheme for the future.
Developing renewable resources also is ideal because it can work on both large and small scales within the
country… it is evident that focussing on renewable resources would target a larger portion of New Zealand than
other options like improving transport and storage of imported oil, which can only be factored by a small
number of business so would not be as holistically effective as renewable resources.
[B]
However, developing New Zealand’s renewable resources is not a flawless plan, and requires some additional
measures to be implemented to improve it.
The first of these is the need for a diverse range of renewable technologies to be used to generate electricity.
Renewable energy can be unreliable as a lot of methods are dependent on uncontrollable factors such as the
wind speed and sunshine hours. However in using a combination of many techniques such as geothermal, wind,
solar and hydropower to generate New Zealand’s electricity, a reliable system will be obtained which ensures
there is always adequate energy to meet New Zealand’s energy demands.
Research into new energy technologies also needs to be undertaken to optimise the development of New
Zealand’s renewable resources. There are many new fields of research in this area, which are rich in potential
for exploration. Such possible areas that could be looked into are the harnessing of tidal energy, and the
prospect of nuclear energy in New Zealand. Further research into these could cause them to be used in New
Zealand, which would further diversify the energy resources being used within the country, securing energy
supply in doing so…
I have proposed a combination of courses of actions which are the best options for New Zealand in both the
short term and the long term, and which will be sustainable in New Zealand in the long term by the three
factors of environment, economy and society… the ideal long term solution that should be implemented in
New Zealand is the development of the country’s renewable resources, with the addition of ensuring reliability,
researching new technologies and providing information and raising awareness to New Zealanders.
[C]
Exemplar for internal assessment resource Geography 3.6A for Achievement Standard 91431
Grade Boundary: High Merit
2.
To achieve this standard at Merit the student needs to analyse, in depth, aspects of a
contemporary geographic issue.
This involves:

Explaining in detail, how people’s values and perceptions of the issue have led to
their responses.

Proposing a suitable course of action to address the issue and provide a detailed
justification of the proposed solution. A justification demonstrates why the chosen
course of action is better than the alternatives.
This exemplifies a high Merit as a suitable course of action to address the issue of
future energy production is proposed, “a number of related actions in order to achieve
the desired outcome”. This proposal shows an in depth understanding of the issue
through the multi structure of the solution. [A]
Each of the three aspects of the proposal are explained in depth clearly showing some
insight and holistic understanding of the issue, extracts from two are provided:
development of sustainable resources in [B] and “efficient use of our existing energy
sources” in [C]
The justification includes discussion of several alternatives; development of large
renewable resources as the sole focus, and the proposal of affordable energy
emphasising oil exploration and development. “The use of both renewable and nonrenewable resources would ensure secure supply in a transition phase”. [D]
To improve to Excellence the student needed to develop each of the alternatives
further. Greater clarity of argument could have been achieved by integrating the
alternatives with the recommended proposal to clearly show the strength of the
recommendation
The sample is part of the response that illustrates the comments above.
© Crown 2011
Student 2: High Merit
Based on my research, and the submissions of the well informed representative groups, it
would appear the most appropriate courses of action in maintaining the future of New
Zealand’s energy production are, the development of resources, more efficient use of
existing sources and ensuring minimal effect on the environment. I believe it will require a
number of related actions in order to achieve the desired outcome, of a more sustainable
and guaranteed future for energy in New Zealand.
[A]
As at 2009 73% of our electricity was provided by hydro, geothermal and wind power, that
is, renewable energy resources. The Government should invest more in developing these
resources, in a way that does not damage the environment, but is sustainable and
responsible, as there is great ’untapped’ potential, specifically in wind, tidal and geothermal
energy. The further development of renewable energy will provide a diverse range of
energy sources, and when teamed with the less sustainable use of oil, gas and minerals, it
will significantly boost New Zealand’s energy security, create jobs in the energy sector and
act to boost and accommodate for economic growth. By using a greater proportion of
renewable resources air quality in New Zealand can be expected to improve, reduce carbon
and greenhouse gas emissions while reaching the renewable electricity target, that is, 90%
of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2025, as long it does not affect security
of supply…
There must be a balance between both renewable and non-renewable energy resources,
as there is still dependency on fossil fuels in transport and other sectors, and feel as though
there would be a too greater short term cost in modifying these industries toward a solely
renewable source. It would be more suitable to attempt to regulate use, where the
Government should set requirement for environmentally responsible mining practices and
ensure that there will be greater benefits to society than costs. It would seem inappropriate
to spend large amounts of money to solely develop renewable resources and forgo as
greater use of non-renewables as possible, when there are already large scale, and
expensive, energy extraction and generation schemes in operation. Greater investment
should be used to develop technologies and knowledge bases around the use of nonrenewable energy, in an attempt to fully utilise the economic potential of these resources.
There are already developments in the use of Carbon Capture and storage technology
which could potentially be an effective way of utilising our natural resources, with lesser
negative impacts to the environment. [B]
The Government should also continue to focus on encouraging efficient use of our existing
energy sources, through transport, workplace use, consumer knowledge and energy
efficient homes. This kind of energy efficiency can be explained through an example of a
fuel efficient car that uses 6 litres of fuel per 100km as opposed to one that isn’t using 10
litres per 100km. The government has committed more than $340million over four years to
the ‘Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart’ programme which will assist over 186,500 homes
and provide higher levels of support for low income households, which will aid in the
response of the Public Health Association over reducing fuel poverty and making equal
most homes is New Zealand. As previously mentioned energy efficient homes then have
flow on effects to other industry, where healthier homes lead to a healthier work force,
benefitting the overall economy… Also, as individuals we are able to save money, while not
wasting precious energy and also limit greenhouse gas emissions from irresponsible, or
over use of our resources. This enables greater investment opportunities for developments
to both renewable and non-renewable energy resources, as addressed above, as opposed
to wasting funds on energy that is unused. [C]
The development of all forms of energy resources appears to be the most appropriate focus
for the long term in securing New Zealand’s energy supply. It requires extensive
development to existing renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and creation of
new sources. An option focusing solely on the exploration and development of nonrenewable resources will not provide security of energy supplies into the future. Despite
their current value and NZ’s potential resources this option can only be seen as short term
or in a supporting role to the development of more renewable resources. The negative
environmental effects are a major concern with this option particularly with greenhouse gas
emissions, and risk or damage to the environment through extraction… New Zealand has a
‘Clean, Green’ reputation amongst the global community and most feel that this image is
important to maintain, not just for our image but the country’s health overall… In 2007 43%
of the country’s total emissions were accounted for by the production and consumption of
energy. Government policies to further combat this are already in place, with the Emissions
Trading Scheme and increased investment in energy conservation and efficiency;
continued reliance on fossil fuels would compromise these policies.
Development of non-renewable resources is far less important than developing renewable
resources because it is evident that non-renewable are a product of the past and are not
sustainable.
However focusing solely on large scale renewable resource developments which take a lot
of time and money to develop would possibly put unnecessary pressure on energy supply
and production… The use of both renewable and non-renewable resources would ensure
secure supply in a transition phase.
The current lobby that proposes affordable energy as a key goal still focuses on affordable
fossil fuels. This proposal emphasises extensive investment in oil exploration as rising oil
prices threaten our economic viability. The development of our own oil reserves will reduce
exposure to international oil supply disruptions and provide greater security…The
challenges to this proposal focus on the environmental arguments and need for sustainable
energy supplies… [D]
Exemplar for internal assessment resource Geography 3.6A for Achievement Standard 91431
Grade Boundary: Low Merit
3.
The student has met the requirements of an in-depth analysis. The nature of the
energy production issue, and peoples responses are clearly explained with appropriate
levels of detail.
A suitable course of action is proposed and the explanation contains some detail
showing how it encompasses other focus areas. A broad approach has been taken
showing links between a range of focus areas, while keeping a clear emphasis on the
development of resources. “Developing resources would focus on both the petroleum
and mineral resources and renewable resources.” [A]
The justification is less convincing, despite several alternatives being discussed in
relation to the selected recommendation, more specific detail about each is needed;
examples of two alternatives are included in the extract. This section continues to
emphasise the strength of the selected option. “The developing resources
recommendation will consider environmental impacts as an indicator throughout.” [B]
The extract from the conclusion justifies the recommendation and links focus areas
showing a sound understanding of the issue. [C]
To be a more convincing Merit response more specific evidence is needed in the
discussion of alternatives. The current focus is more on the strength of the
recommendation which could have been emphasised more through consideration of
the weaknesses of the alternatives.
The sample is part of the response that illustrates the comments above.
© Crown 2011
Student 3: Low Merit
Develop Resources
I recommend ‘developing resources’ as the course of action the Government should focus
on for the future of New Zealand’s energy production. Developing resources would focus on
both the petroleum and mineral resources and renewable resources. There would need to
be considerable effort into research and development of new energy technologies, Research
would be carried out to improve petroleum and mineral extraction, energy security and
efficient and affordable energy use… The Government has created the ‘90% renewable
electricity target’ set to be achieved by 2025. Currently, 73% of electricity generation in NZ
uses renewable sources. I believe a strong focus should be put on this target as greater use
of renewable energy would contribute to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and
therefore enhance NZ’s ‘green branding”. This option does not only focus on the
development of renewable energy but also development of petroleum and mineral
resources as well. By developing resources there is the potential to discover new energy
technologies and provide substantial economic growth for the country. The further
production of coal could potentially contribute to the economy through the production of
liquid fossil fuels, methanol or fertilisers etc. developing resources is also appropriate to NZ
because if a way to reduce high levels of greenhouse gas emissions is found through the
research taking place then the further development of non-renewable energy resources
could become more environmentally friendly…
Discussion continued focusing on developing a range of renewable resources. [A]
The course of action ‘develop resources’ is better than the focus on environmental
responsibility, through carrying out research in order to develop new energy technologies
an economic way to reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions is being looked into. A main
focus on ‘environmental responsibility’ is to “reduce energy-related greenhouse gas
emission” and this will be achieved with my broader recommendation. Also through the
90% renewable electricity target there will be a significant positive impact on the
environments as renewable energies are … The developing resources recommendation will
consider environmental impacts as an indicator throughout.
Developing resources is also a higher priority than ‘secure and affordable energy’ as
although this is an important focus area it is also being considered in the development of
resources. Through developing resources environmentally, socially and economically
sustainable energies can be created and enhanced. An aspect of secure and affordable
energy is a reliable and secure electricity supply and through developing resources, a
diverse electricity system will increase security of supply… Another area of ‘secure and
affordable energy’ that is being worked on through the development of existing resources is
“competitive energy markets”. Through the development of renewable energy resources,
diverse energy supply will increase competitiveness in energy markets…
[B]
Even though both the priorities of ‘environmental responsibility’ and ‘secure and affordable
energy’ are important to NZ’s economic growth, high standards of energy security and also
the clean green image, I believe that the option of developing resources should be the main
focus as it considers and contributes to specifications outlined in these areas as well as its
own specifications and gains…
[C]
Exemplar for internal assessment resource Geography 3.6A for Achievement Standard 91431
Grade Boundary: High Achieved
4.
To achieve this standard the student needs to analyse aspects of a contemporary
geographic issue.
This involves:

Explaining the nature of the contemporary geographic issue.

Explaining how people’s values and perceptions of the issue have led to their
responses

Proposing a suitable course of action to address the issue and justify the proposed
solution. The justification includes consideration of at least one alternative course of
action.
This is a high Achievement response which proposes a clear viable solution and
effectively uses some detailed supporting evidence.
“the most appropriate course of action …is the development of renewable energy
resources.”
The student shows understanding of the short term limitations of their proposal through
reference to continued development of non-renewable energy resources. [A]
While the proposal is given in detail only one alternative is used in the justification,
“Proposing reliance on our non-renewable energy sources like natural gas and oil are
short sighted.” [B]
Continued reference is given to the alternative in section [C] where the student sums
up the proposal.
To improve to Merit the student needed to provide a detailed justification incorporating
several alternative courses of action. The link with both options of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources to the related environmental aspect could have been more
directly covered.
The sample is part of the response that illustrates the comments above.
© Crown 2011
Student 4: High Achieved
Based on my research, and the submissions of the well informed representative
groups, it would appear the most appropriate course of action in maintaining the
future of New Zealand’s energy production is the development of renewable energy
resources.
As at 2009 73% of our electricity was provided by hydro, geothermal and wind
power, that is, renewable energy resources. I would agree that the Government
should invest more in developing these resources, in a way that is sustainable and
responsible, as there is great ’untapped’ potential, specifically in wind and
geothermal energy. At the same time we need to continue to develop non-renewable
energy and this will provide a diverse range of energy sources.… it will significantly
boost New Zealand’s energy security, create jobs in the energy sector and act to
boost and accommodate for economic growth. By using a greater proportion of
renewable resources air quality in New Zealand can be expected to improve, reduce
carbon and greenhouse gas emissions while reaching the renewable electricity
target, that is, 90% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2025, as long
it does not affect security of supply.
There must be a balance between both renewable and non-renewable energy
resources, as there is still dependency on fossil fuels in transport and other sectors,
there would be a too greater short term cost in modifying these industries toward a
solely renewable source. NZ has reserves of non-renewable resources and these
need to be extracted and can fill an energy demand until renewable resources are
developed enough to take over.
[A]
Greater investment should be used to develop technologies and knowledge bases
around the use of renewable energy, in an attempt to fully utilise the economic
potential of these resources.
This appears to be the most appropriate long term course of action in securing New
Zealand’s energy supply. It requires continued development of existing renewable
energy sources, and creation of new sources; and unlike total dependence on nonrenewable energy’s it is a more sustainable approach to maintaining and developing
New Zealand’s energy sector. Proposing reliance on our non-renewable energy
sources like natural gas and oil are short sighted as they are not sustainable and
harm the environment. Reliance on non-renewable resources will not provide New
Zealand with energy security. The development of a range of renewable energy
sources like wind, hydro and tidal energy; would ensure that New Zealand’s energy
supply is guaranteed. These resources are sustainable, and readily and consistently
available, unlike alternative non renewables like oil and natural gas that are limited
sources, and large volumes need to be imported.
[B]
New Zealand has a ‘Clean, Green’ reputation amongst the global community and
most feel that this image is important to maintain, not just for our image but the
country’s health overall. Though the Resource Management Act is already in place
the Government will act to ensure the framework of this is administered properly,
guaranteeing responsible and sustainable use of resources, ensuring them for future
generations. The Government will also need to exercise their role in ensuring
adverse environmental effects associated with energy production and use are
minimised. This is particularly with the continued development of non-renewable
energy resources as there are concerns over the environmental impacts such as
emissions from combustion of natural gases, river pollution, environmental
degradation caused by mining etc. In order to combat this the Government will act to
facilitate development of renewable energy sources in order to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions related to energy production, in 2007 43% of the country’s total
emissions were accounted for by the production and consumption of energy.
Government policies to further combat this are already in place, with the Emissions
Trading Scheme and increased investment in energy conservation and efficiency.
These courses of action, development of renewable energy sources while continuing
use of non-renewable resources in the short term should have the desired effect in
assuring New Zealand energy for future, they address where and how energy will be
sourced and each one encourages more sustainable practise, as opposed to the
other course of action which focuses totally on continued development of our oil and
gas reserves. Each of these courses of action will have short term impacts, where
some may involve cost now, but will also have great benefits in future, perhaps even
lowering costs where energy is sourced, and used more efficiently. There will be
lower economic costs, and also social costs, as general health and wellbeing should
improve through better air quality and healthier, warmer, drier homes.
[C]
Exemplar for internal assessment resource Geography 3.6A for Achievement Standard 91431
Grade Boundary: Low Achieved
5.
The student has met the requirements of the standard.
The nature of the contemporary issue has been explained, demonstrating
understanding of the spatial dimension of the issue, “… showing the current distribution
of energy consumption and the areas in New Zealand that have the potential for
renewable energy production” identification of significant the natural and cultural
features “Natural features already identified include elements of relief, climate and
drainage.” and the effects of the issue on people and the environment. [A]
A suitable course of action, the development of renewable energy resources and
associated technology, is proposed and justified.
“… New Zealand should produce more renewable energy to supply a wider range of
energy resources and replace oil with local energy sources.” [B]
In order to reach a clear achievement an alternative solution needed to be considered
rather than merely stated. Only brief reference is made in the conclusion to the
weakness of further development of local oil and gas reserves.
The sample consists of extracts only from the student response that illustrate the
comments above.
© Crown 2011
Student 5: Low Achieved
Graphics included as part of this response:
A map showing the locations of a range of potential renewable energy sources including
hydro, wind, tidal and solar.
A map showing the spatial patterns of energy demand.
A graph of NZ population growth
A graph of current energy sources used including renewable and non-renewable.
The issue is the future of New Zealand’s energy production and consumption. With a growing
population and increasing demand for energy it is evident that New Zealand needs more energy to
be produced. However, along with these changes the amount of non-renewable resources in New
Zealand is slowly decreasing. … The draft New Zealand Energy Strategy outlines plans by the
Government to resolve this issue. These methods include developing resources, creating secure
and affordable energy, ensuring energy is used efficiently and that environmental responsibility is
taken in to account when producing and consuming energy. …The Government’s main incentive
is to make the most of the abundance of renewable energy resources... Currently 70% of New
Zealand’s electricity comes from renewable resources, but there is a heavy reliance on imported
supplies of oil.
The maps clearly show the spatial dimension of this issue, showing the current distribution of
energy consumption and the areas in New Zealand that have the potential for renewable energy
production such as solar, wind, and hydro because of their natural features. The location of energy
production is important because it is essential that the power generated can be used all over the
country, especially in areas of high demand such as the Auckland region. NZ has a diverse range
of energy sources spread throughout the country which are currently being used and developed.
Due to the location of New Zealand, prevailing westerly winds cross the path of the country. The
regions of Southland, Marlborough, Wellington and the West Coast all receive an average wind
speed greater than 7m/s. In many of these locations, this wind is strong enough to generate wind
energy through harnessing the wind with wind turbines.
Hydroelectric power accounts for roughly 15% of New Zealand’s total power production. This is
mainly generated in three areas of New Zealand – Waikato, Canterbury and Otago. Approximately
13% of New Zealand’s total power production comes from the hydroelectricity generated on the
Waikato River. Along the Waikato River there are 8 dams and 9 hydroelectric power stations,
which combined produce on average 4000GWh of electricity annually. …
A range of natural and cultural features are involved or impacted on during the production and
consumption of energy. Natural features already identified include elements of relief, climate and
drainage. The building of dams leads to extensive areas of flooding with land being submerged
behind the dam and changes to the fluvial processes of the whole river system. These impacts on
the environment can be viewed as positive as future flooding of the river can be controlled; or
negative in that greater erosion can occur immediately below the dam and excessive deposition at
the dam….
The burning of fossil fuels releases a range of harmful toxins into the atmosphere, including
Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Sulpher, Mercury etc. These harm delicate ecological systems
and are harmful to human health, as the fine particles can easily be inhaled into the lungs and can
enter the bloodstream. This poses great risks to humans such as respiratory symptoms,
premature death in heart and lung disease patients, heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases, and is
associated with the development of chronic respiratory disease in children… [A]
Proposal
I believe New Zealand should produce more renewable energy to supply a wider range of energy
resources and replace oil with local energy sources. I suggest that research into new technologies
should be used to further develop our potential renewable energy resources.
The development of renewable resources in New Zealand will boost New Zealand’s energy
security. To investigate and improve the development of wind farms and hydro electric energy
sources where possible. This course of action will improve our air quality due the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions…
The government needs to prioritize research funding to areas based on New Zealand’s resource
strength and where there is commercial potential. The government participates in international
CCS research forums and continues to keep technological development and legislative
development in mind. The government should continue research opportunities and undertake the
development of technologies that provide for storage of energy.
I believe New Zealand should have more publications which show how to use renewable energy
more and save money. The lack of knowledge on ways to reduce electricity and energy use, to
save money, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand should be advertised so
people can do this day to day.
New Zealand relies on imported oil which is increasing in price and this will continue for the
immediate future especially for the transport industry, but by reducing the imports of oil and gases,
this will save New Zealand money. There is the potential to further develop oil and gas resources
in New Zealand, but this will still produce greenhouse gas emissions and being nonrenewable
resources can only be considered a short term solution, compared to the development of more
renewable energy resources. [B]
Exemplar for internal assessment resource Geography 3.6A for Achievement Standard 91431
Grade Boundary: High Not Achieved
6.
This sample shows that some of the evidence is at or nearly reaching the standard, but
there is insufficient depth and quality overall to be indicative of work reflecting level 8 of
the curriculum.
The extract from the explanation of the Geographic Nature of the Issue, addresses
some aspects such as what the issue is, “The issue is, what strategies will we use to
ensure we have secure energy supplies for the future.”, the draft energy strategy and
the impact on the environment. The effect of the issue on people is only briefly inferred
“provides NZ with economic opportunities”, this could have been elaborated on to
include employment opportunities, and/or the discussion of negative impacts such as
increasing costs of oil and health issues related to the burning of fossil fuels etc. [A]
A suitable course of action is proposed, “New Zealand should produce more renewable
energy through a wider range of energy resources and replace imported oil with local
energy sources.” [B]
To meet the standard the spatial nature of the issue needed to be established which
could have been achieved with the inclusion of a map and more specific location
evidence; and greater evidence of the effect of this issue on people. Consideration is
needed of at least one alternative solution when justifying the recommendation. The
response needed to directly focus on an alternative such as development of our nonrenewable resources as the main source of energy, or emphasis on strategies to
improve energy efficiency.
The sample is part of the response that illustrates the comments above.
© Crown 2011
Student 6: High Not Achieved
Nature of the issue
The issue is the future of New Zealand’s energy production. A growing population and economy
are resulting in an increasing demand for energy. However, along with these changes the amount
of non-renewable resources in New Zealand is slowly decreasing. The draft New Zealand Energy
Strategy outlines plans by the Government to resolve this issue including:

developing resources,

creating secure and affordable energy,

ensuring energy is used efficiently

and that environmental responsibility is taken in to account when producing and consuming
energy.
The issue is, what strategies will we use to ensure we have secure energy supplies for the future.
NZ has reserves of non-renewable energy resources such as coal, and the oil and gas fields
around Taranaki. The government intends to continue the development and use of these
resources but alternatives need to be explored. The world demand for oil and gas is high which
provides NZ with economic opportunities involving oil and gas exports. It has become a significant
industry and continued exploration can support economic growth.
Renewable energy is energy produced from resources which will be constantly available. New
Zealand has the potential for renewable energy production using solar, wind, and hydro resources.
These energy sources are environmentally friendly. One of NZ’s main sources of energy is hydro
power generation using major river systems…
A rapidly growing source of energy is from using the wind, and wind farms have developed in
several areas in both the North and South Islands. In many areas, the wind is strong enough to
almost constantly generate wind energy through harnessing the wind with wind turbines. Wind
power has the potential to become a major source of energy in the future.
Using renewable energy to generate electricity has the most positive impacts on the environment
as they do not increase greenhouse gas emissions or create other forms of air pollution. The
burning of fossil fuels is a major contributor to pollution and has been identified as major factor
responsible for climate change. However the building of dams drastically changes drainage
patterns and results in large areas being drowned to form water storage behind the dams. These
impacts on the environment can be viewed as positive as future flooding of the river can be
controlled; or negative in that greater erosion can occur immediately below the dam and excessive
deposition at the dam….
[A]
New Zealand should produce more renewable energy through a wider range of energy resources
and replace imported oil with local energy sources. Further development of renewable energy will
improve New Zealand’s air quality reducing greenhouse gas emissions…
To investigate and improve the development of wind farms, tidal energy and hydro electric energy
stations should be developed where possible… The development of renewable resources in New
Zealand will boost New Zealand’s energy security and create jobs.
I suggest the future development and research into new technologies should be embraced and all
renewable options considered. Advanced technologies should be used to help remove
greenhouse gas emissions that are released into the air from the burning of fossil fuels...The
government priorities must include research funding to areas based on New Zealand’s resource
strength and where there is commercial potential… The government should continue research
opportunities and focus on technologies that provide for storage energy…
I believe New Zealand should have more publications which show how to use renewable energy
more and save money. The lack of knowledge on ways to reduce electricity and energy use, to
save money, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand should be advertised so
people can do this day to day.
[B]