A parent in Porirua is “lost for her words” after her 14-year-old daughter was invited to participate in a colonial-style game that separated children into slaves, chieftains, and aliens.

Earlier today, she said that a grade 10 class from Aotea College was assigned to do the activity, which involved selling slaves, land and commoners – for “10 pearls.”

Documents show the groups were also asked to attack aliens and rival countries, as well as invite missionaries to talk to invaders and buy zap rifles.

In a statement, Acting Director Kathleen Kaveney said the Alien Invasion game was played against the backdrop of a Treaty of Waitangi unit.

“The purpose of this resource, originally obtained from TKI Te Kete Ipurangi and used in other schools, is to engage students and give them some understanding of problem solving and negotiation.

She said it aims to demonstrate the first encounters between groups and various power holders who are part of the negotiation and that students can create a treaty.

“A parental concern about this activity was raised today and our teachers are very happy to speak about these concerns. We need to further clarify the purpose and context of the activity.

A worried relative told the Herald that even the language was problematic and that it was “mind-blowing” that we hadn’t thought about it.

The woman told the Herald that her son had texted her about the game and encouraged him to go and wait in the bathroom.

She said her son believed there was obvious discomfort in the classroom.

The class was an Integrated Studies class – which is a combination of an English and Social Studies class.

“It’s 2021, come on, we shouldn’t be doing this yet.”

The Ministry of Education was asked for comment.