One of the principles/Nga Matapono directing the New Zealand Curriculum Framework is that 'The New Zealand Curriculum relates learning to the wider world.' For such 'relating' to take place, students must have a basic knowledge of how that 'wider world' operates. This series aims to deliver that knowledge in a way that: ' is 100% user-friendly ' is accessible to all learner levels ' allows opportunity for further in-depth study of a particular topic ' is contained in a workbook that can be kept by students as a personal record ' will equip students with the backdrop of knowledge that links to specific curricula ' encourages students to use the eight essential skills specified by the New Zealand Curriculum for all students across the whole curriculum throughout their years of schooling ' provides students with a useful background for understanding international current affairs.