Quality websites - EPIC databases
For NZ information try these sites:
 EPIC is set up to provide NZ students with access to reliable information on a wide range of topics.  The trick is to select the right database for your research needs.  The library has selected some of the most popular databases and grouped them - simply scroll down and read the descriptions or click on the EPIC link below. ( Please note - if you are not on a computer at school you will need the EPIC password which you will find here)
To access all EPIC databases click here
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Te Ara - NZ Encyclopedia
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Newspaper/magazine articles from NZ
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Search online databases of NZ text resources
 Encyclopaedias and General Reference 
Britannica School has three different reading levels so excellent starting point for many research topics.
A general research resource aimed at year 7 and 8 students
Research in context is a resource aimed at year 7-10 students
Search across over 10 databases at once
Search across EBSCO resources Australia/New Zealand Reference Centre & MasterFILE 
Social Sciences (Social Studies and History)
Resources for students on many curriculum topics, including overviews, biographies, timelines, plot summaries and audio clips. Recommended year levels 7-13
Great for debates or point of view essays. Different views on many different issues. Includes good  overviews of a topic also.  Recommended year levels 7-13 
International viewpoints on a broad spectrum of global issues, topics, and current events. Recommended year levels 7-13
World History covers events and people that have shaped the world from ancient to modern times.
For NZ history it is better to use Te Ara or HistoryNZ
Looking for a famous person ? Start here - searchable by name, nationality, and occupation. Recommended year levels 7-13
An e-book collection providing access to a growing collection of important works on the Treaty of Waitangi, Recommended year levels 7-13
A wide range of general magazines and reference sources. Recommended year levels 9-13 
Science and Health
Information on hundreds of today's most significant science topics. Recommended year levels 7-13
Information on the physical, social and economic aspects of environmental issues. Recommended year levels 7-13
Authoritative answers to health and medical questions from a huge range of health/medical resources. Recommended year levels 9-13
English
Search or browse for books by genre, author, age group, period or theme – or find award winners. Recommended year levels 7-13
Full text access to a wealth of literary works, biographies, reviews and more. Recommended year levels 9-13
Critical essays, book reviews, biographies and author interviews from a range of periods and genres. Recommended year levels 9-13
A wide range of reference resources on Shakespeare. Recommended year levels 9-13