New Zealand is sitting on a cusp in relation to education and schooling. According to the international studies (TiMSS, PIRLS and PISA), we sit in the company of the best in the world – we have one of the most effective education systems in the world. We have a cohort of professional teachers who have significantly contributed to this success, and have a society that still values and is prepared to pay for one of the best government school systems in the world. Sometimes we forget that New Zealand is among the exceptions when compared to many developed countries. The New Zealand school success story did not happen by default, and unless nurtured and esteemed, it will quickly slip. So which way to move forward?