Eel - Tame should be at school, but he is content to spend his time learning about the bush and the old days from his ailing Grand Uncle Hawrey. But Tame's happy existence cannot go on forever.
Roimata - Roimata, a young Maori woman from the East Coast, travels to the city to meet her half-sister, Girlie. Introduced to gang members, the scene is set for a major confrontation when Kevin, a young Salvation Army officer arrives.
Te Moemoea (The Dream) - Raniera and Pare go off to bed each Friday evening to have a dream that will provide them with a winning bet at the races the next day. One night Raniera has a particularly vivid dream which he, Pare, and their friends, interpret as a definite money-winner.
Thunderbox - Expelled from school for repeating one of his father's very down-to-earth philosophies in an English lesson, Thunderbox junior finds himself in the work force and getting into trouble with the law.
Variations on a Theme - Opens on a marae, with a debate on the educational system, and then cuts away to three stories - each dealing with a real-life educational experience.