Aotearoa New Zealand, 1978. In a small rural town, the Ropata family must pull together after their lives and community are turned upside down. When the local school faces closure, it's up to the youngest son and his friends to save it cooking up one scheme after another as they battle the city kids for glory at the regional sports day. Meanwhile at home, the family is divided by something bigger, after one of the eldest sons joins the fight for Maori land rights at Bastion Point. As one of the most turbulent years in New Zealand history unfolds, can the family stay united and support each other through it all?