Schools should reflect their communities if "the purpose of education is to prepare young people for the future" (Claxton, 2008, p. vi) and "facilitate the flow and experience of mana". in the individual and his community" (Royal, 2007, p. 2). The “influences of society and culture on child development are rooted in a particular society at a particular time” (Drewery & Bird, 2004, p. 23) and this should be reflected in classroom culture. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi. Engari taku toa he toa takitini. So what will New Zealand's future look like and what is the role of its schools? In 2005 the New Zealand Government's intention and commitment was to transform New Zealand into a 21st century knowledge society (Cartwright, 2005) This has changed and as the world continues on the path of economic reform where the Industrialization is no longer the backbone of the economy, New Zealand must adapt to the times. As our country develops and the world opens up to globalization, not only are our communities moving from industrialization to the knowledge age, but the country's immigration policy and indigenous peoples mean our communities are rapidly becoming culturally different. There is discussion about the impact that globalization and the knowledge age can have on communities, especially communities that lack access to basic survival needs, let alone the tools needed to participate in and benefit from a global economy and knowledge (Au, 2005). There are calls for considerations of the disparity that may be created by the new eras and the argument that it is everyone's right to a basic education. It has also been noted that perhaps knowledge societies develop attitudes that are if ... middle of paper ... everyone should reflect in their classroom planning and culture the need for problem solving and risk taking skills. Teachers need to encourage innovation and competence in ICT as students need to be able to develop skills to participate and use social networks effectively and communicate in a global context. To achieve the goals set by education and prepare active citizens for the uncertain demands of the future, school should also become a complex and diverse learning environment. Education must be about diversification and openness to fields and career choices that are not yet known. The student will have to become 'Fifty years ago the highest rung on the economic ladder was mastery of four or five subjects. Today it is the ability to think critically, solve problems, communicate, collaborate, use technology and be globally competent.' (Hood, 2010)