Karla Spicer is a senior teacher in Wellington, New Zealand's capital who is hindered by the associate principal who resents her progressive ideas. However, through a conscientious attitude and by supporting junior staff and parents Karla is a popular staff member. New partner Ryan Purdon, the school's property manager tells her about problems with a lackadaisical principal at Top Plateau who is forced to leave the tiny school near his family farm where he grew up. Karla agrees to take the acting principal's position there and Ryan goes with her to stay in his farmhouse.

Life in a remote area is different than expected with problems at the school and also on Ryan's family farm where he has problems with his sister, step-father and mother who are all trying to sell the property divided between them by his late father's estate.Tensions arise in the district with a marijuana plantation discovered near the farm and a local bikie gang being suspected as the growers. However, nothing is as it first seems, potential enemies become friends and the trusted, untrustworthy.

Back in Wellington, teacher Chrissy Ancell is attacked and turns to Karla for help. As Chrissy's attacker is a respected person, their efforts to get justice seem to be thwarted.

It appears that the problems are intertwined with Karla being the kingpin and more than just a teacher striving to do the best for the children under her care.