Although many nations are struggling with social studies, especially when addressing basic goals, ideas of citizenship, and developing and understanding global perspectives, it is New Zealand that provides an interesting case regarding social studies for social efficacy and global understanding. In this article, the author investigates the direction of social studies education in New Zealand and describes the curriculum. Social studies for global social efficacy in New Zealand is alive and well. What makes New Zealand unique is its emphasis on social studies perspectives, settings, and processes, and the concerted effort to integrate social studies into teaching and learning on a daily basis. Such efforts enable New Zealand teachers to counter the traditional hidden curriculum and status quo and hegemony issues in social studies.