The New Zealand Ministry of Education promotes the use of digital technologies in schools to support future-focused learning and to achieve the vision for New Zealand young people, as stated in the national school curriculum document, to become confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners. This vision statement, extended in meaning since its inception in 2007 to further encompass the development of digital citizens, has influenced the strategic direction for educational developments in New Zealand and is supported by a range of Ministry of Education initiatives. However, a number of challenges have arisen that impact the ability for New Zealand educators to fully implement this vision in schools. This short paper presents a review of literature that illustrates the vision for young citizens in New Zealand, and describes some current challenges faced by New Zealand educators as they aim to realize this vision in complex digitally enhanced environments.