This paper endorses Dick Selleck and Geoffrey Sherington's view that public policy-making is characterised by both fluidity and contestability. In April 1988, the report of a Taskforce headed by Brian Picot recommended major reforms in New Zealand's public education system. Even today, however, there is controversy regarding the major influences on the Taskforce. Utilising untapped primary source material to revisit the deliberations of the Taskforce, this paper epitomises the strongly evidence-based approaches that have long characterised the scholarship of Dick and of Geoff.