Whāinga (Objectives) and Mihi (Introductions) -- Māoritanga and Tikanga -- New Zealand Archaeology History and Current Themes -- Heretaunga -- Early Inhabitants of Heretaunga Face a Northern Incursion -- Conflict, Peace, and Culture Contact (1550 to 1773 CE).-Conflict from Within and Without (1773 to 1837 CE) -- Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga and Colonialism (1837 to 1900 CE) -- Māori Leadership and Places of Power in the Modern World -- Conclusion.

This book uses Māori Kaupapa (a Māori approach, practice) to provide unique insights toward the anthropological understanding of power and place in Heretaunga, New Zealand. It examines the power of Māori leaders and ancient and modern archaeological and historical landscapes over the past six centuries. It highlights Māori warfare, characterized by impressive fortifications known as pā. Severe impacts of the colonial period are also discussed, including demographic calamity, changes in settlement pattern, and the innovative ways that Māori leaders sought to navigate the last half of the nineteenth century. Recent history and modern issues are examined as well, particularly the rise of tribal self-government. Importantly, the roles of female leaders are examined for each period. This book will be of interest across many disciplines for those interested in conflict and warfare, complex pre-state level societies, colonialism, power and women, and indigenous adaptions to globalization.