1960s, the East Coast of New Zealand. Two Maori sheep-shearing families - the Mahanas and the Poatas - are sworn enemies and commercial rivals. 14-years-old Simeon Mahana - the youngest son - seeks allies against his traditionalist grandfather, Tamihana. As Simeon unravels the truth behind the longstanding family vendetta, he risk not just his own future prospects but the cohesion of the entire tight-knit society.