1960s, East Coast of New Zealand. Two Maori sheep-shearing families, the Mahanas and the Poatas, are longstanding enemies and commercial rivals. 14-year-old Simeon Mahana, the youngest son is in conflict with his traditionalist grandfather, Tamihana. As Simeon unravels the truth behind the longstanding family vendetta, he risks not just his own future prospects but the cohesion of the entire tight-knit society. From the author of "Whale Rider", the screenwriter of "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" and the producer and director of "Once Were Warriors" comes a profound and enduring tale of rural family life.