Authored by an American archaeologist, a prominent Māori tribal leader, and two women Māori archaeologists, this collaboration takes an indigenous archaeology approach to provide unique insights toward the anthropological understanding of chiefdoms, warfare, and economic power. It combines the perspectives of Māori tikanga and archaeology to examine the ancient and modern archaeological landscapes and Māori leaders of the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island. It highlights discussions on Māori warfare, characterized by impressive fortifications known as pā, which has been a cornerstone of the anthropology of conflict for many decades. The unique nature of the temperate environment in Aotearoa and its challenges to the traditional Polynesian economy have long been viewed as a key to understanding the nature of Māori warfare. Through its indigenous archaeology approach, this important book permits a deeper understanding of the motivations, strategies, and achievements of chiefly leaders, both men and women, who sought to protect their resources and people. Anthropologists of conflict and warfare, and especially archaeologists who study complex pre-state level societies, will greatly benefit from exposure to this rich detail.