Conclusion

In this final chapter, it is first argued that the Kaupapa Māori Archaeology and History approach to the last six centuries in Heretaunga ensures that the volume is pertinent and useful for the Māori people of the region. It is hoped that it will benefit the community by enhancing awareness of the remarkable history that unfolded in this part of New Zealand. It also offers otherwise unobtainable insights into significant anthropological research questions or topics. The Kaupapa Māori approach taken provides a rich and detailed portrait of the personalities, abilities, genealogies, motivations, activities, and relative success of dozens of leaders over the course of six centuries. This material regarding power and chiefs should be of interest to scholars focused on political organization in complex pre-state level societies in Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the rest of Oceania where such detail is usually lacking. Importantly, among these leaders are many women of high status who all too often are made invisible or ignored in similar societies, often due to the biases of ethnographers or other observers. Lastly, the chapter recaps the importance of place for understanding the past in Heretaunga, and how it remains a key part of Māori identity today. The archaeology of pā and analysis of nineteenth century settlements and buildings reveals complementary details to Māori history. It is also vital to appreciate that sites of the past still function in the present and are imbued with mana that does not fade with time. These discussions reveal insights on the nature of Māori leadership over six centuries, the relationship between leaders and conflict, and explanations of major shifts in warfare through time, including the impact of European contact.