In the grip of the Hawk: A story of the Maori wars

The story plunges listeners into the turbulent final years of the Maori wars, when an unsettling new faith—Pai Marire—swept across the islands. Its fanatical followers, the Hau‑hau, unleash a terrifying blend of ritual and savagery, chanting their haunting “Hau‑hau!” as they clash with Pakeha troops. At the center stands the charismatic and ruthless chief Te Kooti, a brilliant strategist whose reputation as both a brilliant leader and a feared adversary spreads like wildfire.

Against this backdrop, the narrative weaves real events with vivid adventure, following the mysterious greenstone club that carries an ancient prophecy. Through the eyes of a young observer who once cheered departing regiments in Sydney, the tale brings to life the rugged landscapes, fierce battles, and the fierce clash of cultures. Listeners will be drawn into a world of fierce loyalty, eerie rituals, and the raw edge of a war that shaped a nation, all while the true fate of the legendary club remains tantalizingly hidden.