Roimata is Hemi's wife and the mother of James, Tangimoana, and Manu, as well as the adoptive mother of Toko. She views the world with a sense of hope and openness, describing herself as an "ever-watcher of the sky." Valuing the history and traditions of her people, she takes on the responsibility of educating her children at home through the sharing of stories and practical experiences rather than formal schooling.

Hemi is Roimata's husband and the patriarch of their family. He possesses a deep, almost physical connection to his ancestral land. After losing his factory job, he immediately turns his attention back to farming, driven by a vision of creating a self-sufficient community for the whanau. He internalizes his emotions and prefers quiet strength over outward displays of anger.

Toko is the biological son of Mary, adopted and raised by Roimata and Hemi. Born with severe physical deformities, he compensates for his limited mobility with a unique gift of foresight and deep, innate knowledge of his people's history. Despite his physical challenges, he participates eagerly in family activities and commands great respect within the community.

Mary is Hemi and Stan's sister, possessing a learning disability that keeps her somewhat sheltered but deeply integrated into the community. She dedicates her days to dusting and polishing the carved wooden figures inside the meeting house. She unexpectedly gives birth to Toko by the sea, though she seems unaware of the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy.

Granny Tamihana is an elder in the community and Hemi's aunt. She carries a vast knowledge of tribal history and genealogy, providing guidance and comfort to the younger generations. Despite enduring a lifetime of personal loss and systemic discrimination, she maintains a resilient spirit and often anchors the family during times of crisis.

Mr. Dolman, privately nicknamed the "Dollarman" by the community, is a property developer driven entirely by financial gain. He completely fails to comprehend the spiritual and cultural value the Maori place on their land. He consistently attempts to buy, bully, or coax the community into abandoning their homes and sacred sites.

Tangimoana, often called Tangi, is the second child of Hemi and Roimata. She is fiercely independent, hot-tempered, and highly confrontational. Unlike her father, she is quick to express her anger and actively opposes anyone who attempts to disrespect her people or threaten her family.

James is the eldest child of Roimata and Hemi. He is characterized by his quiet, patient, and careful demeanor. Embracing traditional responsibilities, he apprentices with local elders to learn the dying art of wood carving, intending to use these skills to benefit his community.

Manu is the youngest biological child of Roimata and Hemi. Highly sensitive to noise and prone to anxiety, he struggles with formal schooling and is instead educated at home. He experiences frequent nightmares and sleepwalking episodes, and forms an incredibly close, inseparable bond with Toko.

Stan is the brother of Hemi and Mary. He serves as the primary spokesperson for his community during their tense negotiations with the land developers. He is eloquent and firm, proudly defending his people's rights and values against external pressures.

The Carver is an historical figure who built the community's original meeting house. Breaking a cardinal rule of his trade, he crafted a representation of his living self. Because he was childless, he left a deliberate empty space beneath his own figure to be filled at a future time.

Reuben is a member of the neighboring Te Ope tribe and a childhood friend of Hemi. He is a steadfast activist who successfully fought against the government to reclaim his people's ancestral land. His determination makes him a powerful ally and an inspiration for resistance.

Rupena is Reuben's grandfather. When the colonial government seized the Te Ope land during World War I, he wrote extensive protest letters that were ignored at the time but later provided the crucial evidence his grandson used to reclaim the territory.

Joe Billy is a man who camps on the local beach every summer and occasionally fishes with the children. Following Toko's unexpected birth, the community suspects him of taking advantage of Mary's innocence, though his exact involvement remains unconfirmed early on.

Hoani is the minister for the local Maori community. He provides spiritual leadership and comfort during crises, conducting services to honor the dead and encouraging peace and emotional healing among the residents.

Matiu is a man of Maori descent who has taken a job outside the whanau. Having spent time in prison, he seeks a conventional livelihood but finds his loyalties tested when his employers' actions begin directly threatening his own extended community.

Timoti, like Matiu, is a relative of the community who has taken construction work with the land developers. Though he initially prioritizes making a living, the destructive tactics of his employers force him to reconsider his allegiance.

Pena is the youngest son of Reuben and Hiria. He travels with his family to assist the Tamihana community during a crisis and quickly develops a strong attraction to Tangimoana.

Hiria is Reuben's wife. She demonstrates deep solidarity with neighboring tribes by arriving to offer physical labor and emotional support when their community faces environmental and external threats.