Book excerpt: The volcanic cone of Pouerua and its surrounding land, a major site of pre-European settlement and recently in the news, was the focus of an important archaeological research project from 1982-1985. This study covers the first season of the project--the excavation of undefended settlements dating from 1400-1830--providing new and vital information on the organization and arrangement of kainga, and shedding light on the social and political structures within Maori society both before and after European settlement.