On discovering she has Maori ancestry, wealthy, middle-aged Monica decides to bring natives into her garden – native plants that is. But to her family’s horror Monica then begins a quest for her spiritual identity through tikanga Maori. Her search leads her into stirring encounters with the spirit of her great, great grandmother and conversations about whakapapa with Hemi her Maori landscaper.
Monica faces huge family opposition when she decides to head to her marae on Banks Peninsula. Monica must chose which of her bloodlines is the stronger.