Purapurawhetu tells the story of a small community that has a painful, unacknowledged past which affects the present internal politics and hence cannot move on. Where have all the people gone? They have left because the place is full of sadness and no one knows why. A mysterious old woman comes into town one day while a young man tries to complete a tukutuku panel in time for the opening of the local marae. This woman reveals to him the hidden secrets and jealousy of times gone by; of a painful loss and why the old kaumatua is so broken. As the tale tumbles out, the tukutuku panel continues to be woven but will not be completed unless the loss is recognised, there is forgiveness, redemption and eventually healing.