Those keeping the homefires burning (Te Ahi Kaa) are relied heavily upon to swing into action, by the whanau who live away from their Pā when, say a tūpapaku arrives and a tangihanga takes place. However, are the expectations realistic? And how exactly does that translate practically? All questions Kiwa Hammond, his mother Miriama Hammond and Uncle Fred McRoberts are having to contend with at their Pā, Putahi in Wairoa and which has led to them putting in place succession plans .