A tsunami has devastated a small Kapiti Coast community. The government mandates managed retreat - a decision manipulated by Adrian Stokes, a powerful businessman with an agenda of his own. A resourceful and colourful collection of villagers defy the order to retreat. They persuade reclusive Lorna, blind Toddy and young, traumatised Eru to join them as their properties are key to Stokes's plans. It soon becomes apparent that to survive they must work together. Close bonds are formed, and problems are solved in surprising ways. Stokes tries repeatedly to uproot the determined community, but it seems he has underestimated their resilience and adaptability.