ahikā
1. (noun) burning fires of occupation, continuous occupation - title to land through occupation by a group, generally over a long period of time. The group is able, through the use of whakapapa, to trace back to primary ancestors who lived on the land. They held influence over the land through their military strength and defended successfully against challenges, thereby keeping their fires burning.
Hokihoki tonu ai ia ki tana ūkaipō kia mau tonu ai tana ahikā. / He kept returning to his birthplace so that his rights to the land were maintained.
