* Colonialism and its legacy: The novel powerfully depicts the lingering effects of colonialism on Māori society, which acts as a pervasive and destructive force impacting all the characters. This isn't a person, but a system that shapes events and relationships.
* Societal expectations and prejudices: The characters face significant pressure from societal expectations and deeply ingrained prejudices surrounding race, gender, and class. These pressures create conflict and limit their choices.
* Individual actions and choices: While there's no single villain, the actions and choices of various characters contribute to the "ruining" of others and themselves. These actions stem from individual struggles and the pressures of the aforementioned societal forces.
Therefore, it's more accurate to say that the novel's conflict arises from a complex interplay of historical forces and individual choices, rather than a singular antagonist.