A long-running fight to protect a sacred burial ground is set to continue, despite an Environment Court ruling allowing a scaled-down development that will still destroy part of the site.

Ōpihi Whanaungakore Kaitiaki spokesperson Hemi Hiremi says the decision is difficult to accept, particularly after the Court found the original Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga process was deeply flawed.

Rather than sending the matter back for reconsideration by the Māori Heritage Council, the Court chose to make its own determination – a move that has raised serious concerns among trustees about the integrity of the process and whether proper cultural oversight has been upheld.

The case has spanned generations of opposition, carrying deep emotional weight for whānau who have long fought to protect the whenua tapu. For many, the site represents not just history, but identity, whakapapa, and connection to tūpuna.

While the Court acknowledged the impacts of past injustices, including raupatu and the ongoing distress experienced by the community, the decision to allow development on part of the land has left kaitiaki questioning how Māori voices are being recognised within heritage and planning systems.

There are concerns the ruling reflects broader systemic issues, where cultural values and community opposition can be acknowledged but not ultimately prioritised in final decisions.

Despite the setback, Ōpihi Whanaungakore Kaitiaki say the fight is far from over. Plans are already underway to explore further legal and advocacy pathways to protect what remains of the site.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between development and the protection of wāhi tapu, with calls for stronger processes that centre Māori authority and ensure culturally significant sites are fully safeguarded.

For those involved, the outcome reinforces the need for continued vigilance to protect whenua and uphold the mana of those who came before.

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