Ihumātao

Ihumātao is a historic site near Auckland, New Zealand, significant to Māori culture and history. It is home to ancestral pā (fortified villages) and contains archaeological sites dating back hundreds of years. In recent years, there has been controversy over plans to develop the land for housing, which Māori groups and advocates oppose to preserve its cultural and historical importance. The site symbolizes broader debates about land rights, Māori heritage, and development in New Zealand. The issue remains a prominent example of indigenous rights and cultural preservation intersecting with urban expansion.