People campaigning against housing development in Ihumatao, Mangere, North New Zealand, discovered shell midden pointing to existence of  pre-European colonisation Maori settlements in the area.

The team led by archaeologists discovered remains of a stone wall structure that pre-dates European colonisation of the area and confirms the existence of Maori settlements. According to the experts parts of the structures were built between 1846 and 1863. They area said to represent historic remnants of historic Maori farming activities. The recent discoveries lead to dispute of the official draft of archaeological report produced by the developers.

(after Manukau Courier)