Maori on the Kapiti Coast say they are appalled at a decision by the Transport Agency to build a new expressway through sacred land.
The agency has chosen a route that cuts through a urupa (burial ground) and requires the demolition of 16 homes.
It says the alternative required the demolition of 29 homes.
Taku Parai, a trustee of the Takamore Trust, says it is discussing how it will fight the decision.
"That's where our ancestors are buried. The connection for us is of the highest and utmost sacred values and we absolutely oppose it being desecrated," he said.
Mr Parai says he favours another route altogether, that does not involve demolitions or sacred land.
