It's not simply a Maori issue - but a matter poor protection of heritage sites full stop

That's the take of the Maori Council head Matthew Tukaki on the ongoing dispute over plans to develop South Auckland site Ihumatao.

Tukaki says we need to have a national conversation on population, heritage and planning.

He says people wouldn't like it if the Auckland Town Hall was replaced with a casino.

Tukaki questions when we will reach a tipping point on the migration flows and population growth which are driving so much development.