Fears that Wellington could see a repeat of the Shelly Bay debacle, at the former Mount Crawford Prison site

A housing development is currently being considered by the Government and the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust, which acts on behalf of local iwi.

Preliminary drilling is underway at the surplus Crown land, so the trust can determine if it's suitable for housing.

However some members of Taranaki Whanui claim they're being shut out of the deal - like at Shelly Bay.

Mau Whenua member Shamia Makarini says they're not anti-development, but they want to have a say in it.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development says no decisions have been made.

The trust has not responded to requests for comment.