Developer Ian Cassels says the land occupation at Wellington's Shelly Bay will be "coming to an end reasonably soon".

The $500 million development planned there, featuring 350 new homes, has been bogged down in legal challenges and disputes since its conception.

Cassels told Newstalk ZB's Nick Mills the development was the "most misunderstood item in Wellington".

But Mau Whenua member Catherine Love says that's news to her.

It's been occupied by Mau Whenua since late last year. The group claims the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust went against the will of its own people when it sold its land for development and that the deal was done in secret.

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