Illegal tree planting has caused permanent damage to a sacred historic pa settlement on Ōwairaka Mount Albert in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Auckland Council's Tupuna Maunga Authority says 27 trees have been planted in the settlement without authorisation.
The maunga is of huge significance to Nga Mana Whenua o Tamaki Makaurau - and has been a source of some controversy, with protesters against the felling of non-native trees starting in 2020.
The argument later ended up in the Court of Appeal.
Kaiwhakahaere, Nicholas Turoa spoke to Māni Dunlop
