Protesters blocking the entrance to Auckland’s Owairaka – Mt Albert vow to stay there around the clock to prevent about 300 exotic trees being felled around the summit.

Helicopters and heavy machinery are set to be used to cut down trees, including eucalyptus and pine, as part of a plan to regenerate natives.

The Tūpuna Maunga Authority has Auckland Council’s permission to fell the exotics and plant thousands of natives on the maunga.

But protesters would rather see the exotic trees removed over time, allowing native saplings to grow.

Amy Williams reports.