Should exotic trees be felled to make way for natives?

One of the biggest stories of 2019 has been the land occupation at Ihumātao. Now just 15 kilometres away in Mt Albert, another occupation is underway.

For nearly two weeks a handful of locals have been camping out on its iconic mountain, protesting the planned removal of 345 mature exotic trees.

They're being felled to make way for natives that'll provide a habitat for native birds.

It's part of a regeneration project being undertaken by the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority, a collective of Auckland iwi responsible for the regions volcanic cones.

It's a project that's ruffled feathers.

To discuss, The Hui spoke to lawyer Kingi Snelgar and academic Emmy Rakete.

Watch the video.