A decision to allow the removal of exotic trees on Ōwairaka-Mount Albert is today being appealed at the High Court in Auckland.

The Tūpuna Maunga Authority wants to fell 345 non-native trees and plant 13,000 native plants as part of a restoration project on Ōwairaka and Te Ahi ka a Rakataura.

A protest group, Honour the Maunga, began occupying the site in November last year.

Last year the bid to stop the removal by Averil and Warwick Norman was rejected by the High Court. 

Our reporter, Te Aorewa Rolleston is covering the case at the High Court in Auckland.