Stonemason jailed for damaging trees

An Auckland stonemason has been jailed for six weeks for damaging the environment.

Foketi Puleiku pleaded guilty to a total of 12 charges. They relate to damage to several protected trees, breaching resource consent conditions, damaging a public footpath and dumping rubbish on a public reserve.

The Auckland City Council says it cost $11,000 to remove the earth, branches and other rubbish.

During sentencing, the Judge noted Puleiku was a repeat offender with a blatant disregard for the environment and the law.

- NEWSTALK ZB