(N)One Tree Hill

In Cornwell Park, atop one of the tallest summits in the city, a monument honors the great Maori nation. Until a few years ago, a single tree stood next to the hundred-foot obelisk. One obelisk. One tree. One mountain. One Tree Hill.

The tree is gone.

There's nothing left but some dirt, a few old, leftover roots and a small piece of stump. It is most disconcerting.

We're told the tree was destroyed in some kind of protest. The vandal has been "dealt with by the government." And, reportedly, another sapling is being cultivated and will be planted on top of the hill as soon as it is strong enough to survive.

With or without the tree, One Tree Hill (the name still stands) has one of the best views in the city. From the summit you can see both harbours (from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean), the CBD, up and down the coastline (as far out as Great Barrier Island) and the entire city. It's a panorama not to be missed!