A controversial statue in Auckland honouring women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Army during World War II won't go ahead. 

The Devonport-Takapuna Board has voted 4 to 2 to deny the Korean Garden Trust the permission to build it at Barry's Point Reserve in Takapuna. 

More than 600 people had given feedback on the statue, including the Japanese Embassy - who opposed it. 

Devonport-Takapuna Board Chair Trish Deans says the statue was a 'political statement' - and it didn't have a place in this context. 

LISTEN ABOVE