Listen Now: 
The lengthy court battle over dredging at Port of Tauranga has carved a deep channel in relations between hapū members.
The actions were led by Ngāti Ruahine member Lance Waaka, who was especially opposed to plans to remove 32 metres from the Tanea shelf, which is the submarine extension of Mauao.
But Ngāti Ruahine Charitable Trust has now apologised to the Port of Tauranga for the extended legal challenge.
Trustee Irene Ruka says Mr Waaka’s decision to lodge an appeal against the Environment Court was lodged under false pretences.
She says she and fellow trustee Linda Thompson were forced to go to the High Court to make submissions against further leave to an appeal being granted.
Ms Ruka says the hapū’s concern is the long term health and well-being of the harbour and it is confident that conditions in the consents will allow that to be taken care of.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd
RELATED NEWS
