November 05, 2014
Council backs Rena on reef
A new report for the Bay of Plenty Plenty Regional Council has recommended what’s left of the Rena be left on Otaiti (Astrolabe) reef, as long as certain cultural and environmental concerns are addressed.
Taurangamoana iwi want the wreck completely removed from the reef, which has cultural significance as well as being an important traditional fishery for the whanau of neighbouring Motiti Island.
Council chief executive Mary-Anne Macleod says the report on the resource consent application concludes that while full removal of the wreck from the Reef was ‘technically possible’, it was not feasible, given the high health and safety risks associated with full removal.
There was also likely to be extensive further damage to the structure and ecology of the reef from on-going salvage, and further discharge of contaminants.
If the ship owners decide to go ahead with the application, it will be considered by the Environment Court.
The cargo ship crashed on the reef in October 2011.
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