September 07, 2015
Minister juggling Rena stance
It’s science versus emotion out on Otaiti.
That’s the view of Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell about the Rena.
A resource consent hearing starts in Tauranga today with the owners wanting to leave what’s left of the cargo ship on Astrolabe Reef.
Bay of Plenty iwi are among the 154 submitters, with some accepting the company’s assurances and cash, and others continuing to demand its full removal.
Mr Flavell says he has spoken to the diver who advised the Te Arawa Collective on its stance.
"Pretty much the bulk of the stuff is gone. Yes there's still some stuff there and you can continue to pull it off depending on the weather and that's the problem. The biggest thing is the weather and the shifting currents etc but a natural erosion will occur and a lot of that stuff will be gone. Most of the serious issues have been dealt with. I'm not exactly sure where to go as it's science versus how our people feel and that's the dilemma," Mr Flavell says.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com