Rena Owners: Clean up the Mess You Made

Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell is demanding that the owner and insurer of the Rena finish the job they are responsible for and remove every last bit of the wreck from the Astrolabe Reef off the Tauranga coast.

“It is unacceptable for these companies to leave their rubbish floating in our moana. They must remove all of the debris of the Rena and take due responsibility to clean up the mess of their making,” said Te Ururoa Flavell.

“To abandon the wreckage on the reef will continue to damage the ecosystem for the people of Motiti Island – people who depend on the cleanliness of the moana,” said Te Ururoa.

“The safety of local workers and those involved in removing the wreckage must be paramount – the public wants to see more serious investigation into safe ways of getting the remains out.”

“If the companies involved could absolutely guarantee that there will be no future risk to the surrounding ecosystem and that the wreckage would be made safe then perhaps the local people could rest easy – at the moment this is not the case.”

“The people of Tauranga have seen enough devastation from the Rena – the owners and insurers should not have the privilege of deciding they have spent enough time and effort on righting their wrong.”

“We would like to support mana whenua being able to actively engage in dialogue with the relevant companies, so that an enduring solution can be found for all parties”

ENDS

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