Far North iwi fear a diesel spill on Ninety Mile Beach could have long-lasting effects on the natural resources of the area.
Up to 5000 litres has leaked from the 23-metre trawler Kumea 2, which beached at Waipapakauri Ramp on Monday.
Reuben Porter from Te Rarawa told Waatea News that while the Northland Regional Council has assured the iwi the contamination is under control, the health of the iwi is at stake.
"Where the trawler is now either side of that boat is full of tuatua and toheroa," he says.
"The owner says that is a $1.5 million investment he has lost because of this accident, well that (tuatua and toheroa) is sustenance for our people and if we lose that I think it is a bit more significant than a shipping boat."
The area round Waipapakauri is disputed between Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri and Ngai Takoto.
