A long-term plan to return the Bay of Plenty coast back to what it was before the container ship Rena ran aground is expected to cost up to $3 million, and take at least 12 months.
The environmental recovery plan was unveiled in Tauranga on Thursday.
It focuses on returning beaches, the seabed, waterways and coastline to what they were like prior to the ship running aground and the subsequent oil and debris pollution. A total of 44 actions are listed.
The plan does not cover the ongoing salvage operation or what will become of the wreck.
Environment Minister Nick Smith says a 12-month timeframe is ambitious and progress will be monitored.
He says the cleanup to date has cost about $20 million and the Government plans to have it paid for by those responsible.
The Rena grounded on the Astrolabe Reef on 5 October, leaking oil and shedding containers and their contents in Bay of Plenty.
More containers have been washed away since the vessel broke in two.
Dr Smith says a group that includes government agencies, local councils and iwi has been formed to oversee the recovery.
Dr Smith says it is likely to cost $2 million to $3 million and take up to 12 months, but that is only an estimate at this stage.
He says progress on the cleanup plan will be reviewed later in the year.
Iwi satisfied about consultation
Local iwi say their one aim is to restore the area to pre-Rena days, and they feel truly consulted about the plan.
Charlie Tawhaio of Te Moana a Toi says Maori want to restore the moana or sea to the way it was, as much as possible.
He says the plan is a symbol of what can be achieved when local and central government work with iwi.
