A Motiti Island hapu is continuing to push for the Rena wreckage to be taken away, despite elders from another sub-tribe on the island saying it could result in someone's death.
The Rena in April 2013 Photo: RNZ
Last week, a collective of kaumatua who make up Te Korowai Kahui o Te Patuwai Tribal Council, said it was considering the option of leaving what was left of the container ship on Astrolabe reef, near Tauranga.
The Rena grounded on Astrolabe reef on 5 October, 2011, and has since broken up. However, part of the wreckage remains on the reef.
Te Korowai Kahui o Te Patuwai Tribal Council believes it is too dangerous to remove the the rest of the wreck as people would have to attach chains to the wreckage under the water, and then use explosives to shift what remained.
Ngai te Hapu spokesperson Buddy Mikaere concedes it could be dangerous but says it's possible to move the wreck, according to salvage divers he's spoken too.
The divers are paid huge money because it's such a risky job, and risk is minimised by the strict procedures salvors must follow, he says.
The Rena owners and insurers intend to apply for resource consent to leave what's left of it on the reef.
Te Korowai Kahui o Te Patuwai Tribal Council head Nepia Ranapia says the ship should be left where it is.
The hapu council is concerned about the risks to salvage workers, and elders don't want the removal to go ahead if people's lives are in danger, Mr Ranapia says.
If there was a loss of life it would disrupt the mauri [spiritual essence] of the waters where the wreck lies, he says.
