The Bay of Plenty Regional Council says it is considering a request to keep the wreck of the Rena where it is and wants to hear people's views.
The container ship's owners, Costamare, believe it is too risky to move what remains of the container ship, which grounded off the coast of Tauranga on 5 November 2011.
The owners have applied for resource consent to leave sections of the wreck and associated debris on Astrolabe Reef.
They say they would provide for any future discharges of contaminants that may arise from leaving the wreck in place.
The council said on Monday it has no preferred position on the Rena's future and is keen to hear the views of residents and interested parties.
It has doubled the consultation period from 20 to 40 working days, meaning people have until Friday 8 August to file submissions.
The Rena in April 2013 Photo: RNZ
