Since the grounding of the MV Rena on 5 October 2011 work has continued, often under challenging conditions, to reduce the effects of the grounding so that the community can once again access and enjoy the coastal environment and Astrolabe Reef/Otaiti.
The purpose of The Rena Project is to provide you with the latest information on salvage and clean-up operations and the findings of the environmental assessments into the effects of the preferred option for the remaining wreck.
At a series of Open Days in November 2012 we shared the preliminary findings of a number of independent studies. We have had a good response to the Open Days and to the information provided on this website. The studies, which were designed to find the best long term solution for the future of the wreck, have progressed and many are now complete.
The studies and other relevant information, which is available here, cover the following topics:
- Status of the Wreck
- On-going Work Programme
- Long-term Future of the Wreck
- Community Restoration Package
- Water Quality and Eco-toxicity Assessment
- Oceanography Assessment
- Ecology and Fisheries Assessment
- Birds and Mammals Assessment
- Cultural Assessment
- Recreation, Tourism and Dive Safety Assessment
- Social and Public Health Assessment
An economic assessment will be finalised when the other assessments and consultation is completed and it is clear what the desired outcome for the wreck is and what the Community Restoration Package is likely to comprise.
Work is continuing in respect of cargo/container/ wreckage recovery and a new programme of works is under way that will take at least all of 2013 to complete.
It is the owner’s and insurer’s current intention to apply under the Resource Management Act to allow the residual parts of the wreck to remain on the reef.
Compensation funds have been established in the United Kingdom and New Zealand for businesses and individuals to bring claims for losses resulting from the grounding. Settlement has been reached with the Government for the costs of government agencies’ recovery operations since the grounding.