Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) report
on the Rena grounding has been released.
The report details how the ship came to run aground
on the Astrolabe Reef.
Tauranga iwi spokesman Charlie Tawhiao joins us live.
What are your thoughts on the report?
The report was about what happened
and how it was grounded on the Astrolabe Reef.
But our main focus is the revival of our harbour.
So you're saying that the report held no answers
to ease your misgivings?
Not at all.
We knew before seeing the report
that they could not give the answers we needed.
We just have to wait and see.
Were you not searching for answers
as to why the ship was grounded on the reef?
Did you want those details?
We did. We've applied to the Government
to establish an independent commission
so that we can know the details of the incident,
but so far they have yet to reply.
But with the release of the report,
we see that it may be a while before our questions are answered.
This is just the beginning, but as you've said,
what's important is to find a way to rejuvenate the ocean itself.
Correct. That's our main focus - the rejuvenation of the sea.
It's not about who's funding the project or who's at fault.
That's a concern for the courts.
What are you doing besides waiting for the answers to your questions?
What else is being done?
There is a lot being done for our people living by the sea.
This morning, we were on Matakana Island
with many others from throughout the Bay of Plenty
and as we heard history all those gathered expressed their sympathy
for the people of Matakana Island after hearing their plight.
Charlie Tawhiao, thank you for your time today.