A Motiti Island group says some people could be put off pursuing an attempt to have the wreck of the Rena removed now the issue is going to the Environment Court.
The Rena ran aground in October 2011. Photo: RENA PROJECT
The container ship ran aground on Astrolabe Reef, off Tauranga, in 2011.
A community trust formed by the owners of the ship had applied to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to leave the wreck where it is, but the Council has referred the matter to the Environment Court instead.
Ngai Te Hapu wants the wreck removed and its spokesperson Buddy Mikaere said some submitters could be put off by the court process which is more daunting and costly.
"When you get into the court situation, you're facing a whole battery of flash lawyers, if you're just someone who has never done that before it's not something that you would welcome."
