The Rena resource consent application decision has been extended until February.
The owners and insurers of the Rena lodged a resource consent to leave the wreck of the ship in situ on Otaiti (Astrolabe Reef) and the hearings were held in September and October.
The Hearing Panel requested and received approval to extend the timeframe to issue their decision through till February 26 to enable appropriate time for consideration of information as required, and the effect the holiday season/shut-down will have, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council said.
The prosecution for the Mobil oil spill is also likely to begin in the New Year.