Petition to remove Rena launches

A petition calling for government to hold to account the owners and insurers of the Rena will be launched tonight at Mount Drury.

The petition launch will start at 4.45pm and go through to about 5.30pm.

Tauranga City Council Mayor Stuart Crosby said he supports the removal of the wreck and the petition launch, although cannot make it due to prior commitments.

"I have been consistent in my view that the Rena should be totally removed and a realistic sum of money be set aside by either the owner or insurer for ongoing Environmental Monitoring and clean ups," he said.

The launch will be hosted by Pat Spellman who will also read the Mayor's statement.

Buddy Mikaere will speak on behalf of Iwi and officially launch the petition, as well as Nevan Lancaster who will speak on behalf of 53 businesses and charities trying to get fair compensation for the losses suffered due to the Rena grounding.

Local Independent MP Brendan Horan will also present, as well as representatives from the Labour Party: Environments Spokesperson Moana Mackey and Local Tauranga Candidate Rachel Jones, and Bay of Plenty Candidate Clare Wilson.

The petition launch is open to all members of the community.