Back door deal claims aired at hearing

Peri Kohu of Ngai Tamarawaho. Photo / George Novak

Ngati Ranginui Iwi Society Incorporated signed an agreement and settled with Rena's owners and insurers behind the backs of their own hapu, it was claimed at yesterday's Rena hearings.

The hapu (sub-tribe) members yesterday told the resource consent hearings panel their delegates on the board of Ngati Ranginui Iwi Society Incorporated signed an agreement with Rena's owners and insurers to remove the iwi's opposition - against the wishes of their hapu groups.

Representative of Rena's owners Konstantinos Zacharatos (left) is welcomed on to Whakaue Marae.

Kaumatua Peri Kohu of Ngai Tamarawaho hapu, based in Judea, said his hapu did not find out about Ngati Ranginui Iwi Society Incorporated accepting a payout until they read it in the Bay of Plenty Times.

"Our hapu was not consulted ... The agreement is not worth the paper it's printed on and it should not be regarded by the panel as the consent not being opposed by Ngati Ranginui iwi."

Des Heke and Jack Thatcher of Ngai Te Ahi presented together against the consent.

Mr Heke said he wanted to make it clear to the panel that Ngati Ranginui Iwi Society Incorporated's agreement did not reflect the position of Ngai Te Ahi.

"At least two confidential signed agreements have been made with various iwi, including our own Ngati Ranginui Iwi Society Incorporated.

"We wish to make it carefully clear that the society's agreement does not reflect the position of our hapu."

Mr Heke said Ngai Te Ahi were of the view that the society would be opposing the application.

"Unfortunately, that was not the case."

Hemi Bennett and Maria Horne of Te Runanga o Ngati Whakaue ki Maketu also wished to voice their opposition to the consent, as Te Arawa Ki Tai trust, which signed an agreement with Rena's owners, did not represent their hapu.

Mr Bennett said it was his belief that Rena's owners had decided on the very day the Rena wrecked to abandon the ship and had been using delaying tactics to ensure this happened.

Ms Horne spoke of the perception of Maketu people that the wreck had tainted their kaimoana (seafood).

Panelist Shane Kelly asked Ms Horne what her thoughts were on the expert evidence that there was no risk to human health.

In response, Ms Horne showed the panel some paua that had been gathered from Motiti Island on Tuesday showing visible health issues.

Mabel Wharekawa-Burt compared the Rena to someone crashing a car through her house and leaving half the remains in its kitchen.

Ms Wharekawa-Burt said no one was talking about how Rena-related clean-ups were ongoing.

"I'm still picking up rubbish, oil and plastic beads. Every little storm that happens we are still there and no-one is talking about it."