Mount Maunganui resident Naomi Luckett also supported abandoning the wreck. "I think it's a blessing that to date this environmental tragedy has not resulted in any human casualties and the Rena recovery is now such a dangerous process, it does not warrant continuation.
"Let's try and make lemonade from lemons, and try and turn it into a world-class diver spot, regenerate the reef and leave the Rena to rest in peace."
Another consent supporter Katharine Crossman argued it was a "no-brainer" to leave the remains of the wreck on the reef because of the expense involved, potential danger to salvage divers, coupled with the "minimal environmental impacts" from here on.
Papamoa resident Graham Hooper is one of many of those vehemently opposed to the resource consent.
"New Zealanders don't want you to leave your heap of sh*t in our backyard ... Years and years of ongoing environmental disasters waiting to happen."
Russ Hawkins from Fat Boy Charters said total removal would be much more likely to damage the marine environment.
"I challenge anyone to find a wreck in the world that has not actually enhanced the marine ecosystem," he said.
Buddy Mikaere, spokesman for Motiti Island Ngai te Hapu who opposed the consent in its entirety, said the indication he had received from the regional council was that the matter would be referred to the Environment Court.
Mr Mikaere said if that did happen it would be "sad day" for the community as some people who wanted to be heard on their submissions may feel intimidated when coming up against a team of lawyers representing Rena's owner and the company's insurers.
The Government wants the Rena gone except for the sunken stern, while the regional council, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council remained neutral on the matter.
By the numbers
*148 total submissions
*36 in support of leaving the wreck
*6 neutral
