Rena mediation begins for Tauranga businesses

Tauranga businesses impacted by Rena's grounding will begin mediation today.

The Tauranga Business Action Group comprises 53 businesses seeking compensation after the cargo ship ran aground on Astrolabe Reef in October 2011.

Claims totalling $11.5million to $12million are before the High Court, just over half lodged by 15 additional claimants. The Business Action Group's claims range from $18,000 to $520,000.

Business Action Group spokesman Nevan Lancaster said the insurer wanted to strike out most of its 53 claims totalling $5.5 million and only accept liability for direct oil damage.

Nevan Lancaster.

Excluded were claims from land-based businesses that suffered losses.

When the claimants resisted Swedish Club's bid to strike out the claims, the High Court Judge sent the dispute to mediation which takes place today.

In a Bay of Plenty Times feature last month, Mr Lancaster said" "Not only are we out of pocket for lost business during the weeks of closure but we are still waiting for resolution . . . Rena's insurer is fighting all the way."