Editorial: Wreck cannot remain

Rena's owner and insurer reassessed their stance and they do deserve credit for accepting the impact of the disaster stretched further than the high-tide mark. Photo / Sandra Simpson

Perhaps Rena's owner and insurer suffered a sudden attack of conscience in their battle with businesses seeking compensation.

Tauranga marine and tourist businesses survived the tough negotiating stance taken by Rena's owner and insurer to emerge with good settlements to their compensation claims this week.

At stake was the $11 million deposited with the High Court by the Rena insurer to compensate businesses hit by the disaster.

The claims ranged from $18,000 to $520,000.

All 74 claims were settled after two days of talks, despite the owner and insurer saying prior to this week's hearing that it would only accept liability for direct oil damage - effectively excluding claims from land-based businesses.

This attempt to limit liability was, in my view, as absurd as it was callous. How could you argue that land-based businesses were not impacted by the disaster?

Rena's owner and insurer reassessed their stance and, regardless of whether this shift was the result of an attack of conscience or a point of law, they do deserve credit for accepting the impact of the disaster stretched further than the high-tide mark.

Although details of the settlements are confidential, Papamoa Beach Top 10 Holiday Park spokesman Bruce Crosby said the insurer and owner approached the mediation with goodwill to reach a settlement.

Full attention will now shift to the owner's bid to leave the wreck on Astrolabe Reef.

I am pleased Bay businesses have been compensated for losses caused by the disaster but it does not change my view that the wreck should be removed.

Yes, the evidence supporting the ship owners' resource consent application paints a picture of negligible effects on the environment but the fact remains, Rena's awful legacy will linger as long as it remains on the reef.