Iwi representatives and Bay of Plenty Regional Council oil response staff have met today with iwi representatives at the site of the oil cleanup on the Maungatapu foreshore to plan the next stage of the work.
Regional On-Scene Commander Adrian Heays and the Regional Council's University of Waikato Coastal Chair Dr Chris Battershill met with Carlton Bidois, Cane Taiapa, Des Heke and Aroha Ririnui to discuss how to clean up sensitive areas and involve iwi in the work to be done.
"We're working collaboratively with iwi to clean up the oil and involving them in everything we do. They have good knowledge of the harbour and can advise us on its cultural values," Mr Heays said.
"It's also invaluable having the advice of our Coastal Chair available on site to understand how the environment will react to the oil and how best to remove it without further damage."
He said iwi involvement in planning removal of oil at Motuopuhi Island today was essential as this area was highly valued by Maori.