Four commissioners appointed for Rena wreck decision

The ship grounded on the reef, off the coast of Tauranga, on October 5 2011. Photo / NZME.

Four commissioners have been appointed to decide whether a resource consent should be granted allowing part of the Rena wreck to remain on Astrolabe Reef.

The ship grounded on the reef, off the coast of Tauranga, on October 5 2011. Oil later spewed from the vessel, prompting a massive clean up of beaches in the area.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has appointed the hearing panel, which will be chaired by retired Environment Court judge Gordon Whiting, and made up of Cultural Commissioner Rauru Kirikiri, marine engineer John Lumsden and environmental scientist Dr Shane Kelly.

All four commissioners are experienced in their fields, and will hear an application from Rena's owners in regards to leaving some of the wreck in the ocean.

Judge Whiting has experience in resource management law and has presided over a number of resource management cases involving conflicting uses of public and private interests.

Cultural Commissioner Rauru Kirikiri has extensive experience on a wide range of Maori cultural issues.

Marine engineer John Lumsden has dive experience, managing freshwater and marine investigations which include a deep water diving inspection of the Maui gas platform.

Environmental scientist Dr Shane Kelly has a diverse range of experience across applied science, environmental assessment, marine conservation and resource management.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council deputy chief executive Eddie Grogan said now the four commissioners had been appointed, they expected dates, venue and requirements for the hearing to be confirmed by the end of February.