Te Ururoa Flavell
MP for Waiariki | Maori Party Whip
Thursday October 06

There better not be a cover-up in Tauranga says Flavell

Maori Party MP for Waiariki, Te Ururoa Flavell, is standing behind concerns raised by his constituents in Tauranga that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council is downplaying the grounding of a cargo ship on the Astrolabe Reef near Tauranga.

“I received the redia release from the council immediately after the grounding and there was no mention of an environmental risk whatsoever. The only mention of safety was regarding observers circling the ship,” says Mr Flavell

“So now reports are coming in of an oil slick and washed up wildlife. Well, what about the safety of wildlife, and what about the safety of the hau kainga who use the waters recreationally and as a source for gathering seafood?.”

“I want whoever is in charge to release the details and be frank with the people of Tauranga. If their livelihood is at stake, then they deserve to know the truth.

“I mean, a leak in any form is a risk, so why did I get the initial release with no mention of an environmental risk. Release the details, prepare the people so that they know what they’re dealing with, and when all of this has died down tell us how, in this day and age, cargo ships are managing to miscalculate their navigating, even with all the tools and equipment they must have?”

“Someone has got to pay for this mess,” ends Flavell.

ENDS

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