Te Moana A Toi Iwi Forum

25 January 2011

Iwi backs call for independent Rena inquiry

Coastal iwi affected by the Rena disaster are backing a call for an independent inquiry to be undertaken by a Royal Commission.

This was the outcome of a Rena disaster hui recently held at Whakaue Marae in Maketu for tribes from Waihi beach to Motiti to Lottin Point, East Cape.

“This isn’t about going on a witch-hunt, but it is about protecting our tribal waters for our people and the nation,” said Charlie Tawhiao, the chairman for Te Moana A Toi Iwi Form, which represents the interests of more than 16 iwi whose tribal waters, fisheries assets and people have been affected by hundreds of tonnes of oil, containers and debris from the broken cargo ship.

“All our iwi want is answers so we can better plan and stop another disaster like this happening again.”

Last year the Green Party called for the independent inquiry, but to date the Government has not publically committed to it.

“We’ve made the Government aware of the need for the inquiry and we will be tabling the issue at the iwi leaders’ forum in Waitangi early next month and with ministers directly,” Mr Tawhiao said.

“We take our role as kaitiaki for these waters very seriously and therefore our iwi from Hauraki right along the coast to the East Cape must have input into any terms of reference for such an inquiry.”

Mr Tawhiao said a Royal Commission inquiry would give the iwi assurance that the investigation would be done independently, without any interference from the agencies and companies involved.

ENDS

© Scoop Media