Rena decision: All about money

It comes as no surprise the Wanganui Tribunal, loaded with Maori supporters, allege the Crown ought to have consulted with the residents of Motiti Island before coming to agreement with the insurers and owners of the Rena over the 2012 settlement payouts.

An additional $10.4 million has been mentioned 'for public purposes” to the Crown if the remainder of the wreck can be left on the reef.

But as soon as Buddy Mikaere, representative of the island's hapu, smells money he's on the warpath.

Mikaere forgets the 28 residents of the island have already received $366,000 ‘\compensation.

Under the Treaty of Waitangi, Maori ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria and the British Crown.

We became one people under British law with no special principles or partnership with Maori.

We elect the Government, to make decisions for us and the whole of New Zealand - including the part-Maori.

Mikaere hasn't ruled out more talks of compensation - his favourite word.
So that's what this is all about - money - and not very real fears that moving the Rena could cause it to breakup and cause immeasurable damage to the reef and wildlife.

Mary Brooks, Tauranga City.

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