The Rena resource consent hearings begin at Baypark's ASB stadium today, marking the next significant step in the ongoing saga that has been a part of local life since the container ship struck Astrolabe Reef on October 5, 2011.

Now New Zealand's largest and most expensive maritime disaster, the decision to be made by commissioners is whether the remainder of the wreck, now lying in deep water will remain there or not.

Side scan sonar of the bottom of the reef shows the Rena as it is now in grey, with earlier scans in red and blue. Photo: File.

A growing library of reports on the reef, marine life, pollution, effects of the salvage work to date and possible effects of future work will assist the commissioners.

The hearing itself has changed jurisdiction. Initially set for an Environment Court hearing, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council declined jurisdiction, meaning it is once more billed as a planning hearing administered by regional council.

The council's own view is in accord with that of the Rena Owners and Insurers – Daina Shipping and The Swedish club – that the remainder of the wreck should be left in the 50m-deep water on the north-eastern face of the reef.

The details as to how much clean-up work needs to be completed before that happens will be decided by the commissioners, should the decision go that way.

However, a large number are in opposition, including iwi and hapu who remain seriously affronted by the wreck's impact on the local environment, and are demanding the wreck's owners remove it entirely.

The commissioners are retired Environment Court judge Gordon Whiting, Cultural Commissioner Rauru Kirikiri, marine engineer John Lumsden and environmental scientist Dr Shane Kelly.

The hearing is set to take place over three weeks, including a site visit to Motiti Island (weather permitting).