With regard to reports that the Rena debacle could cost New Zealanders as much as $50 million.
This has to be completely unacceptable. We did not put the Rena on the reef. The responsibility for this and subsequent results lie completely with the owners and insurers. End of story.
When the Golden Master was beached on Matakana Island after striking the same, or a nearby reef many years ago I do not recall any demands being made on New Zealand taxpayers to foot any of the resulting recovery, or any other costs.

Barry Walker, Mt Maunganui.