Rena - two and a half rugby fields long and 33 metres wide. Now sits on the Astrolabe Reef at 55 metres deep at low water. How is it possible to remove?
Aubrey Hoete, resident of Motiti Island talks of the possibilities of this suggested approach by many people of the Island and Tauranga:
'My personal view: I think that the people, the Hapu of Motiti should abide by the findings of Maritime. The Rena Ship carcass remain on the rock!
The likelihood of the Swedish Insurance Company agreeing to removal of the Rena from the reef, after they have visited the island, is doubtful. Aubrey says 'I realise it is a high risk factor for all concerned, especially where human labour is required - Divers and all working below the surface of the sea on such an immense ship in ‘high open sea' conditions - a very unsafe factor.
Apart from an immense removal cost of now $300 million plus, and on going hard labour to all employed on this wounded vessel the continued present workmenship, on the Rena, is doing a fantastic job of clean up above and below the water line. A big thank you to all involved including the Tangata Whenua.
This was an accident which has been waiting to happen for many years. When I was a young lad I would gallop my horse to the northern end of the Island to watch any cargo ship which would sail very close to Motiti.
Now fifty years on and I am retired, the shipping lane has moved in line with ‘Otaiti' Astrolabe Reef. We also have a Beacon on the Northern end of the Island which has been operating for fifty years.
This indicates that the shipping lane was not being adhered to.
The Rena tragedy is an on-going issue and present costs are still mounting. The wreck should remain - but in a safe environmental position.
To remove? It cannot be done - this is what the figures tell me. Just observe my drawing of the vessel as it lies now on the reef!”

Aubrey Hoete, Motiti Island.
(As told to Alys Ingrid Wicksteed)