I read with amazement the R Prince's letter ‘Rena fund: Not everyone's rewarded' (Weekend Sun, October 18).
If only he knew ? Well, this is what I know for sure'. The $1 million Mediterranean Shipping Company's Rena Recovery Fund gifted the Motiti Island $366,000.This was divided between three areas, the three sets of owners on Motiti Island - the south-end avocado block, the Wills' middle block and the north-end Maori block.
As there are so many owners, 4000-plus, on this block their payout remains in a trust on the mainland – no-one benefits. Should any of this group, apply for the money, it will take time plus the expenses.Maybe they, the Maori block recipients, will get $10 each – wow what a reward.
These amazing 27 people that R Prince talks about, which is actually a group of 25, worked their butts off during the days, weeks and months following the Rena disaster to assist in all ways.
They cooked, they rescued, they cleaned up, they offered hospitality to all who arrived on their island, from dignitaries downwards.
Maritime New Zealand paid fortnightly visits to Motiti Island's Maori-end to give updates on the disaster situation for 18 months.
The New Zealand Government paid Maritime New Zealand experts great salaries and housing, but did not see fit to tell these island folk they were entitled to disaster insurance copensation. Wow - what an oversight.
Come into the real world R. Prince, as we all well know only those in high places benefit.
A I Wicksteed, Otumoetai.