The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has accepted resource consent applications to leave the wreck of the Rena and associated debris in place.

The Rena back in 2012.

The consent was lodged by the Astrolabe Community Trust.

'We will publically notify the Resource Consent process on Friday, June 13, meaning the public will have the opportunity to make submission on the applications,” says deputy chief executive Eddie Grogan.

The Council has established a standalone website www.renaresourceconsent.org.nz to provide all interested people with information on the process and access to the application documentation, and to guide them through the process if they wish to make a submission.

Eddie says the council's objective is to be an open, transparent and excellent source of quality information to people interested in the resource consent process.

'Our role is to receive any application for a resource consent and facilitate submissions by all interested members of the public, including iwi, community and interest groups, local government organisations and the residents of all affected communities.

'At this time we have no preferred position on the future of the wreck and we are keen to hear the views of everyone with an interest in the Rena.”

Eddie says due to the importance of this process to the people of the Bay of Plenty and others with an interest, council has decided to double the normal period for submissions from 20 working days to 40 working days.

This means people will have until Friday, August 8, to file their submissions.

Full report soon on SunLive.