An urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing is underway which will investigate allegations that the Crown and its conduct has breached the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in relation to the removal of MV Rena from Otāiti reef.
According to a Waitangi Tribunal statement, the claims were lodged by the Mōtītī Rohe Moana Trust, the Mataatua District Māori Council and the Ngāi Te Hapū Incorporated Society.
The inquiry will be presided over by Judge Sarah Reeves and the Tribunal panel consists of Professor Sir Tamati Reedy, the Honourable Sir Douglas Kidd, and Mr Ronald Crosby.
Interested parties include: The Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Whakahemo, Te Whānau a Tauwhao, Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu, the Ngāti Makino Heritage Trust, and the Ngā Potiki a Tamapahore Trust.