Dean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeDean Jacqui: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 03 December 2013. Volume:695;Page:15128. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]9.JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) to theMinister for the Environment: What reports has she received on the environmental impacts of theRena grounding?Hon AMY ADAMS (Minister for the Environment): I recently received the Rena Recovery monitoring programme 2011-13 research report into the effects of pollution on the Bay of Plenty following theRena grounding which was today released by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. The results show that initial fears of long-lasting and negative effects on beaches reefs and fisheries can for the most part be put to rest. Although the environment has not yet returned fully to its pre-Rena state it is improving and the report concludes that the grounding of theRena should have no long-lasting environmental effects.Jacqui Dean: How did the Government work with local communities to mitigate the impact of the grounding?Hon AMY ADAMS: The Government invested $2.42 million to support theRena recovery plan which addresses and monitors the long-term effects of the grounding in collaboration with the community iwi businesses and central and local government. The programme identifies the environmental issues for the beaches seabed water fisheries wildlife and management of waste and sets out the responsibility for the recovery and the monitoring of each aspect. I want to commend the local communities iwi and council for their commitment to this project. With their help we will continue to monitor the Bay of Plenty environment as it tracks back to its pre-Rena state.Brendan Horan: Would the Minister agree that to return the Astrolabe Reef to its pre-Rena state the bottom line must be that the Government commit to removing the festering rotten wreck from the reef?Hon AMY ADAMS: Well in terms of the impact on the reef itself I would note that the report has only very limited sampling because of course it is still an active salvage site. In terms of the removal of the wreck from the reef that is an issue that I believe is being taken to the local council for resource consent. I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to comment on a local council process.Brendan Horan: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I asked that the Government commit to removing the festering rotten—Mr SPEAKER: And the Minister very adequately addressed that.Te Ururoa Flavell: In light of her response stating that the report talked about no long-lasting effects of theRena disaster would she confirm that this may well change should that wreck remain on the reef?Hon AMY ADAMS: Well the report does not make any comment about the impact on the reef from the wreck staying or going so that is not a question I feel able to answer. As I mentioned in answer to the previous question from Mr Horan whether or not the wreck remains on the reef is a matter of live debate and of an application I understand to the local council. All the information in relation to that will be put as part of that process.