By 3 News online staff
The suggestion that part of the Rena could be left on the Astrolabe reef near Tauranga has disappointed some local businesses and iwi.
Watch the interview to see the Labour Party's Grant Robertson discuss the latest developments.
Yesterday, the Government finalised a $27.6 million compensation deal with Daina Shipping which owns the Rena.
That could be increased by another $10.4 million if resource consent is applied for and granted to leave part of the ship on the reef.
Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby says some locals won't welcome that prospect.
“There will be concern about the issue of remnants of the Rena being left in the Astrolabe by some members of the community.”
He says he's also concerned about compensation for local businesses affected by the Rena.
Business owner Grame Butler of Butler’s Swim with Dolphins says his business has suffered because of the Rena.
“We've lost 70 percent of our turnover this year. We still have all our fixed costs.”
However some businesses like the idea of the Rena staying on the reef with Tauranga Dive Zone diving instructor Jared Ririnui saying it could be a massive boost for business.
“Obviously having international interest in the Rena, I’m sure there’s lots of divers out there around the world or just local who really want to go and dive it and see what it’s all about. So hopefully that will pick up… and get people back out there.”
Daina Shipping says it will establish an $11.5 million funding pool for Bay of Plenty businesses.
3 News / RadioLIVE