Papamoa Beach locals stunned by Rena oil

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Wed, 12 Oct 2011 7:00p.m.

Locals are distressed at the state of the beach

Locals are distressed at the state of the beach

Papamoa Beach normally has golden sands, but today it’s covered in black - black oil from the grounded Rena.

It's pouring with rain but people are all over the beach, and locals express a mixture of bewilderment, sadness and anger at what has happened.

While a small amount of oil has been washing up over the last few days, it is now arriving in vast quantities.

The sands are stained and blackened birds constantly wash up, while others struggle in the surf.

No one can understand why more wasn't done during the calm of last week.

Watch the video for the full report

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Comments

13 Oct 2011 06:16p.m.

graeme staples wrote:

rena what a great opportunity for the unemployed people from Kawerau to at least get out and work for the dole eh?

13 Oct 2011 11:29a.m.

Drew wrote:

The response has been pathetic. This is a catastrophe and John Key & his government are largely to blame for this unpreparedness. They still want to push forward with deep sea oil drilling. If they cannot handle this 'small' spill how will they deal with a blowout at 3000m. One other thing i am wondering is why as the oil is flowing onto the beach why is our unused Army & Navy not out there helping the BOP community with the cleanup.

12 Oct 2011 11:28p.m.

Barb wrote:

What devastation as a result of failing to act quickly in the face of yet another national disaster. The Govt of the day, once more you have failed your country. You who were granted the power to govern, power that was given to you at the polls, by those who voted in your favour. Power to lead the country, make intelligent decisions on our behalf, decisions that the country - its people, resources and natural enviroment would benefit from. You procrastinated, waited and watched, and now, like the Pike River, the Christchurch Earthquakes, peoples lives are forever changed and their livelihoods are at risk. Marine and birdlife will be decimated, pristine coastland, mangrove swamps destroyed and a plentiful kaimoana resource severely affected.You have demonstrated you are not worthy leaders or custodians. Shame on you.

12 Oct 2011 08:56p.m.

brother Dave wrote:

keys you weak prick, the truth is you did not have a plan how to cope, i know you are here in Tauranga, get you cumboots on and help out, you turn around in the media and bring up Christchurch, thats political bullshit, you had better hope the allblacks win or you are toast....