Research centre from Rena fund

A Maketu-based marine research centre is to be established as part of the restoration and mitigation offer from the Rena owners and insurers.

Former Bay of Plenty Regional councillor and Maketu resident Raewyn Bennett says it's a package deal that covers a range of things in return for the coastal Te Arawa hapu withdrawing opposition to the resource consent application to leave the remainder of the Rena wreck on the Astrolabe Reef.