AUCKLAND: An Environment Court hearing was held on Monday to discuss the appeal against the deepening of the Tauranga harbor shipping channels in order to accommodate larger container ships. The protest of around 200 people was held outside the Hotel Armitage where the discussion was taking place. Strongly supported by the Maori of Tauranga and other iwi (tribe) members, protesters were waving the Tino Rangatiratanga flag as well as performing the haka. The hikoi (protest) was highly charged as many Maori hold a strong cultural and spiritual connection with the environment. Commercial interests concerning the Port of Tauranga call for the deepening of shipping channels, however following the Rena disaster many are against the plans. Last month the Rena container ship ran aground near Tauranga resulting in a devastating oil spill, the effects of which are still being dealt with today. Hinenui Cooper, one of the hikoi organisers said “The whole Rena thing has brought it home to us.” With two container ships having run aground over the past six weeks off the Tauranga port, skeptics argue the risk of environmental disasters occurring will just increase as larger containers enter the port. “Tauranga Maori are now more aware of the potential hazards that widening and deepening can create,” said Cooper in reference to the potential increase in erosion around harbor estuaries if the plans were to go ahead. The hearing is set to continue over three days. BM
