What the hell is going on with the Rena and New Zealand media ???

I live in The Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.

It's not on this map - but KATIKATI - where I live is in the pink area, between Tauranga and Waihi on the coast.

I keenly seek out the news on the net. Lately I spend my time searching for updates on the Rena and the disaster that is occurring in my backyard.

Considering what is about to happen as bad weather moves in – there are precious few articles to be found anywhere on this – and it makes me angry – very angry.

The Rena is carrying approximately 2,000,000 litres of heavy fuel.

Astroreef.

It is about halfway between Motiti and Mayor Islands. It is renowned for its pristine water with visibility of 6 to 30 metres for divers.

This is where the ship is right on top of. It has already leaked oil, and they are pouring dispersants all over the place when they can. Dispersants that then get into the food chain of the local wildlife.

Mayor Island is a marine reserve which is warmed by the East Auckland Current. This current draws subtropical fish species like Lord Howe coral fish, crimson cleanerfish and boarfish to the area. The sea floor has caves, drop-offs, pinnacles, hot water vents and black obsidian beds (volcanic glass). Dense forests of paddleweed kelp extend to 30 metres, and the reefs are covered with lace coral, cup coral, colourful anemones, sponges and hydroids.

Motiti Island is full of small sheltered bays with reefs between 5-18m deep. Like other Bay of Plenty islands there are abundant crayfish (lobster), paua (abalone) and scallops found around the island.

Along with many other New Zealanders I am frustrated at the delays, and length of time it is taking to repsond with any efficency to the looming natural disastor where I live.

Not far from my home is a breeding ground for the NZ Dotterel.

Near where this is all taking place.

There are about 1700 left in the world – should the oil wash up on the coastline, I feel sick at the thought of what it could do.

We are going to see problems because the breeding season is here for birds, dolphin and whale young could be threatened, the fishing industry could face huge problems – and what do the media here focus on?

The Rugby World Cup.

Yesterday a national newspaper had 10 pages of players’ drunken antics, match results, future game predictions, and tucked away on page 11 was 1 – yes 1 – article on the Rena and the threat it poses to the BOP region and its wildlife.

Do you want to know something ?

I couldn’t give a flying ‘*&%@’ at the moment about some stupid rugby player who gets drunk and behaves like an idiot !!!

It angers me that there are not more questions being asked, and that these questions are not front page of their papers.

This is New Zealand, where our clean environment is the corner-stone of many of our industries. Wake up NZ media – focus on the important stuff for a change !!!

This is also my home.

My beautiful home – and it is time to do something to keep it that way – before it is too late for the environment and those that live in it !!

These are the sands my feet walk on – my children walk on, and I hope my grandchildren will walk on – we must take better care of them !!

The comments will be updated with more news and information as it arises.

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Updates from me…

Oil spill worsens as the Rena starts to crack.

The Rena finally breaks apart.

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