This week marks the anniversary of one of New Zealand's worst environmental disasters.
In October 2011, the Rena ran aground off the coast of Tauranga, spilling 350 tonnes of oil into the ocean.
Seven years on, environmental groups are still fighting for the protection they say is needed for the environment to recover.
- Rena wreckage to remain on Astrolabe Reef
- Fear of overcrowding since Rena site opened
- Photos: Rena underwater four years on
The oil that leaked from the Rena wreaked havoc on the marine environment around where she now lies.
"Today the fish stocks and the ecology are still severely depleted," says Hugh Sayers from the Motiti Rohe Moana Trust.
Forest and Bird says the ocean should be full of life - but that's not the reality.
"Now we're ending up with deserts - deserts with starving kina - because there is nothing left for them to eat," says Dr Rebecca Stirnemann.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council denies the marine environment is in a worse condition than pre-Rena, and is looking to undertake more scientific work on the matter.
The problem isn't the sole result of the shipwreck. In fact, when a fishing exclusion zone was in place after the Rena went down, things started to rebound.
"The exclusion zone meant that there was quite a bit of recovery of fish and Tonga species," explains Mr Sayers.
The Trust says since fishers were let back into the area in 2016, things have taken a turn for the worse. It's been fighting for a marine protection area near where the Rena lies - and a few months ago, there was a groundbreaking ruling.
The High Court instructed the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to create three protected areas near Motiti Island.
"For the very first time we have a new method which will allow marine protection through the regional councils," says Dr Stirnemann.
But Mr Sayers says nothing has been done.
"They're dragging their feet, and we're asking the council to please get on with the job."
However the Council says the Government is appealing that decision, so its hands are tied.
"Unfortunately, we're in a situation where there are some court processes that we need to go through - and until they are resolved we are in a waiting situation," says a spokesperson.
Forest and Bird are calling on the Fisheries Minister to tell Ministry for Primary Industries to drop the appeal. But Stuart Nash says the Government is going ahead as the legislation needs to be clarified.
The matter will be heard in the Court of Appeal in early 2019.
Newshub.
