The Motiti Rohe Moana Trust is dismayed by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council referring the decision of whether to remove the Rena to the Environment Court.
The Rena in April 2013 Photo: RNZ
Its chair, kaumatua Umuhuri Matehaere, said the change benefited the owners of the Rena more than those who will submit applications against the wreck being left on the Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga.
The council says it considered the request by the Astrolabe Community Trust, which was created by the Rena's owners, and decided it was in the best interests of the community to refer the matter to the court.
But Umuhuri Matehaere said the move put the Motiti Rohe Moana Trust at a disadvantage.
Mr Matehaere said it would now be a lot easier for the Astrolabe Community Trust to get a decision in its favour from the Environment Court than from the regional council.
He said it took the control away from the rohe and any decision made by the people living in the area.