A climate scientist agrees Tiwai Point is at extreme risk of sea level rise, and a report finding possible catastrophic consequences needs to be taken seriously.
A 170-page report on risks and options to clean up the Rio Tinto site went to the Government last October - and found it is nearly certain sea level rise will breach the smelter's huge landfill within a century.
But the smelter disagrees with the report's findings, saying it contradicts advice from other experts.
Belinda Storey is the managing director of Climate Sigma – she spoke to Māni Dunlop.