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Rena grounding

On this page: Information for Coromandel Peninsula residents, oil on beaches, contaminated seafood, oiled wildlife, shipping containers, boaties, volunteering, contact websites and phone numbers

Information for Coromandel Peninsula residents

Rena image 8/1/12: Maritime NZ

Waikato Regional Council is working with Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) to closely monitor the eastern seaboard of the Coromandel Peninsula, north of Waihi, for shipping container debris or oil from the broken cargo ship Rena.

In January 2012, the stricken ship separated into two pieces following high seas. Rough seas in early April 2012 resulted in the sinking of the stern section.

Following the grounding of Rena on the Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga in October 2011, Waikato Regional Council has worked with MNZ, Thames-Coromandel District Council, Hauraki District Council and the Hauraki Maori Trust Board to coordinate a potential response.

Extensive planning has been undertaken to prepare for the possibility of oil or shipping containers and their contents washing up on our coast. Waikato Regional Council has trained staff ready to respond if required, and detailed plans in place which have been prepared with the assistance of MNZ, the salvors (Svitzer) and container recovery company (Braemar Howells).

Waikato Regional Council staff are also ready to assist in the training of more oil spill clean-up volunteers, if required by MNZ. Any response in the Waikato region will be coordinated by MNZ.

MNZ is using a combination of trajectory modelling, aerial and on water surveillance to track the movement of oil and debris from the stricken vessel.

Oil on beaches

If you see oil on beaches, please do not touch it, but call freephone 0800 645 774. Provide the location of the oil by noting the nearest street or beach access.
Maritime New Zealand aerial surveillance of the oil spill is extending north of Tauranga to include Whangamata.

Contaminated seafood

Restrictions have been eased. Visit the Toi Te Ora Public Health Service website for updated information around shellfish collection and recreational activities.
Do not take fish from any area that has or had visible or known oil contamination, or any area where there is signage advising against fishing.
Any seafood that has 'off', oil or fuel-like odours should be avoided.

Oiled wildlife

Do not attempt to handle, move or clean oiled wildlife.
If you see oiled wildlife call freephone 0800 333 771. Provide the location, animal species and numbers of any oiled animals.
OIled animals will be transported by the wildlife team.
Even if dead, it is imperative that all wildlife is assessed by the official wildlife response team so the full impact of the oil spill can be determined.
Dogs should be kept away from the beaches, shoreline and sea that is affected by oil. If your cat or dog becomes oiled, contact your local vet.

Shipping containers

Contact your local police or Maritime New Zealand on 0800 333 771 if you locate a container or debris.
The contents of the shipping containers remain the property of the owner at all times, whether on shore or in the water. Taking those items is a criminal offence and you could be prosecuted.
The clean-up of debris and removal of shipping containers is being managed by Braemar Howells. Members of the public are urged to report sightings of shipping containers and debris immediately and to stay well clear, as all debris must be treated as if it is contaminated.
A navigational hazard warning is in place for the Bay of Plenty coastline.

Boaties

Be aware of partially submerged shipping containers and debris from the Rena. Report any sightings immediately to 0800 333 771.
Oily water can damage a boat's motors. If you see oil, contact 0800 OIL SPILL (0800 645 774).
Boats travelling through oily water could then contaminate otherwise clean sites. The heavy fuel oil leaking from Rena will stick to the hull of any boat that passes through it, and will be difficult to remove without causing even more contamination.
Recreational boat owners should stay well clear of oiled areas, and of any vessel involved in the oil spill response.
If skippers do find oil on their boats, they are advised to take the boat and trailer to a self service car wash. Such car washes are designed to cope with oil and other pollutants. Alternatively, owners can use a de-greaser or detergent to wash their boats, provided the run off cannot reach streams and watercourses or drains that take storm water off footpaths and roads.

In Bay of Plenty waters:

Bay of Plenty Regional Council harbourmasters ask recreational boaties travelling to the Bay of Plenty to seriously consider the following points:

Any debris (not just containers) at sea is a potential hazard to recreational vessels.
Do you actually need to go out?
Travel at a “safe speed” at all times. *
Maintain a “proper lookout” at all times. *
Be off the water during the hours of darkness.

* Please refer to Maritime Rule Part 91: Navigation Safety Bylaw for the legal definition.

MV Rena Response Advisory Notice to Recreational Boaties in the Bay of Plenty

Information for volunteers

Volunteering for oil spill clean-up in the Waikato region

It is important volunteers go through a registration process – this ensures you are safe, the clean-up is undertaken methodically, and the waste is disposed of without causing further environmental damage. If you wish to volunteer, please fill out our online registration form.
An online training video has been developed to supplement the induction for volunteers wanting to assist with official, coordinated beach clean-up activities.
Clean up work is hard physical labour and the fact that people are continuing to volunteer is appreciated.
PDF Volunteer information leaflet

Volunteering in the Bay of Plenty region

If you want to volunteer for Bay of Plenty beach clean ups or the Adopt-a-Beach programme and haven’t yet done so, please phone 0800 645 774 or register through the website www.boprc.govt.nz/oilspillvolunteers.
Keep up-to-date with the latest information on 'Operation Beach Clean' and the Adopt-a-Beach programme by visiting the Rena oil spill volunteer hub.