New Zealand oil spill 'not going away'

The number of volunteers who are helping the cleanup of oil which leaked from a stricken container ship off the coast of New Zealand has dwindled, those looking to take in voluntary work while on tours in Australasia may be interested to know.

According to Nzherald.co.nz, 6,700 people are registered for aid efforts at Papamoa Beach yet only around a dozen turned up yesterday (October 27th).

When oil from the vessel Rena first began to wash up onto the Bay beaches of New Zealand, authorities were met with enthusiasm by a host of locals.

However, site manager at Papamoa Beach, Steve Courtney, said that one problem is that citizens are being told that the site is clean and accessible.

But he pointed out: "The problem is not going away and it's not going to go away."

Those taking gap year projects in New Zealand were told though that a "significant milestone" has been made in clearing oil from Rena.

According to Salvage Unit manager Kenny Crawford, two out of five fuel tanks on the stricken vessel have now been emptied, with an estimated 900 tonnes of oil removed.

Click here for more gap year information.