Scammers using Rena as bait

A number of phone, online and merchandise scams for people to donate to an oiled wildlife fund for the Rena response are being reported to Maritime New Zealand.


There are no official fundraising activities for the National Oiled Wildlife Response Team, says MNZ spokesman Jason Dawson today.

Police have been notified and the public are reminded to be cautious and never disclose personal, bank details or credit card information over the phone, online or in an email.

Information about the latest hoaxes, scams and safety advice on the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Scamwatch website: www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/scams

The only official fund in operation is the "Bay of Plenty Care for our Coast Fund". Donation information is available on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website.

Today salvage assets are being re-deployed about the wreck of the container ship Rena as the weather continues to improve.

The crane barge Smit Borneo is once again near the wreck, with the plan for it to be anchored alongside the Rena's bow section, which remains fast on the Astrolabe Reef.

The MaritimeTraffic.com website shows Smit Borneo, and the tugs Go Canopus nd Koraki in the vicinity of the wreck with the tug Singapore lying east of Motiti and the barge Set Tow 60 still at Mayor Island.

As the swell subsides, divers are also on standby to begin a survey of the sunken two thirds of the ship, which includes the stern accommodation – and to locate sunken containers believed to be on the reef near the wreck.

Today's observation flight by Maritime New Zealand and Svitzer salvors saw no change to the state of the wreck. There remains a light sheen of oil coming from the Rena's remains.

The NZ Defence Force is continuing with twice daily aerial observation flights of the shipping approaches to the Port of Tauranga, checking for containers and any significant debris.

Braemar Howells' recovery team hopes to deploy its full fleet today with improving sea conditions.

The barge Subritzski has been sent to the area near White Island to collect debris, mainly timber seen floating near Volkner Rocks. A fast response craft (cat) has also headed for the island to assist with debris collection.

A warning has been issued to boaties about the debris field's movement eastward.

Meanwhile the collection of debris continues at the northern end of Tauranga harbour at Bowentown Head and on Matakana Island.

It is planned to use helicopters to assist in the removal of 11 containers and a large quantity of timber debris from Matakana Island.

People sighting containers or debris are urged to please report it to 0800 333 771.

Oil spill response

As part of the ongoing oil spill response shoreline clean-up assessment teams will today be checking for any signs of oil in the northern end of Tauranga Harbour, Papamoa East and Pukehina.

Protective booms remain in place at Maketu, Little Waihi, and Waihatanui and will be checked today.

One oiled little blue penguin was collected last night from Motiti Island.

Wildlife field teams will be assessing the coastline today from Mt Maunganui to Matata.

Wader bird surveys will be carried out today on Matakana Island and Ohiwa Harbour.

Wildlife reporting signage will be progressively erected along the Bay of Plenty coastline from today.

Members of the public wanting to assist with the clean-up should visit www.boprc.govt.nz/oilspillvolunteers.

Beach-goers concerned about the safety of swimming should refer to the local surf lifesaving club for guidance. Surf lifesavers regularly undertake detailed assessments of their stretches of beach and are best placed to offer advice on safe areas for swimming.
When in doubt, swim between the flags.

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2 comments

Three words

Posted on 15-01-2012 20:15 | By Gary gc

Name and shame


These people are the lowest of the low

Posted on 16-01-2012 14:57 | By The Sage

Try getting a real job and working for your money like the rest of us, or better still, volunteering to help and do something worthwhile for a change. I don't know how they sleep at night.


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