The 100th volunteer operation since Rena ran aground on October 5 was launched today at Papamoa beach.

The 100th volunteer operation. Photos by MNZ.

The operation today saw hundreds of volunteers sifting through sand to remove clumps of oil from the beach.

The four-hour clean-up began at Papamoa in the morning and volunteers were also working at Te Tumu and Maketu.

Since the official volunteer program began on October 12, more than 4000 of the 7800 registered volunteers have taken part in the official beach clean-ups so far, putting in over 12,000 hours, according to Maritime New Zealand (MNZ).

Oil particles removed by hand today by the volunteers at Papamoa beach. Photo from MNZ.

Meanwhile, salvors are continuing preparations to pump the last tank containing about 358 tonnes of heavy fuel oil off the Rena.

Salvors have removed over 1000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil from the ship's other tanks.