A total of 40 containers have been removed and taken ashore from grounded container ship Rena as of 7.30am.

Maritime New Zealand says weather conditions are similar to Saturday and reasonably good for ongoing container recovery.

The Sea Tow astern of Rena.

However, the salvors advise they expect the rate of recovery to slow today as the next containers for removal are damaged, and will take longer to lift off.

There have also been reports of oil patches on the beach, despite no oil spills and no oil aboard Rena. Targeted clean-up operations will continue today.

A rapid response 'strike team' of oil spill responders will be out on the beaches today, ready to respond to any reports of oil from the public.

Members of the public are reminded not to pick up any oil they see themselves as any oily waste must be disposed of through the correct, consented process. If members of the public see oil, they should please call 0800 OIL SPILL and our beach clean-up teams will collect it.

Members of the public wanting to get involved in the volunteer effort, or the Adopt a Beach programme, should visit the volunteers hub at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website http://www.boprc.govt.nz/sustainable-communities/rena-oil-spill-volunteer-hub/.