Crew from the stricken cargo ship Rena are being evacuated after a mayday call from the vessel but maritime authorities say the ship is not breaking up.
Our reporter flying over the scene said crew were being winched to Motiti Island then flown to the mainland.
The director of Maritime New Zealand, Catherine Taylor, told a news conference a short time ago the 24 crew on board were being removed by a naval vessel and helicopters.
Ms Taylor said a distress call was issued to expedite the removal of the crew. She said once the swell abated, the crew would go back on board.
She said the deformity of the Rena was very minor and they did not know if it was at risk of breaking up.
"We know it is very serious," she said.
Ms Taylor said at least 130-150 tonnes of oil has already flowed from the cargo ship Rena.
She told Radio New Zealand authorities do not know exactly where on the Rena the oil is flowing from, but more oil is expected to leak.
The oil has been confirmed to have washed up on Papamoa Beach, as well as Mount Maunganui Beach.
She asked people who find oil on beaches to report the location to Maritime New Zealand on 0800 645 774 (0800 OIL SPILL).
Mayday call from Rena a "precaution", ship intact
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