Ministers see first hand damage from containers

Three National Party MPs visited Waihi Beach yesterday to view Rena container damage.

Minister of Transport Gerry Brownlee, Minister for Environment Nick Smith and Coromandel MP Scott Simpson had a look at the Braemar container removal operation at Waihi Beach before heading to Tauranga for more visits.

Dr Smith said he was encouraged by the work being done by Braemar.

"They are meeting their obligations to remove containers. It's good to witness first-hand how the operation is going. We still want to keep the pressure on to ensure they remove all material as quick as possible."

He was relieved there was little heavy oil on Waihi Beach and wanted to see the local community get on with life.

"I want to acknowledge the volunteer efforts of those working alongside Braemar."

As to the likely event of more containers and debris coming ashore, he said "we are at the hands of the weather gods".