Oil spill: Get ship off reef or face ruin - Elder

Regional councillor Tai Eru says he doesn't care how it's done but someone has to refloat the stricken cargo ship in the Bay of Plenty before it's too late.

The Te Arawa kaumatua and Bay of Plenty Regional councillor says it's time to "stop the hui hui and start the doey doey" before an environmental disaster ruins the region.

Fears are growing the stranded ship MV Rena, which is leaking fuel oil into the sea near Motiti Island, could cause an environmental disaster.

The 236m cargo vessel struck Astrolabe Reef near Tauranga Harbour early Wednesday, causing a 5km oil slick that has already killed some wildlife.

A number of Te Arawa marae dot the coastline of the Bay of Plenty. Mr Eru said he was concerned for kai moana (sea food) and peoples' livelihoods in the area.

"This could destroy all the sea life around there. They need to get that ship empty and refloated as soon as they can.

"Even now they're throwing more chemicals into the water that can harm bird life, fish and shellfish. If they muck around too long, there will be a disaster."

Mr Eru said it would be hard for Te Arawa people living on the coast if they were unable to access traditional kai moana such as paua, kina, pipi and fish.

"What's going to be the cost of this damage compared with the cost of salvaging this ship? I don't care how much it costs, the owners of the ship must refloat it and do it now."

Te Arawa Standing Committee member Potaua Biasiny-Tule said the situation was shocking, and he was concerned such incidents would happen more often as the Port of Tauranga got busier.

"The area is considered of significance to Te Arawa, Ngai Te Rangi and Mataatua waka ... and is considered the food cupboard of the tribe. Industrial spillages will further contaminate the waters and the beaches."

- Additional reporting APN News & Media