Plans are being finalised to remove the wreck of a fishing boat off the eastern Bay of Plenty coast.
The 18 metre San Cuvier grounded on a rocky stretch of coast near Opotiki in July, with the loss of two crewmen.
The vessel will be cut up and the pieces airlifted from the area.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council says work is likely to start next week and be completed by Christmas.
It says the emphasis will be on minimising the impact on the coastline.
Some 18,000 litres of liquids, including diesel fuel, have been removed from the vessel, along with all loose material.
