Up to 100 people gathered at a beach in Mount Maunganui on Sunday to celebrate the contribution of volunteers during the Rena incident.
Maritime New Zealand and local councils held the event to thank volunteers for their assistance in the recovery effort that followed the Rena's grounding last October.
The authority says there are no on-shore oil spill cleanup operations planned this week, but people are on standby if there are any reports of fresh oil.
Meanwhile the crane barge, Smit Borneo, has returned to the wrecked container ship, and preparations are underway to resume the container removal operation.
The barge was berthed at the Port of Tauranga last week for maintenance.
