Maritime New Zealand has set up a forward operating base in Whakatane to deal with any oil from the Rena which makes it to nearby beaches.
Deputy on-scene commander Mick Courtnell says forward operating bases can be shifted to any area along the Bay of Plenty where the oil washes ashore.
Mr Courtnell says the bases will be able to co-ordinate defence and maritime staff as well as volunteers, to hasten the clean up response time.
