Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby says Bay of Plenty residents are relieved that virtually all the heavy fuel oil in the stricken Rena has been removed.
Salvors have now pumped off all but about 50 tonnes of the 1200+ tonnes of oil on the ship.
Their focus is now turning to removing 1260 containers, which could take months.
Mr Crosby says there's significant relief in the community about how the salvage is progressing as the region's reputation relies on its environment and tourism.
