Salvors working on the stranded container vessel Rena battled high winds as they continued to remove containers from the ship.
Thirteen containers were removed on Tuesday, bringing the total to 70.
The company in charge of the removal Braemar Howells says work continues at a steady pace, despite the weather.
Spokesperson Neil Lloyd says the company will increase the rate of the work if it can, but if the weather changes quickly it has to maintain the safety of its workers at all times.
Mr Lloyd says workers have also been cleaning up rubbish from nearby islands, including about 18 metric tonnes from Motiti Island.
Maritime New Zealand says people have also reported oil on beaches at Tay Street in Mt Maunganui and Papamoa.
