Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby is 'thrilled” the beaches are mostly reopening from 6am today, Wednesday as this is in good time for the approaching summer and holiday season.

'The beaches and coastline are the backbone of our economic livelihood over the summer and we want all holiday makers, event operators and locals to know that this means we are now officially back in business.”

Mount Maunganui Main Beach – open. Photo: MNZ.

Beaches from Mount Maunganui to Maketu have suffered intermittent closures since October 5 when the Rena container ship grounded on the Astrolabe Reef and began leaking oil – this oil washed up on the beaches making them unsafe.

Charged with the clean-up operation, Maritime New Zealand has coordinated in excess of 7000 registered volunteers, and some paid operators, to undertake the work.

The beaches, less part of Papamoa and Maketu Spit, are reopening owing to the efforts of these people.

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Glenn Ormsby says the reopening provides an assurance to the thousands of expected summer holiday makers of a beach holiday.

'We applaud the passion and commitment our community has demonstrated to get these beaches open again and we'd like to thank the thousands of people who volunteered their time to painstakingly clean-up.

'This is the first time ever volunteers have been used to assist with the clean-up of an oil spill – our beaches reflect their dedication and commitment.”

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason says the beach reopening is not a moment too soon.

'The announcement that our beaches are open signals the start of our recovery.

'However, the image of our pristine beach and marine environment has been dealt a serious blow, and we need the community's help to restore it.

'Many local jobs and livelihoods depend on our visitors.

'In the same spirit as thousands of volunteers flocked to help with the beach clean-up, we now need everybody to tell the world we are clean and open for business.

'Please show and tell your friends and families worldwide.”