District and regional council for areas along the Coromandel coast are monitoring the movements of debris and oil from the broken cargo ship Rena.

The ship, which has been stuck on Astrolabe Reef since October 5, broke in half on Saturday night spilling oil and about 150 containers into the sea.

A container washed up on Matakana Island with Mayor Island visible in the distance.

The Waikato Regional Council has been working with Maritime New Zealand, Thames-Coromandel District Council, Hauraki District Council and the Hauraki Maori Trust Board to coordinate a potential response in their areas.

The councils' regional on scene commander, Adam Munro, says extensive planning has been undertaken to prepare for the possibility of oil or shipping containers washing up on the coast.

'We have trained staff ready to respond if required and detailed plans in place which we have prepared with the assistance of MNZ, the salvors and the container recovery company,” says Adam.

'Conditions are extremely changeable, but there is a possibility that debris and oil from the vessel might impact the eastern seaboard of the Coromandel Peninsula, north of Waihi.

'Members of the public, and in particular boaties, are reminded to take extra care and to report any sightings of oil or debris to the MNZ oil spill hotline.”

Oil sightings should be reported to 0800 OIL SPILL (0800 645 774).

MNZ says the contents of the shipping containers remain the property of the owner at all times, whether on shore or in the water.

Boaties are warned to be aware of partially submerged shipping containers or debris. Boat owners should stay well clear of oiled areas, and of any vessel involved in the oil spill response.

Oiled wildlife sightings should be phoned to 0800 333 771.