Divers are planning to resume assessing the sunken stern section of the Rena after large sea swells stopped them from surveying it during the long weekend.

Maritime New Zealand reports weather conditions are easing this morning and divers are hopeful of resuming their inspections this afternoon or Wednesday morning.

The Rena wreck's forward section is still above water, while the stern is submerged. Photo: LOC.

Extensive dive assessments are required before a decision can be made about the salvage of the rear section, which is now submerged.

Debris and parts of containers continue to be removed from the forward section of Rena, which remains above water where it grounded on Astrolabe Reef on October 5.

A helicopter is continuing to remove wood and milk powder from the bow.

On land, container and debris recovery continues with Matakana Island remaining a major focus of clean-up efforts by Braemar Howells.

Debris is being collected and put into bundles on the island before being transported by helicopter to a waiting barge.

So far more than 220 tonnes of container debris and 11 containers have been removed from Matakana.

Braemar hopes to continue with helicopter and barge operations to remove debris washed ashore on Motiti Island as the weather eases during the week.

Large amounts of timber, milk powder and other debris washed ashore on both islands following a storm that tore the Rena in two on January 8.

Teams are on standby to respond to reports of debris as they come in from the Eastern Bay of Plenty shoreline.

Aerial flights are being undertaken as part of Braemar's debris spotting operations, and logistical support is being provided with the placement of bins along beaches for debris.

Oil spill response teams and oiled wildlife teams are working along the shoreline in areas affected by the oil spill from Rena.

These areas include beaches east of Whakatane and Motiti Island today.

A team of 26 oil spill responders are working on Matakana Island and another 38 people are assessing shorelines around Mount Maunganui and Leisure Island today.

Oil spill surveillance flights for the past few days have confirmed a light sheen emanating from the ship.