Waikato Regional Council staff are today checking Coromandel beaches for any signs of oil from the Rena after small amounts leaked from the wreck as it was battered by heavy seas and strong winds.

Maritime New Zealand reports a small amount of oil leaked from the wreck at Astrolabe Reef as swells of up to 7metres hit the reef on Tuesday.

Rena is battered by heavy seas on April 3. Photo: MNZ

Trajectory modelling shows if oil does reach the shoreline it is likely to be a light sprinkling on beaches between Whiritoa and Whitianga.

MNZ says the total amount of oil left on board the remnants of the containership is in the tens of tonnes and is unlikely to all be released in one event.

In October last year hundreds of tonnes of oil washed up on the Western Bay of Plenty beaches.

MNZ reminds the public that if they do get oil on their skin to wash it off with soap and water immediately. Baby oil or olive oil is also useful for removing it.

'It is unlikely the level of oil we expect to see will have any impact on wildlife. However, the Massey wildlife team is ready to deal with any affected wildlife if needed,” says MNZ spokesperson Sophie Hazelhurst.

Members of the public are encouraged to call the 0800 OIL SPILL (0800 645 774) hotline to report any sightings of oil.