There has been an outpouring of help from volunteers who showed their eagerness to help authorities in cleaning operations around the beaches of New Zealand's Bay of Plenty.

Maritime New Zealand officials are organising around 2,000 people who have joined the cleanup efforts.

As of Friday, reports from the New Zealand Herald indicated that the entire Mount Maunganui beach area all the way to Maketu Point has been closed to the public.

So far, approximately 95 tonnes of solid waste were gathered from the beachfronts while preparations for cleaning the Whakatane area are being made as the oil continues to spread. 88 containers have fallen off the stricken MV Rena and 20 were washed to the shore.

Catherine Taylor, Maritime New Zealand's director, announced that the response of the local community to the disaster had been outstanding but it was essential that volunteers should collaborate with the response team to avoid contamination.

All those taking part were advised to wear protective clothing and follow instructions from experts.

A salvage team is working feverishly to cut a hole in the vessel's hull to facilitate the transfer of oil into a barge, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

The ship has listed 20 degrees but 1,200 tonnes of heavy fuel oil is still on board the container vessel.

Hundreds of birds have been killed due to the oil spill while the Port of Tauranga stopped operations overnight because of debris in the shipping lanes.

Volunteers are advised to call 0800 645 774, register online, or visit the Mt Maunganui, Omanu or Papamoa Surf Clubs.