It's not clear how much oil has been spilled into the Tauranga Harbour from a ship at berth which began leaking this morning.
An oil slick was spotted by marina staff, but the ensuing clean up since has been hampered by rain and high winds.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council on scene commander Adrian Heays says people might see oil coming ashore on beaches and also on boats.
He says workers have been trying all afternoon to get under the wharf and fix the leak.
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