New Zealand is still bracing from the effect of the massive oil spill from MV Rena. More than one thousand birds have reportedly died as a direct result of the spill. Fears also abound over its long-term effect as the leaked oil reaches the shore of one of the world's most ecologically-sensitive countries.

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) could not tell how long the oil-removal operation would take, as the time-frame would be dependent on the weather, the cargo ship's stability and the viscosity of the oil. Noting that 1,346 tonnes of oil - down from 1673 tonnes - is believed to still be on board the vessel, MNZ warned that the operation "will be a long process" and weather-dependent.

To check out photographs of the New Zealand oil spill and its effect, click on "START".

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1,000 Birds Die in NZ Oil Spill Crisis; Media Hampers MV Rena Salvage Operations