People are being urged to stay away from the Awakino River in the King Country, as Waikato Regional Council battles to contain a major oil spill.
The spill occurred after a tanker overturned in Awakino Gorge near Mokau yesterday afternoon leaking 20,000 litres of oil into the river.
The council said there was a big oil slick near Awakino boat ramp, close to the river mouth, about 98km northeast of New Plymouth.
Nine staff were fighting to contain the slick while an incident control room had been set up in the council's headquarters in Hamilton.
The trucking company involved was helping the council with the operation.
The council said staff were looking to put in place a floating boom near the boat ramp which would help prevent oil from running in to the sea and allow it to be sucked out of the river by trucks with hoses.
Council spokesman Chris McLay urged people to stay away from the river while staff worked to manage the situation.
"We'd also advise people to stay away from the oil if they come across any on land. If they discover distressed animal or bird life they should advise the Department of Conservation."
Mr McLay said another reason to keep away from the river area at the moment was that rain was forecast and this could cause water levels to rise rapidly.
