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Shot of the Rena bow section remaining in place on Astrolabe Reef. - Source: Maritime New Zealand -
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The Rena disaster has so far cost $130 million, $28 million of which has come from taxpayers.
Environment minister Nick Smith says the total costs are still uncertain and will remain so until the cleanup is complete.
Smith says the $130 million estimate is "crude" and covers fuel, cargo and the recovery of the ship itself.
He said the Government intends to get the money spent by taxpayers back from the owners of the vessel.
Meanwhile, salvage work continues on the wreck, though sea swells have disrupted a full assessment of damage to its hull.
The container ship broke up in rough seas overnight on January 7 after running aground on Astrolabe Reef near Tauranga about three months earlier.
Maritime New Zealand says work continued over the weekend on removing debris and parts of containers from the front section of the ship.
Salvors will continue removing wood and milk powder from the front section of the Rena by helicopter today.
Sea swells have prevented dive operations over the past couple of days. It is hoped the sea state will allow dive inspections of the stern section of Rena to resume either this afternoon or, more likely, tomorrow.
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