Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) says the local knowledge of iwi from the Tauranga area is proving helpful as it continues to deal with the oil leak from the container vessel Rena.
Oil and debris have ended up in the water and on the Bay of Plenty shoreline since the vessel ran aground 12 days ago.
MNZ's on-shore co-ordinator Nick Quinn says there has been good co-operation between itself and groups such as iwi and the Defence Force.
He says Maori have proved extremely helpful, providing local knowledge about Motiiti Island as well as sacred sites around Mount Maunganui.
Mr Quinn says people from other parts of the world are also taking notice and are coming to New Zealand for cultural training.