A petition asking for the full removal of the Rena from the Astrolabe Reef this week was launched by Tauranga radio announcer Pat Spellman and it already has over 500 signatures in support.
Last month, the owners of the Rena sought resource consent from the Environment Court for the Rena to remain on the Astrolabe Reef.
Rena's owners say that it will cost an additional $300mil for complete removal of the wreck, in addition to the $300mil already spent so far.
The Rena ran aground on the Astrolabe Reef on October 5, 2011. Nine days after the disaster, Rena's owners issued an apology. Since then, as much as 350 tonnes of oil has spilled out.
It is said that a full removal of the entire wreck from the Astrolabe Reef could take up to a decade.