The public is being asked to return any objects they may find along Papamoa Beach which will be clearly marked following an exercise run by search and rescue services on Saturday.

A major search and rescue exercise at Motiti Island and Papamoa Beach has concluded.

The exercise, based out of the Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club  was part of NZSAR's Operation Whakarauora Tangata, and saw Police join with Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard from Maketu, Tauranga and Waihi, Surf Lifesaving, Harbourmaster, Hato Hone St John, and Civil Defence for a practical search and recovery phase around Motiti Island and along the shoreline of Papamoa Beach through to Kaituna Cut.

The exercise was scheduled to run from 8am to 5pm.

Papamoa beach. Photo: Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club.

"The scenario was based around a boutique cruise ship in distress and follows a desktop exercise earlier this year,' says Bay of Plenty District Assistant SAR Coordinator Aimee Dawson.

"Weather brought the exercise to an early finish, but not before teams got real-world experience working together as part of a major operation and building our search and rescue capability in the Bay of Plenty."

Aimee says members of the public in the operation area may find objects from the exercise.

"These will be clearly marked as being part of the scenario, with instructions on what to do if you find them."

This includes calling 105 and, if possible, dropping the object into a local Police station.

"We want to pass on our thanks to everyone involved in this exercise - the planning team, Iwi, actors, transport to set up props; all participants in the field, on the water, and in headquarters; and to members of the public for their cooperation."