Pike River Mine recovery agency opens

Wednesday, 31 January 2018, 10:16 am
Article: RNZ

The agency overseeing entry into the Pike River Mine opens in Greymouth today.

The Pike River mine. Photo: RNZ / YouTube

Twenty-nine men died when the coal mine exploded just over seven years ago.

Since then their families have fought for it to be re-entered and for their bodies to be returned to them.

The government last year said it was confident of re-entering the mine, despite officials highlighting the dangers. In a briefing to the minister Andrew Little, officials said there were risks including injury, explosion, suffocation and entrapment.

The Pike River Recovery Agency - Te Kahui Whakamana Rua Tekau ma Iwa - will be funded to the tune of $23 million over three years and will be headed by former army chief, Major General David Gawn.

It has just over a year to stage a manned re-entry of the first 400 metres of the mine.

Establishing and opening the agency was on the government agenda for its first 100 days.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will cut the ribbon at its new offices in Greymouth today.

Last year, the Supreme Court ruled a decision to withdraw a prosecution against Pike Rive Mine boss Peter Whittall, in exchange for payments to the victims' families, was unlawful.

© Scoop Media

RNZ

New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.

Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.

Contact RNZ

• Website - www.radionz.co.nz
• Twitter - @rnz_news
• Facebook
• Link - Contact RNZ