MEDIA RELEASE
14 December 2010

Pike River Royal Commission now underway

The appointment of two further commissioners and announcement of the Terms of Reference for the Pike River Royal Commission yesterday signals the beginning of the work for the Commission.

The Royal Commission is chaired by Graham Panckhurst a sitting High Court judge.

Justice Panckhurst says he welcomes the appointment of his two fellow commissioners Stewart Bell and David Henry. “I intend to consult with them as soon as practicable so we can get the work of the Commission underway.

“Relevant information will be made available to the news media and the public as developments occur. We will be providing information and updates including details about the terms of reference, the commissioners, contacts and hearings through a website.

“The website will be available in the next few days.

“We are most conscious of the significant and keen public interest in the Pike River Mine tragedy. The website will provide an important public face for our work,” says Justice Panckhurst.

The Royal Commission operates independently of government but receives administrative assistance from the Department of Internal Affairs. Information about Commissions of Inquiry can be found at: http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.NSF/wpg_URL/Services-Commissions-of-Inquiry-Index?OpenDocument

ENDS

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