Stand with Pike Media release - 19 April, 2018

Today Pike River families walked further into the mine’s drift than they have ever been allowed to.

The walk, with Minister Andrew Little, marks another important milestone in the recovery process and symbolises how far the families have come in their quest for truth and justice.

Pike River mother Sonya Rockhouse says the experience was emotionally overwhelming. “Where we stood today would have been part of a thirty meter thick permanent concrete seal by now if we hadn’t taken our stand, and we would never had had the chance to recover our boys and the evidence that is in the drift.

“It’s a weird feeling to have been standing there with so much hope, but also with the feeling of darkness and grief that Pike brings with it.”

Pike River widow, Anna Osborne agrees. “Today I was closer to Milt than I’ve been since the last day he last walked into that awful place, it breaks my heart to be there, but I also know that we are coming for him and for the truth and justice that he and his mates deserve.

“Who would have thought that our last ditch attempt to stop the truth being sealed away just a year and a half ago would lead to this moment. It’s a tribute to the incredible support we have had from New Zealanders and it restores my faith in people, and in our government.”

ENDS

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