Stand With Pike: You shall not pass

Written By: - Date published: 9:24 pm, December 11th, 2016 - 86 comments
Categories: disaster, health and safety, journalism - Tags: , , ,

Patrick Gower has broken the story about the latest turn of events down at Pike River:

Newshub can exclusively reveal efforts to seal the Pike Rive mine now face a legal and physical roadblock, with the victims’ families taking legal control of a privately owned piece of road needed to access the site.

The farmer that owns the road has handed it over to Bernie Monk, who will serve trespass orders on the concrete trucks, needed to seal the mine, from Monday.

“We’ll be blockading it. If anyone passes that without our permission, we’ll be serving trespass notices on them,” Mr Monk says.

Construction is already underway.

If you’re in Wellington on Tuesday, get down to Parliament at lunchtime to #StandWithPike. Details on Facebook.

86 comments on “Stand With Pike: You shall not pass ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Rosemary McDonald 1
    11 December 2016 at 9:28 pm

    YES!

    This is where the revolution begins…landowner taking coin, rejects coin in favour of righteousness.

    Kia Kaha, Pike River Families.

  2. Shona 2
    11 December 2016 at 10:45 pm

    Feeling proud to be a Kiwi for the first time in ages!

  3. Muttonbird 3
    11 December 2016 at 11:25 pm

    They really are fighting hard – it is great to see.

    A few things on Gower’s ‘exclusive’. Other outlets are carrying it so it is not an exclusive.
    The headline is framed in favour of Solid Energy – their ‘efforts’ are being ‘blocked’ by the families.
    Gower calls this an ‘unforeseen problem’ for Bill English – only if he’s been under a rock that is.
    Gower also refers to the families’ action as creating a ‘problem’, having found a ‘loophole’. Both are negative descriptions.

    He presents this ‘exclusive’ as a just a regular political nasty for the government rather than what it actually is – a once in a generation call by these families’ for their boys’ voice to be heard.

    • Richard Christie 3.1
      12 December 2016 at 8:27 am

      No doubt about it, Gower is both a clown and a disgrace to journalism. In addition to that, he is vile – a seriously nasty piece of work.

      Thanks for the clarification but I guess we shouldn’t let this story get diverted to discussing the messenger. Hard to do when it involves Mr Gower.

  4. Johnny Tucker 4
    11 December 2016 at 11:31 pm

    Interesting development.

    The papers released with the title show there is no easement over the land but that it is subject to the Public Works Act. That act specifically mentions roads, and gives any minister of the crown the ability to order removal of any obstruction that causes danger to traffic on the road.

    Don’t be surprised if this is used as justification for removal of protestors in the coming days.

    • Richard Christie 4.1
      12 December 2016 at 8:31 am

      How does a sold privatised mining company fit into a public works act?
      Seems more likely to now be a civil dispute.

  5. WILD KATIPO 5
    12 December 2016 at 12:07 am

    Truth has a way of coming out in the end.

    And sometimes things have to be done that shake the boat up. This is good. And also good the landowner has come out in favour of the Pike River victims family’s. So good the family’s just didn’t give in… 6 years is a long , long time to campaign for basic decency and justice … when they never ever should have had to in the first place.

    It raises the spirits to see the tenacity of these tough and marvelous West Coasters.

    They have a case, and could have given up at any time ,… but they didnt. As far as I see it, their issue is our issue, and we owe to them to stand and support them.

    The Upper Big Branch mine was very similar to Pike, happening 2-3 months beforehand, … and like Pike, … 31 miners involved, … and 29 killed. The same poorly maintained substandard ventilation systems, the same incompetence and negligence in rectifying health and safety issues by management, the same failure to address dangerous methane levers…

    And the same company that owned shares in Pike River owned Upper Big Branch mine as well…

    Its worth a watch just to re- familiarize yourselves with the sort of skulduggery that goes on and also went on under ex Prime Minister John Key. Lets hope Bill English can be more honorable.

  6. Venezia 6
    12 December 2016 at 12:37 am

    Wow – that video (& report) is quite an expose of the industry in 2010.
    ” Only the weaklings and the incompetents evade responsibilities in this age of industrial safety and efficiency.” Coal Age magazine 27 May 1916.

  7. Tamati Tautuhi 7
    12 December 2016 at 2:37 am

    Looks like another “Standing Rock Confrontation”?

    • Cinny 7.1
      12 December 2016 at 7:47 am

      Tamati, I was thinking the same.

      On the Listening Post this weekend (fav media roundup show on AJ) they explained why the lack of media coverage at Standing Rock. Made me think of Pike River, the lack of media coverage…

      PROUD OF THE ONES STANDING UP FOR THOSE LOST AT PIKE RIVER. MASSIVE RESPECT TO YOU ALL.

  8. adam 8
    12 December 2016 at 4:03 am

    national has 29 problems, and it has not said a dam thing close to truth on this matter for a very long time.

    • Cinny 8.1
      12 December 2016 at 7:51 am

      Adam the link above many interest you, it’s the listening posts coverage re lack of media at standing rock.

  9. Sanctuary 9
    12 December 2016 at 6:58 am

    Good to see people who won’t take being told what to do by a bunch of lying suits from downtown.

  10. Pete George 10
    12 December 2016 at 8:00 am

    I think it’s time for the Pike River families that are trying to get bodies recovered should move on from a dangerous and quite possibly futile exercise.

    It would be dangerous enough just to reenter the mine. It would be a lot harder to actually locate and recover 29 bodies, given time and the explosions – and the time and logistics that would be required increase risks substantially.

    Even if some of the bodies were able to be recovered and identified that won’t stop the grief.

    I understand that some of the families feel aggrieved by the mine company and by the Government, but they would be better to move on and find more productive ways to continue their grieving.\

    [Your attempts to apply your beige, risk-averse handwringing to this situation is deplorable. You aren’t a mines rescue expert, unlike the many people who have provided support and technical advice to the families. You don’t get to tell people how to grieve. You don’t get to scold them for their response to a situation you cannot possibly fathom. Take a week’s ban for being a shitty person. – Stephanie]

    • Sanctuary 10.1
      12 December 2016 at 8:04 am

      “…I think…”

      No one gives a fuck what you think bro.

    • Cinny 10.2
      12 December 2016 at 8:16 am

      You are entitled to your opinion and the family members are entitled to theirs. They are taking action, some would prefer that it all went away, but not the Coasters, they are strong people and will fight to the end for what they believe in.

      Unlike Key they are not quitters. And most of the country is behind their actions.

      Pete you say… ” but they would be better to move on and find more productive ways to continue their grieving.”

      what on earth do you suggest would be a more productive way to continue their grieving? Unreals

    • Muttonbird 10.3
      12 December 2016 at 8:22 am

      What would be a ‘more productive’ way to continue their grieving?

      Advocating for a strengthening of workers rights? Advocating for tougher laws against employers who abuse the safety of employees? Promoting union representation on all company boards?

      Perhaps you mean the pressuring of government to reverse the decision not to charge Peter Whittall and the owners, or perhaps to charge him retrospectively under the new corporate manslaughter law?

      • Pete George 10.3.1
        12 December 2016 at 8:23 am

        Continuing to pursue things that are unlikely to happen doesn’t appear to be helping them.

        • Muttonbird 10.3.1.1
          12 December 2016 at 8:27 am

          They are making progress and the decision to re-enter is just that – a decision which change at any time.

        • michelle 10.3.1.2
          12 December 2016 at 12:29 pm

          Like our pm pursued with the TPPA Pete even though it was selling our sovereignty and he pursued with our flag change( 20 million or thereabouts Pete) despite the polls saying the majority didn’t want it is that what you mean Pete

        • One Anonymous Bloke 10.3.1.3
          12 December 2016 at 12:41 pm

          Continuing to pursue things that are unlikely to happen doesn’t appear to be helping them.

          Doesn’t appear to do a damn thing for you either, and yet here you are.

    • gsays 10.4
      12 December 2016 at 8:35 am

      Hi Pete g, that simply means you stand with the corporations and not with the families.

      Tories love money, socialists love people.

      • Pete George 10.4.1
        12 December 2016 at 8:47 am

        I don’t stand with any corporations.

        Some socialists seem to like stupid slogans.

        I think the families would be better off if they let go of mine re-entry. Not all of the families are involved in the current action. What is the ongoing publicity doing for them?

          • Muttonbird 10.4.1.1.1
            12 December 2016 at 9:41 am

            All the John Key fans wheel this one out to attack the families with.

          • Paul 10.4.1.1.2
            12 December 2016 at 10:10 am

            So all the other family members are wrong, eh, bm?

            • michelle 10.4.1.1.2.1
              12 December 2016 at 12:32 pm

              its called a majority Paul the same way our tory PM got to power on a one seat majority and then they lost that seat and have to rely on Act , United and the Maori ,they have such a big majority Bull shert wake up and stop talking whole lot of kaka

        • gsays 10.4.1.2
          12 December 2016 at 10:29 am

          “I don’t stand with any corporations.”
          it is just a conincidence your opinions and attitudes align with the corporation in this case.
          you certainly don’t stand with the families, which is the context of this post.

          what i assume you are reffering to as a stupid slogan is far from that.
          it is a conclusion from many years of observing folk and politicians.
          this website is a great example.
          also while it may make you feel uncomfortable or show your opinions in a poor light, still don’t make it stupid.

          • Pete George 10.4.1.2.1
            12 December 2016 at 10:35 am

            “it is just a coincidence your opinions and attitudes align with the corporation in this case”

            I don’t know which corporation you are referring to, nor what corporation opinions and attitudes might be.

            I think my opinions probably align with quite a few people, possibly including some Pike River families, and certainly similar to others here.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 10.4.1.2.1.1
              12 December 2016 at 10:53 am

              🙄

              Yeah, silly me, I thought we were talking about Pike River Coal and Solid Energy, and then I realised I had the wrong corporation.

            • gsays 10.4.1.2.1.2
              12 December 2016 at 10:59 am

              re yr opinions and their alignment, at the time of writing,
              17 on side of families,
              4 neutral,
              5 backing key/national party/solid energy.
              so..5 out of 26 ain’t quite a few in anyones book.
              dodgy maths for a money lover.

            • Cinny 10.4.1.2.1.3
              12 December 2016 at 1:04 pm

              Pete would you please answer my question from above…

              Pete you say… ” but they would be better to move on and find more productive ways to continue their grieving.”

              What do you suggest would be a more productive way to continue their grieving? Other than ‘moving on’ or letting things be’ what would your advice be to them on how to continue their grieving?

              • gsays …
                12 December 2016 at 2:05 pm

                hi cinny,
                i have found pete to be a dump and run timewaster.
                half arsed arguements that do not bear too much scrutiny
                i unfortunately engaged with him.
                from now on i will put him in the list with bm, alwyn etc.
                dnftt-do not feed the troll.

    • Rosemary McDonald 10.5
      12 December 2016 at 8:36 am

      Pete George….why don’t you sit down, take a few deep ones and then go let your fingers do the walking and do some proper research into what is going on here.

      Yes, recovery of the bodies of the 29 is the primary aim of the families.

      Also, and of equal importance, is going as far into that mine as possible to gather evidence that will help find out why there was the explosion…and, and this is very important….would it have been possible to rescue some of the 29 had the Mines Rescue crew been allowed to enter the mine during the ‘safe’ window that opened after the explosion?

      The unseemly haste at which the decision was made to never make any attempt at recovery is suspicious in itself.

      And the complete rejection by the government of the advice of experts in the mines rescue field that it is possible to at least go partway into the drift to investigate…is again suspicious.

      No…you DON”T “understand that some of the families feel aggrieved by the mine company and by the Government” or you wouldn’t be so keen to impart your advice to the grieving families that they should ‘move on’.

      PG…who the hell do you ( and your mates on your little gossip website and your mates over at Farrar’s cesspit) think you are to tell grieving mining families how to deal with their grief?

      Don’t you get it?

      They can’t ‘move on’ until they have answers.

      Because, unlike those who blindly accept what their National overlords tell them…some of us have questioning minds as well as an instinct for when we are being treated like mushrooms.

      So go back to your dark place Pete George…while we support in spirit these families seeking the light.

    • michelle 10.6
      12 December 2016 at 9:03 am

      How do you understand when you haven’t been through what these families have been through Pete George. If they recover anything at all this will help with the healing and the grieving process and that will be a good thing. Since when have NZers taken a step backwards we can do anything we put our minds to we just need to be given a chance or opportunity exactly what Gareth Morgan has been talking about.

    • Paul 10.7
      12 December 2016 at 10:10 am

      Your right wing shilling has hit new lows.

  11. Brutus Iscariot 11
    12 December 2016 at 8:28 am

    This is getting quite sad. I can understand the anger and hurt, but they just need to let go. Nothing is going to bring those people back.

    • Richard Christie 11.1
      12 December 2016 at 8:58 am

      A short trip down the mine might well bring them back.

    • garibaldi 11.2
      12 December 2016 at 9:03 am

      BI, you’re another one who just doesn’t get it. These poor families need an outcome. They have been treated with contempt , lied to and shat on. They must have proper closure and this is the least that must be done for them. No ifs or buts.

      • rsbandit 11.2.1
        12 December 2016 at 2:40 pm

        Why risk live people to recover…what, exactly? That is unacceptable. How would they feel – everyone feel – if people entering the mine died doing so?

        No benefit, all risk. Move on.

        • In Vino 11.2.1.1
          12 December 2016 at 4:50 pm

          Firstly, there are plenty of volunteers who know the risks and state that they are willing. Secondly, extreme caution will reduce the slim chance of disaster. When the catastrophe happened, people were doing an ordinary day’s work. This exercise would be nothing like that.

          • rsbandit 11.2.1.1.1
            12 December 2016 at 4:55 pm

            Would you let your family go in? Daughter? Son? Partner? Why advocate someone elses family member goes in, even if they want to?

            All risk, no gain. Move on. This is political rather than considering lives of living people and I find it utterly distasteful. I support the government on this one.

            • In Vino 11.2.1.1.1.1
              12 December 2016 at 6:19 pm

              The families are living people, in case you failed to notice. Try listening to them – in telling them to ‘Move on’ you achieve the height of ignorance and arrogance.

              • rsbandit …
                12 December 2016 at 7:58 pm

                Fair call. I apologise for saying “move on”. But I plead with all those demanding people go in not to risk any more lives.

  12. Carolyn_nth 12
    12 December 2016 at 9:06 am

    Such fine words from John key at the memorial service for the 29 miners. So Churchillian – banking political capital by tapping into the (MSM led at the time) sentiments.

    He also managed to make it all about JK:

    PM’s Pike River address

    And I’d like to say something personal to the families of the lost miners, and in particular to those mothers of children who have so cruelly lost their fathers.

    Amongst all your other emotions and pain there may be fear for your children growing up without the father who loved them.

    Because I was such a child, I know that the absence of a parent is a heaviness you learn to carry in your own way.

    It is a terrible thing to happen. But it doesn’t mean your children will not go on to live happy, worthwhile and fulfilling lives and, in time, experience joyfulness and love in new families, yet to be created.

    And even if those children’s memories of their fathers fade, his legacy will live on in each one of them.

    Any sudden death in a close-knit community like this would be hard felt. To have 29 deaths in a single, terrible incident is almost beyond imagining.

    What makes it even harder is that you have not had the opportunity to lay your men to rest in a place and manner of your choosing.

    I do not know whether some or all of your men are in their final resting place.
    […]

    I am proud to lead a country whose people care so much about each other.

    The miners’ families have told me that although their personal grief is immeasurable, they have deeply appreciated the expressions of support from all over the country, and from overseas.

    In the streets of Greymouth, and all along the Coast, the intensity of this loss has weighed heavily on every heart.

    But the human spirit is resilient, and people are by nature, hopeful.

    I hope the knowledge of the nation’s support helps you through.

    Your men were our men. And even if many of us know them only as names, and faces and stories, their deaths touched our lives, and we will remember them.

    May they rest in peace.

    JK stored up a lot of politcal capital by free-riding on the (MSM-led) national sentiments. Such sentiments so easily get lost when the next disaster happens.

    Then, with promises unfulfilled, and the government no longer standing in solidarity with the Pike River families, JK pisses off to his life of luxury, hobnobbing with the rich and powerful.

    • gsays 12.1
      12 December 2016 at 10:44 am

      hi carolyn,
      i also remember hearing key say, in a meeting with the families, “absolute ressurance”, “commitment” etc, he then went on to say that anyone doubting this resolve was playing politics using emotions.

      disgusting.

  13. michelle 13
    12 December 2016 at 9:14 am

    People exhume bodies all the time it can be common for Maori to exhume even after many many years some take their loved ones home to their whanau lands so they can rest in peace it depends on what you stand for and believe in. Many NZers accept the staus quo too much and believe everything they hear from our political masters. I say wise up NZers listen to the good people of this country not the government or half wit journalist like Gower before it is too late to save our country from big corporations raiding happening under the gnats.

  14. Whispering Kate 14
    12 December 2016 at 9:16 am

    The landowner to me is the hero of he moment, us lefties generally think all landowners, cow cockies of whatever you want to call them are National admirers with limited critical thinking abilities. One only had to see on Q & A yesterday the opinions of the Wairarapa farming electorate over what they want for the future of this country – more of National’s policies.

    So all hail to the landowner who obviously does not agree with the cynical attitude of this Government over Pike River. Labour is cheap and so is life for this government, money is the mana from the gods to them and for which they adulate over.

  15. mary_a 15
    12 December 2016 at 9:34 am

    Yes absolutely …

    #STAND WITH PIKE

  16. Wayne 16
    12 December 2016 at 10:08 am

    This has been turned into a Left/Right issue on this site (as noted by Pete George).

    But it shouldn’t be. And in my view is not.

    The public issue of re-entering the mine is one of safety. That has to be the primary concern of public officials.

    At the moment the families say their expert advisors say it is safe to enter. Solid Energy’s experts say it is not.

    Perhaps an independent panel of expert mine safety engineers could assess these two positions (actually assess the evidence presented) and then make their recommendation.

    In the nature of things the independent panel would one expert appointed by each party (but not their existing experts) and a chair appointed by these two.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 16.1
      12 December 2016 at 10:19 am

      The Prime Minister politicised it when he turned it into an “ethics and the rule of law”/”getting away with manslaughter” issue. FIFY.

    • dv 16.2
      12 December 2016 at 10:33 am

      Yes Wayne. Good idea that they talk to each other!!!!

    • gsays 16.3
      12 December 2016 at 10:33 am

      hi wayne,
      perhaps the solid energy/national party ‘experts’ could be named.
      you know, to shed a little light on the government’s position.

      • Whispering Kate 16.3.1
        12 December 2016 at 12:46 pm

        I agree – the ex PM was noted for his “show me the money” in a debate but his Government at the time were all talk and no show when it came to revealing who their “experts” were over the safety of the mine. An independent safety inquiry needs to be done before this country will believe that the mine is unsafe to enter. The odds are strong it will be safe knowing the record of the present government and their many lies which they have spun. No wonder people are cynical, who would blame them.

      • Cinny 16.3.2
        12 December 2016 at 1:07 pm

        well said G.

    • DH 16.4
      12 December 2016 at 10:50 am

      Have you any idea how ridiculous you sound Wayne?

      You’re using the word ‘safe’ in its literal form, as are the usual line up of Pike deniers. No activity is safe, there’s risk in everything humans do.

      If you were honest in your ‘opinion’ you should be saying it’s not safe enough.

      • s y d 16.4.1
        12 December 2016 at 12:07 pm

        I think there is a sleight of hand where ‘safety’ has been horribly, and perhaps purposefully, confused with ‘liability’. There is now a clear linking of liability to officers of corporations and they will never, ever take on that liability and risk – the foreseeable financial costs cannot be insured against and so they won’t be able to repeat Mr Whittals’ shameful payout.

        The safety referred to is not for the workers who would re-enter the mine, but that of the directors. You need only read the final paragraphs of Solid Energy’s directors ‘open letter’ to see where their thinking is based.
        http://www.solidenergy.co.nz/

        PS – The decision not to re-enter is not being taken by ‘public officials’ Mr Mapp, but by officers of a corporation.

        • Wayne 16.4.1.1
          12 December 2016 at 1:38 pm

          syd,

          From what i have read, Solid Energy made their decision on the basis of advice from mining experts. What I am suggesting is an independent review of both the families and Solid Energy’s expert advice.

          If the view is that the govt be involved, then surely they will want an independent assessment of the safety and the risks – hence my comment about the responsibility of “public officials.”

          DH,

          I am perfectly aware of the balancing issues in respect to safety. Nothing is ever 100% safe. But independent experts will be able to advise whether it is, or is not, safe enough to enter. From your response it seems you are suggesting there should not be an independent assessment?

          • DH 16.4.1.1.1
            12 December 2016 at 3:33 pm

            You seem to have been misinformed on this Wayne. It’s not an issue of whether the mine is safe to enter or not, the issue is about whether the mine can be made safe to enter or not. The secondary issue would then be how much it would cost.

            You say;

            “the mine isn’t safe to enter”

            and the families have been saying;

            “It is possible to make the mine safe to enter.”

            You’re both talking about different things, both of you can be right. Personally I think your position is dishonest and distasteful.

  17. Tiger Mountain 17
    12 December 2016 at 12:29 pm

    as Bernie Griffin sang–“29 diamonds for a chunk of coal…”

    all power to the families and supporters, leading by example

  18. Susie 18
    12 December 2016 at 12:29 pm

    Made my day.
    Thank you also, ‘Wild Katipo’ for your customarily robust insights here. There is a lot more to this mess than meets the eye, IMHO.

  19. rsbandit 19
    12 December 2016 at 2:34 pm

    It’s time for these people to move on. They want to risk the lives of others to recover…what, exactly?

    • mauī 19.1
      12 December 2016 at 4:05 pm

      Does every troll have the exact same line? Serious lack of humanity too. Unless you think covering your son with 20 metres of concrete after their unexplained death is something that feels human to you.

      • rsbandit 19.1.1
        12 December 2016 at 4:58 pm

        So trolling is saying “it’s not worth someone dying”?

        I find the support of this endeavour utterly repugnant. You can see from the glee in this thread that it’s about politics, not any consideration for the lives of people who would go in there.

        Would you go in?

    • One Anonymous Bloke 19.2
      12 December 2016 at 4:06 pm

      I don’t believe they want to risk anyone’s lives. Some experienced people have volunteered to risk their own lives. Is it possible for you to respect their loss enough to stop lying about them?

    • Rosemary McDonald 19.3
      12 December 2016 at 4:19 pm

      Go be a shitty person elsewhere….

    • WILD KATIPO 19.4
      12 December 2016 at 4:19 pm

      @ rsbandit ( 19 )

      No one has a right to tell others to simply ‘ move on’.

      No one.

      That is a phrase trotted out – usually – by those who are either frustrated with an issue or because it threatens their own agendas , – and because it does not affect them personally , – feel quite free to marginalize whats viewed as important by others.

      I would hardly think you would apply the same thinking to victims of the holocaust – where even today inquiry’s are still held into the perpetrators. Or any other retrospective case involving loss of life for that matter , – no matter the way or motive in which it occurred.

      The difference is with Pike is there are far too many issues that have been left unanswered, in what seems like an all – too – convenient fashion. It does not matter which political party was incumbent as well . In fact the timeline of this mine had crossover with both Labour and National. For someone to claim it didn’t hasn’t researched the issue entirely enough.

      Aside from recovery of human remains – which grants a certain amount of closure to the victims family’s , – there remains the critical issues of gathering of forensic evidence – which so far has been denied the victims family’s as well as the New Zealand public.

      It therefore becomes an issue of national importance as the manner by which this plays out has a direct bearing on any other future disasters – and the trustworthiness of any future governments dealings with the public. Therefore we now see at least two good solid reasons why it is a trite cop out , … and counter productive to trot out that tired old catch phrase to simply ‘ move on’.

      And both of them have direct and indirect implications as to the quality of present and future public and private officials and their accountability to the wider public in basic issues of honesty , integrity ,safety , and the value and sanctity of human life.

      • rsbandit 19.4.1
        12 December 2016 at 5:02 pm

        I wonder how vocal people will be if someone else dies in that mine. Worth it? Is this political attack really worth it?

        I say it isn’t. Nothing will bring them back. Some families will never accept it but that is no reason to risk more lives.

        “Go be a shitty person elsewhere….”

        No, you go be a shitty person elsewhere. You’re very brave from outside that mine and it is very shitty to risk other people’s lives recovering…what exactly?

        Utterly disgraceful.

        • WILD KATIPO 19.4.1.1
          12 December 2016 at 5:27 pm

          And you – who has obviously sided with this govts stance, – and by association , Solid Energy’s – are the one politicizing it. And then using emotionalism by claiming more people would die . And that’s disgusting.

          The facts are , that there are experts – many of them – that say not only is the drift safe to enter under controlled methods , but have presented many reports containing the methods to be used.

          And the fact that Solid Energy’s stance of belligerence in not even listening to these experts – and the point blank refusal to meet with them and a govt that only listened to Solid Energy – and was prepared to use our own police force to back up Solid Energy – as time went on,… has now backfired monumentally in their face. And the longer this drags on , and the longer any govt refuses to deal with the issues will only make it harder on any incumbent govt.

          And make them appear bloody minded and as if they have something to hide.

          Lets hope this govt under Bill English has far more wisdom and integrity than it did under John Key … who was only too willing to wash his hands of Pike River and let a govt department call the shots instead of using his executive position to direct an operation that should have been completed years ago , that is , the entering and retrieval of human remains and forensic evidence from Pike River coal mine .

          • rsbandit 19.4.1.1.1
            12 December 2016 at 7:55 pm

            So be it. Be any deaths that result in entering the mine be on the heads of those calling for entry.

            I will continue to oppose it and pray that common sense prevails.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 19.4.1.1.1.1
              12 December 2016 at 8:06 pm

              The only reason you oppose it is because Dear Leader told you to. If Old Dear Leader decides there’s votes in it, you’ll change “your” “mind” faster than you can say sycophant.

              Personally I think we should round up everyone who’s ever lobbied for deregulation and send you in first as a human shield.

              • rsbandit …
                12 December 2016 at 8:09 pm

                I’m a Labour voter, FFS. Why risk more lives? For political gain, dressed up in grief?

                No, I say. No.

                “send you in first as a human shield”

                That really does sadden me. We are supposed to be the party that cares.

                • DH …
                  12 December 2016 at 8:32 pm

                  I doubt you’re a Labour voter or any kind of humanist. The handle arsebandit is a bit of a giveaway as to your character, as is your apparent ignorance of basic human nature.

                  Do you even know why people engage in dangerous rescue & recovery actions? They do it because they understand that if the boot was on the other foot they’d want people to do it for them. We take risks to help others so others will take risks for us if we’re ever in need of it.

                  Coal mining is a dangerous occupation and like any occupation of its kind miners work in the implicit understanding that they may either need rescuing themselves one day or they could be rescuing others. If they all knew no-one would come for them no-one would go down a mine.

                  The decision on whether or not to enter the mine is for those who would do it to make. So far they’ve been prevented from even being allowed to make that decision, which could ultimately be no.

                • One Anonymous Bloke …
                  12 December 2016 at 9:16 pm

                  Sorry, my mistake. I just don’t think anyone has a right to tell experienced volunteers the level of risk they’re prepared to accept. Or shall we outlaw mountaineering?

  20. WILD KATIPO 20
    12 December 2016 at 4:49 pm

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/…/pike-river-families-block-mine-access-road-from-dawn

    Hmmmm… the ‘ Sorry – looks like weve stuffed up ‘ notification comes up if you try to view that link… however you can at least visit that page using the title.

    Good on the Family’s… they have managed so far to get this cringing Solid Energy and other involved party’s on the back foot and on the run. For now.

    What a disgusting episode in NZ history.

    That these people even had to go to these sorts of lengths to get some form of closure and justice from the very officials who were supposed to be the ones upholding safety and justice.

    Totally mind boggling.

  21. Marple 21
    12 December 2016 at 6:37 pm

    Hey I’m overseas so won’t be there but can I ask (sorry if it has been mentioned before) if there is any way of donating to the protesters?

  22. Thinkerr 22
    23 December 2016 at 9:35 pm

    Go the families!!

    If there is/was any possibility of re-entering the mine it should be/have been done as soon as possible to do it.

    We have a Prime Minister’s word on that and if you can’t trust the word of the Prime Minister in the time of a national tragedy, what sort of a message does it send?

    If impossible to re-enter, then that’s a different story, but every possibility should be exhausted before that decision is made. I don’t think the issue is about recovery, now, so much as closure – letting the families know what happened (as far as possible) and even if it is found more could have been done, at least Pike River could be an example for the future.

    IMHO, if the government closes the mine up too quickly, there will always be doubt about its motives (mixed up with the debate about whether re-entry was possible) and Pike River will then join a long list of home-grown conspiracy theories with no opportunity for resolution. More material for the likes of Ian Wishart (no disrespect).

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