Pike River

As the seventh anniversary of the Pike River Mine disaster approaches, the families of the 29 victims are buoyed after meeting the new minister this morning.

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn has backed the renewed bid to re-enter the tunnel leading into the Pike River Mine, but cautions that the large rockfall between the drift and the mine workings could be an obstacle.

The disaster-struck Pike River Mine site and surrounding land should become part of a national park, including a 'Great Walk' track and a visitors centre, some of the victims' families say.

Singer-songwriter Dave Dobbyn is writing new music to be performed at an upcoming tribute concert for the families of victims of the Pike River mining disaster.

Prime Minister John Key says the case against former Pike River Coal boss Peter Whittall could have been costly and heartbreaking, and compensation for the families is the best outcome.

Solid Energy says removal of material from the top of the Pike River coalmine could take place tomorrow.

Finance Minister Bill English said families in New Zealand that experienced tragedies would expect equal treatment from the Government, not anything less than the families of the 29 men who died in the Pike River mining disaster three years ago.

The state wants Pike River Coal Ltd to pay massive fines and reparation of up to $125,000 for each of the 29 men who died in a horrific workplace explosion.

Pike River Coal does not have the cash to pay compensation to the families of the men who died in its mine because company bosses have already spent the money on their legal fees, a receiver says.

Officials are investigating a proposal which could lead to the Pike River mine being turned into an opencast coal pit stretching into a national park.

Prime Minister John Key will be in Christchurch today to apologise to the families of the miners who died in the Pike River tragedy more than two years ago.