Pike River families call for evidence from public as police investigation concludes

May 4, 2019

Bernie Monk has been representing the families, calling for justice after the 2010 mine disaster.

Following a meeting with police today, families of the Pike River Mine victims are calling on the pubic to come forward with any evidence related to the tragedy.

The call follows the conclusion of the investigation into the second explosion at the mine that has clarified claims raised by some family members.

Twenty-nine men died in November 2010 after two methane blasts tore through the mine.

Family Reference Group (FRG) member Anna Osborne says the report of the investigation by the police shows the pursuit of justice is being taken seriously.

“The police have been clear that the re-entry of the drift has opened the door for more evidence to come to light and we are pleased they are making good on that," she said. 

“We are aware that members of the public may still be holding significant evidence. We urge anyone who has files, names, or any other form of evidence to bring it forward to the police now.

“We have waited nearly nine years for truth and justice, now that chance is here we must make sure we do everything we can to secure it. People who have evidence need to come forward.”

“Anyone with evidence should contact their local police station immediately. However we know that some people may not be comfortable dealing with police directly.

We are asking these people to email us on pikeriverFRG@gmail.com or Facebook message us at www.facebook.com/standwithpike,” said Ms Osborne. 

Ahead of the meeting with police today, Pike River families group spokesperson Bernie Monk said that he wanted "accountability" over the continuing and lengthy mine investigation.

Families have long-awaited a re-entry to ascertain what happened that day.

Mr Monk told 1 NEWS the meeting was the start of “justice and accountability” and the “truth of what went on at Pike River”.

“I’m sick of hearing other people’s version. We were in a commission that when the serious questions got asked of the Department of Labour, the CEO’s and the managers, all their lawyers got up and said, “don’t answer those questions, it could incriminate you,”" he said.

“We want this matter taken further and have these people in court to answer the questions and be made accountable,” said Mr Monk.

He said the families have already done a lot of investigations themselves.

“New Zealand deserves the truth,” he said.

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