Today marks the seventh anniversary of the Pike River Mine explosion and there was a symbolic moment for the families of the 29 workers who were killed.
The Government handed over its keys to the Pike River Mine’s access road, marking its pledge to do everything it can to enter the mine tunnel safely.
The families had set up a blockade at the gate to prevent the mine tunnel from being sealed, but that year-long standoff has ended with the unlocking of the gates.
Pike River Re-entry Minister Andrew Little is set to take the Pike River re-entry details to Cabinet tomorrow.
The aim is to find more evidence on the cause behind the explosion, and the remains of any men who were in the tunnel at the time of the incident.
"From everything I’ve seen, I’m reasonably confident that we can do this and fulfill the promise made to the families to do everything we could to get into the drift," Mr Little said.
Pike River Families’ spokeswoman Sonya Rockhouse said above all, safety has got to be at the top of the list.
"And we don’t want anybody to be injured or killed doing this. For us, that’s the last thing we need," she said.
While four families have made it clear they would prefer the mine to remain undisturbed, the majority hope there will be access to the mine before next year’s anniversary.
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