Pike families ask Govt to fund recovery operation

Bernie Monk embraces a supporter after the Pike River remembrance service. He told Radio NZ the families of the trapped men needed to unite. Photo / Jules Anderson

The families of the 29 workers who died in the Pike River mine tragedy are calling on the Government to fund the ongoing operation to recover the men's bodies.

With the announcement yesterday Pike River Coal is in receivership, concerns have arisen over who would pay for the lengthy and expensive operation to recover the bodies of the 29 mine missing since the November 19 explosion.

The families have formed a committee and have asked for the Government to fund the operation, and to cover the legal costs for the families during the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

Bernie Monk, the father of Michael Monk who died in the mine, told Radio New Zealand the focus of the nine member committee was to recover the bodies of their loved ones.

"At all costs we will get our loved ones back," he said.

Mr Monk said it was time the families had a voice.

"We've done a lot of listening. The most important thing is we are going to unite."

Mr Monk said the families were pleased the Pike River receivers had committed to lobbying the Government to fund the recovery operation.

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn told Radio New Zealand the receivership announcement was expected, although questioned why it had happened just before Christmas.

Mr Kokshoorn shared concerns about where the money for the recovery operation would come from in light of the announcement.

He said the receivers had told him money would be found first for the wages of the mine's staff, then the company's major shareholders New Zealand Oil and Gas, and BNZ, and then other creditors and contractors.

Some West Coast contractors had given their expertise to help with the recovery operation in good faith but had no idea when they would be paid, Mr Kokshoorn said.

"We need clarification on this and we need it urgently," he said. "We need some clarity on who is being paid or the recovery is in jeopardy."

Mr Kokshoorn said the recovery of the 29 men would give the families some closure.

"They had a kick in the guts, they don't need another kick in the guts."

- NZHERALD STAFF