Renowned New Zealand actor and film director Ian Mune was today scathing of the Government and the bureaucracy behind the Pike River Mine disaster as he joined picketers on site in attempting to prevent the mine entrance from being permanently sealed.
Mune is the latest prominent figure to wade into the Pike River quagmire as some families and supporters of the 29 men who died in the 2010 underground explosion continue to protest against attempts by Solid Energy to seal the portal with a thick plug of concrete.
Mune joined the picket line this morning to show his support and said he intended to stay for a few days at least to support the cause.
He said the Government needed to act to stop the sealing and explore the drift (mine entrance tunnel) for human remains and evidence of what went wrong.
"I've come to Pike River today to show that like many, many other New Zealanders I support these families. They deserve justice. It is shameful that they are having to fight so hard to get it," Mune said.