"What gave armchair critics the right to criticise and worse - accuse the rescuers of deliberately sitting on their hands?"

The face of the country's worst mining disaster since 1914, Pike River CEO Peter Whittall, has fronted in the most trying of circumstances.

"We pray that their moment of fear becomes eternal peace," said Monsignor Gerry O'Connor during an emotional tribute to the Pike River miners in Greymouth.

Families of the dead men due to be bused to the Pike River mine tomorrow will still go, despite a third explosion at the mine this afternoon.

There has been a third explosion at the Pike River mine this afternoon. The blast occurred at 3.39pm and lasted for 23 seconds.

A third robot that has gone 1575m into the Pike River coal mine has detected debris and destruction indicating Wednesday's blast was much more violent than the first one.

A Pike River Relief Fund Trust has been established for the families of the 29 men who died in the Pike River coal mine.

A small West Coast community will now face the task of recovering and rebuilding following a disaster of devastating proportions.

NZ is a nation in mourning as memorial services are held, condolence books arranged, and candles lit throughout the country.

He has to accept he has lost a son. But Marty Palmer won't give up until his son's body is back with the family so they can mourn properly.

The ACC will ensure money is the least of the worries for the families of the Pike River 29, says ACC Minister Nick Smith.

Police Commissioner Howard Broad today praised the work of Superintendent Gary Knowles, the police officer who led the mission to rescue 29 miners.

Bells tolled and flags were lowered to half mast today to pay tribute to the 29 miners lost in the Pike River tragedy.