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.

Liquid nitrogen could be used to stabilise the situation in the Pike River mine, experts told the Science Media Centre.

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

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.

While refusing to focus on the Pike River mine's future today, CEO Peter Whittall did reveal it's future worth.

Check here for developments in the wake of the Pike River mine disaster today.

Pike River CEO Peter Whittall expressed his regret today at how he initially delivered his news to the families of the 29 miners lost in the disaster.

The family of Queenslander Willy Joynson want answers about why dangerous levels of gas were not detected before last Friday's blast.

Levels of dangerous gases at the Pike River mine are still high and rescuers are unable to enter to recover the bodies of 29 trapped men, police said this afternoon.

A mining expert explains how to 'gag' a mine to make it safe for bodies to be recovered and gives his view on the second blast.

The families of some of the men trapped in the Pike River mine expressed sorrow rather than anger at a meeting today, John Key says.

World leaders are sending support and sympathy to the families of the men who died at the Pike River coal mine.

Rescue authorities are vowing to recover the bodies of the 29 miners - but admit they don't know when it will happen.

A man has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a woman hit by a car while picnicking with a friend on the roadside north of Wellington last month.

'People find just that extra little bit, they take a deep breath, they will raise the bar…,' Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn says.