On the eve of a preliminary hearing into the Pike River disaster, Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn has warned the collapsed mine's receivers to get in and get the dead miners' remains, or stand aside so someone else can.

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Pike River disaster will need more than 15 weeks to examine key issues, a families' spokesman says.

Prince William has met families of the victims of the Pike River Coal mine disaster in Greymouth tonight.

As the West Coast prepares for the visit of Prince William today, Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn reflects on the four tough months since the Pike River tragedy.

A number of parties have already shown interest in buying the Pike River Coal mine, even though it's not yet officially for sale, says Receiver John Fisk.

The families of the 29 men killed in the Pike River mine disaster will each receive a minimum of $190,000 from the Pike River Disaster Relief Trust.

The Christchurch earthquake has delayed the preliminary hearing of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into last year's Pike River Coal mine disaster, which claimed the lives of 29 men.

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Pike River Coal mine tragedy will hold a preliminary hearing in early March.

The star of hit show Man Vs Wild is coming to New Zealand next month for two shows to raise money for the families of Pike River and the Wellington Children's Hospital.

There's a "strong possibility" Pike River Coal mine contractors will never receive money owed to them, a receiver says.

Police made the "wrong call" to raise hopes for a rescue after the first Pike River Coal mine explosion, Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn says.