As the West Coast struggles with the emotional cost of the Pike River tragedy, chairman John Dow has reassured the community there is still a future for the mine and the company.

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.

Check times of church services for the miners, and tell us about services in your area.

It is likely to be several more days before operations will start to stabilise the Pike River mine so that the bodies of 29 men can recovered, police say.

The GAG unit flown for the Pike River coal mine recovery effort is 'no gimmick' and has been used successfully in Queensland mines, the head of an Australian miners' union says.

NZ Oil & Gas has today provided the balance of a $25 million short term funding facility to Pike River Coal.

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.

International experts say they are shocked a mining disaster the magnitude of the Pike River tragedy occurred in a modern mine.

A large jet engine which stabilises gases may be used to quench the fire in the Pike River coal mine so that rescuers can safely recover the bodies of 29 men inside.

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.

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.

Pike River Coal's board is to meet tomorrow to talk about options for the company's future.

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