Latest fromWest Coast
<i>Kerre Woodham</i>: Public's rescue ideas absurd
"What gave armchair critics the right to criticise and worse - accuse the rescuers of deliberately sitting on their hands?"
Pike River: Questions part of the grieving process
Broadcaster Maggie Barry, whose cousin Michael Monk was lost at the Pike River mine, understands when people asked counsellors "funny" questions.
Pike River: Heartbreak in a beautiful setting
Up to 500 relatives and friends of the Pike River miners travelled to the mine today, which one mother described as "very healing".
Pike River: 'Can we do it differently?'
Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn wants the mining industry to learn from past mistakes and has called for a royal inquiry.
Bells toll for Pike River 29
"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.
Pike River: Third blast rocks Pike mine
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.
Pike mine: 'We had time to run like hell'
A Westport man has told how he and three others ran for their lives when the Pike River Coal mine exploded at 2.37pm on Wednesday.
Pike River: Third blast at mine - police
There has been a third explosion at the Pike River mine this afternoon. The blast occurred at 3.39pm and lasted for 23 seconds.
Pike River: Third robot reveals violent blast
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.
Several days before recovery operation can start - Knowles
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.
Pike River: How you can help
A Pike River Relief Fund Trust has been established for the families of the 29 men who died in the Pike River coal mine.
Pike River: A particularly terrible grief
A small West Coast community will now face the task of recovering and rebuilding following a disaster of devastating proportions.
Pike River: World rescue experts shocked at scale of tragedy
International experts say they are shocked a mining disaster the magnitude of the Pike River tragedy occurred in a modern mine.
Experts on potential techniques to stabilise Pike River
Liquid nitrogen could be used to stabilise the situation in the Pike River mine, experts told the Science Media Centre.
Pike River: Grieving father's plea
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.
Pike River: ACC working to ease money fears
The ACC will ensure money is the least of the worries for the families of the Pike River 29, says ACC Minister Nick Smith.
Latest updates: Pike River mine tragedy
Check here for developments in the wake of the Pike River mine disaster today.
Pike River mine disaster: Bodies will be recovered
Rescue authorities are vowing to recover the bodies of the 29 miners - but admit they don't know when it will happen.
Focus 'solidarity' after Pike River tragedy
'People find just that extra little bit, they take a deep breath, they will raise the bar…,' Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn says.
Public face of mine rescue bid remains a rock until end
The Pike River CEO had to give the worst news possible to families who had looked to him for hope.
Pike River mine: 'West Coast's darkest hour'
The abrupt certainty of a second blast at Pike River shattered hundreds of loving hearts.
Packed service lights candles for Pike River miners
Before the service began, 29 candles flickered on a table near the altar surrounded by many unlit candles waiting to be lit by mourners.
Fleeting period to attempt Pike mine rescue: expert
The first four hours after Friday's Pike River mine blast was the only time rescuers could have entered the mine, a safety expert says.