The CEO of Solid Energy and some engineers last night told family members of the 29 Pike River miners whose remains are trapped in the mine that there is little hope of recovery. Solid Energy doesn’t own the mine yet but was delegated the tough job of fronting the difficult task. All the families have ever asked for is the truth and if possible a recovery. Time and time again they were given assurances that everything that could be done would be done. AND money wasn’t an issue. Most were suspicious but nothing was presented to families that indicated no hope of recovery but a plan was never developed. The families have hoped and prayed for progress and we offered our support. Why then did Ministers of the Crown who promised so much were unable to front the hard truth when they knew it. The Budget took away the $5M for Pike Recovery so officials and the Prime Minister knew for months. The families deserved to know the truth when it was known not when it was convenient. We pray for and support the families as they now move through another stage of their agonizing grief. Kia kaha

I thought we lived in a free democracy. Since when did a sign become illegal when expressing an opinion or encouraging people to act? Does this ban all signs at marches that may in any way be linked to a movement or political party. The EC needs to pull their heads in. This is not the 1930s in Europe.

John Key visited Greymouth to talk to families in an attempt to explain his appalling announcement that the mine would be sealed. This was made before the programme of drilling and investigation had been completed. It still has not been. While he has now said central government will pay for recovery costs if the receivers can’t how can we be sure?? After promising to support the community and contractors the only help so far is money for lawyers so contractors can be represented at the National governments own royal commission. The support so far for our region from a PM who promised so much has been limp and skimp.

John Key once again tries to convince us that he will give Kiwi mums and dads preferential rights to shares in the sell off of SOEs. Well my mum and dad and everyones mum and dad owns them now !!!! What Key means is that the select number of mums and dads who received the bulk of the tax cuts will get preferential access because they are the only ones who will be able to afford to buy them. This is stealing from the poor to give to the rich. Robin Hood would be ashamed and so should every New Zealander. I know my Mum and Dad are. And theirs would be too.This is not the country my ancestors set about to build.

The announcement of a possible package of support for the Grey District and miners is no more than hope for many of the families affected by the Pike River disaster.At a time when some security is needed so families can plan their new year the absence of clarity will be disturbing for many. John Key was also a little vague on the commitment to pay for the recovery costs at the mine site. Answers to my questions in the house today did not add to the clarity or security for families. I will continue to offer support wherever I can help. This is not the time for reneging on promises made during the emotional and harrowing days while we waited in hope. Now we must deliver our support, including the Government.

The tough Minister of law and Order today announces that a British company will now incarcerate our New Zealand prisoners. These are people who whatever they did, we hope will be safely reintegrated into our communities after they have served their time. it seems abhorrent that the country we and the Australians left for a better life will now deliver on a justice system that treats too many of our indigenous population. The irony seems to have been missed by our media. But I guess we should not be surprised. Many might call it colonization and repatriation of unjust profits. Now where were we prior to the treaty ????