The Government's decision to re-enter the Pike River mine to gather more evidence about the 2010 disaster has been welcomed by families of the victims.
Anna Osborne, widow of Pike River miner Milton Osborne who died in the November 2010 West Coast explosion, said it's "a fantastic day for the Pike River families".
"This has been eight years in the making, and we fought really hard to get to where we are today. We have the coalition Government to thank for that, as well as the very competent staff that the Pike River Recovery Agency have employed."
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The Pike River Recovery Agency was established within 100 days of the Government coming into power to manage the Pike River recovery project. Its first task was to provide Mr Little with advice on whether re-entry would be possible.
"This is a huge step towards truth and justice for us, but it couldn't have come without the enormous support of New Zealanders," Ms Osborne added. "We're incredibly thankful for that. It's restored my hope."
Bernie Monk, whose son Michael died in the mine disaster which claimed 29 lives, agrees. He said it's a "moment for all Kiwis to be proud of", and praised the Government for sticking to its promise.
"But this isn't just a moment for families to celebrate; it's a moment that should give hope to other people who are seeking justice," he said.
Another victim family member, Sonya Rockhouse, has expressed relief over the re-entry decision. She lost her son Ben in the explosion and her son Daniel was one of only two survivors. She says safety is the most important factor in the re-entry decision.
"Right from the start we have said we want this to be done safely, now experts from around the world have made it clear that it can be done and it will be done," she said.
"It's amazing to think that only two years ago Anna [Osborne] and I were setting up camp on the Pike River road to stop the last government from sealing the mine forever. Now we're going into the drift and doing right by our boys. It's been a hell of a journey."
New Zealand trade union E tū also welcomed the re-entry plan, with senior industrial officer Paul Tolich calling it a "major victory for families". But he said it's important that those re-entering the mine "return home to their families at the end of the working day".
Minister Responsible for Pike River Re-entry Andrew Little confirmed the re-entry plan on Wednesday, and emphasised safety as of key importance.
He said he's been considering the re-entry recommendations, risk assessments and information provided by the Pike River Recovery Agency, along with input from independent advisor, Rob Fyfe.
"The re-entry method I have approved is the simplest and safest plan," he said, referring to the "single entry" method chosen by the Government over two other proposed options. "The process we've gone through to plan a safe, re-entry has been extensive and robust."
State-owned Solid Energy, which purchased Pike River Coal in 2012 after the disaster, said in 2014 it wouldn't be re-entering the mine site because recovery workers would face potentially fatal risks in the search for the bodies of 29 men who died.
The previous National Government controversially wanted to seal the mine shut, prompting protests. Former Environment Minister Nick Smith met families in 2016 and told them a safe re-entry was not possible.
But Mr Little says none of the reports he received about re-entry plans said it couldn't be achieved. He said the first major task to re-entry - the breaching of the 30m seal - will likely commence in February next year.
The total cost of re-entry will be $36 million.
Newshub.
