29 men died in the pike river disaster
Nicholas Davidson QC, the lawyer for the deceased men of the Pike River Coalmine disaster, has reportedly said New Zealand has a third world record for safety in its mines.
According to a report by Stuff
“A report into the Pike River coalmine disaster reveals New Zealand’s “Third World” health and safety record for mining, according to the lawyer for the grieving families.
Nicholas Davidson QC said families were surprised to see how poorly the country compared internationally for mining safety.
He quoted from the report, the country’s 12th royal commission or commission of inquiry into mining disasters, which noted ‘‘lessons from the past, learnt at the cost of lives, have not been retained’’… more here plus video
Bernie Monk, who spoke on behalf of some of the families said he welcomed the government’s plans to bring manslaughter charges. The bodies of the 29 miners still lay entombed within the mine.
@katieabradford nzherald.co.nz/pike-river-min… Helen Kelly got called churlish by the PM for saying the same. Shocking lack of safety, so sad.
— Richard Hills (@richardhills777) November 5, 2012
Also today, Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson resigned her post after the release of the official report into the disaster, thus avoiding any potential embarrassment to the government.
Hon Kate Wilkinson Minister of Labour 5 November 2012 Press release by the NZ government
Media Statement –Minister steps down after Pike River report
“Hon Kate Wilkinson has resigned as Labour Minister, effective today, following today’s release of the report from the Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal Mine tragedy.
“The Pike River Mine tragedy of 19 November 2010 happened on my watch as Minister of Labour,” says Ms Wilkinson.
“While reports from the former Department of Labour did not advise me of concerns about their ability to administer the health and safety legislation, 29 men lost their lives in this tragedy.
“I feel it is the right and honourable thing to do,” Ms Wilkinson says.
The Government’s response to the recommendations will be released shortly.
Hon Chris Finlayson has been appointed by Prime Minister John Key as acting Minister of Labour.
Ms Wilkinson retains her Ministerial warrant and other portfolios.”
New Zealand has come in for third world criticism before, mostly for the regulation of its adventure tourism industry and the prevalence of its third world diseases. The country’s rail and water systems have also had problems that are often referred to as “third world”.
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