Hide Rodney: Motions — Pike River Mine West Coast—Tragedy 
Hide Rodney: Motions — Pike River Mine West Coast—Tragedy 
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Hon RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) 
: 
 It is with deep and overwhelming sadness that I rise today on behalf of the ACT Party to join with all members of this House to offer our heartfelt sympathy and our support to the families and to the loved ones of the Pike River coalminers whose lives have been so tragically taken away. Words cannot even begin to express the sorrow we feel at the profound loss of 29 good men who were loved by their community and by their families. We are also well aware that the deep sorrow that we feel now is only a fraction of that being experienced on the West Coast. 
The people of Greymouth possess an immense strength of character. We have seen your courage and your determination time and time again. We have seen you face adversity head on. The days to come will be incredibly difficult both emotionally and physically but we know that you will come through this and your community will become stronger. 
All New Zealanders are united in grief today and will never ever forget the loss of these 29 miners. These men were part of the backbone of New Zealand: family men working men; men who kissed their wives their parents and their children goodbye as they left for work on Friday never once imagining that they would not be coming home. I cannot begin to comprehend how those families must be feeling right now. 
I too wish to thank the entire rescue team and all those who offered assistance advice support and expertise. We know that there is still much work to be done but your efforts will be of invaluable assistance and comfort in this time of need. 
I say thank you to Peter Whittall Chief Executive of Pike River Coal. Thank you for your leadership your courage your honesty and your humanity. I know that all New Zealanders will continue to support you and all your staff in the days and weeks ahead. I know that the job and the decisions you have ahead of you to ensure that Pike River Coal remains on the West Coast and to ensure the employment of miners and staff will be difficult but it is of critical importance. 
As Minister of Local Government let me pay tribute to councillor Milton John Osborne 54 of Ngahere who was one of the 29 in the mine at the time of Friday’s explosion. Milton was serving his second term on the Grey District Council as a representative for the eastern ward where he was elected unopposed. He was also a contractor at the Pike River mine. Grey District Council Chief Executive Paul Pretorius said that Milton was highly respected for his council work. He took a wide interest in council issues. The area he represented was very close to him. Milton had a special concern for the farming issues in Ngahere and he represented the farmers with conviction. Milton always looked at the merits of each case and carefully considered things always coming very well prepared to council meetings. His input was ever thoughtful and he also included the lighter side while always making perfect sense. Milton was a big friendly guy with a great sense of humour. He could come up with a joke at the most appropriate and indeed the most inappropriate times. He lived his life without apology. He was a caring father and a good husband. He and his wife were great friends. He was respected he was valued and he was loved as a member of the council. I would like to quote Paul’s final comment verbatim: “Milton epitomises the West Coast: he was a good bastard.” 
I also wish to acknowledge and thank the Mayor of Greymouth Tony Kokshoorn who has been the face of the community during this difficult and gut-wrenching time. Tony’s courage support and leadership gave strength to the families and friends who live in this close-knit community. I offer you my support and strength. 
As Associate Minister of Education I also recognise the work of the Ministry of Education’s traumatic incident team. The team has worked tirelessly to support staff in schools and early childhood education services in the area so that children can maintain the rhythm of their lives during a time of great uncertainty and sorrow. 
Mining is a way of life on the West Coast and in Greymouth especially. For many families mining is more than just a livelihood; it is a tradition. One could say it is in their blood. It is for this reason that we cannot allow mining to cease on the West Coast; rather we must find out how this happened and we must see what lessons we can learn from it. Although it is difficult today to see beyond the sorrow may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. Rest in peace. God bless their souls.