Pike River anniversary and justice calls

The story so far

Explosions at the Pike River mine in 2010 killed 29 men, and their families have been fighting for justice ever since.^{22 Oct 2025} A feature film about that struggle premiered at the Regent Theatre in Greymouth in October 2025.^{13, 22 Oct 2025} Families are still waiting to learn whether police will lay criminal charges, and they held a roll call to remember those who died.^{19 Nov 2025} After a meeting with Workplace Safety Minister Brooke van Velden at Parliament, the families described it as a complete waste of time.^{19 Nov 2025}

Latest

Lawyer Nigel Hampton KC says police believe they have enough evidence to lay manslaughter charges, linking specific acts of gross negligence to the explosion.^{21 Nov 2025}

Key moments

1. 13 Oct 2025Pike River film premieres in Greymouth, described as emotional for the local community.
2. 14 Nov 2025Experts say New Zealand's workplace safety record remains poor compared with other nations.
3. 19 Nov 2025Unions urge government to introduce corporate manslaughter laws on the anniversary.
4. 19 Nov 2025Families still await a police decision on criminal charges; roll call held.
5. 19 Nov 2025Families call meeting with Workplace Safety Minister a complete waste of time.
6. 21 Nov 2025Lawyer says police believe they have enough evidence for manslaughter charges.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.