Jacinda Ardern has talked about the new government's commitment to re-enter Pike River Mine, while addressing the Council of Trade Unions' biennial conference in Wellington today.
The Prime Minister-elect announced Andrew Little would be the Minister in charge of the Pike River re-entry effort this morning.
In her speech this afternoon she said Mr Little would be working closely with Deputy PM Winston Peters on the re-entry.
"Justice for Pike is not all about those 29 men and their families, it is about all working people and the right to return home safely to your loved ones at the end of the day," Ms Ardern said.
Ms Ardern says the re-entry is the first policy to be ticked off Labour's first 100 days in office plan.
The families of the Pike River mine victims have previously said they are delighted with the formation of a government which supports manned re-entry.
The NZ First leader met with families yesterday, and said re-entry remains a bottom line for forming a government. (Source: Other)
"We've got a voice now and manned re-entry is going to happen," spokesman Bernie Monk said last week. "I'm ecstatic, to be honest. I've even had calls from (relatives) overseas who think it's great news."
Labour, NZ First and the Greens, the parties that make up the new government, support manned re-entry into the mine.
The previous government considered it too risky and planned for unmanned exploration using robots.
SHARE ME