After standing closer to their loved one's remains than ever before, Pike River families spoke candidly of the emotions their entry into the mine portal today conjured up.
Along with Pike River Re-Entry Minister Andrew Little, a group of relatives of miners who died in the 2010 disaster today travelled 30 meters into the mine entrance.
Sonya Rockhouse, who lost her son in the disaster, was asked about the sensation of putting her hands on the concrete wall that still separates the mine from the outside world.
"It was really weird, because it actually felt like it was moving. It feels quite strange to think they're on the other side of that," she said
Anna Osborne, who lost her husband in the explosion, said that she experienced a physical connection with the site.
"If there was only a door handle to turn, and open I think we would have. We know our men are behind there and they need to come home."
Mr Little said that in the 11 weeks the Pike River Recovery Agency had existed "real progress" on safe re-entry had been made.
Labour and NZ First promised during the election campaign they would find a way to safely re-enter the mine.
The Pike River Re-Entry Minister spoke to relatives before they together entered the portal of the mine for the first time. (Source: Other)
The previous government decided re-entry was too dangerous.
For the families present at today's small entrance, it felt like a definite first step of progress.
"A lot more emotional than I thought it would be, that's for sure," Ms Rockhouse said
"It's sad and exciting at the same time because it's a start we're actually doing it, this is the beginning of the rest of it.
"So hopefully next time they'll be men walking in here and we'll be shedding tears of joy.
The group of relatives of deceased miners were allowed 30 metres into the mine along with the Pike River Re-Entry Minister. (Source: Other)
"It's really sad, I feel a lot more sad than I thought I would but it's exciting at the same time."
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