New Zealand Pike River Coal Mine Emergency
New Zealand Ambassador to the United States Rt Hon Mike Moore officially thanked the United States in the weekend for
its support regarding the trapped miners at the Pike River mine. The situation at the mine remains unchanged since the
explosion on Saturday. 29 miners remain trapped.
“New Zealand would like to thank our friends here in the United States for their support at this very difficult time,”
said Ambassador Moore.
“The United States has been particularly quick to come to the fore and assist in what is a very difficult recovery
operation,” he said.
“The New Zealand Police are now in direct talks with the U.S. Homeland Security on assistance that can be provided, and
a mine recovery expert from West Virginia is also talking directly to the Pike River response team.”
Public messages of sympathy and support have been received from United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New
Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully received a similar message from President Barack Obama whilst in Lisbon.
More detailed information concerning the rescue operation can be accessed through the New Zealand Police website www.police.govt.nz.
ENDS