Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal Mine Tragedy
Te Komihana a te Karauna mō te Parekura Ana Waro o te Awa o Pike
MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 18 January 2012
PIKE RIVER ROYAL COMMISSION PLANS FOR POLICY WORK
AND FINAL HEARINGS
The Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal Mine Tragedy is seeking input on overseas mining regulation and practice,
whether extra regulation is needed in New Zealand and the profile of an effective mining inspectorate.
The Commission has also called for final written submissions from participants on any or all matters considered during
the inquiry. These are due by 16 March.
A hearing has been scheduled starting on Monday 2 April in Greymouth to hear final submissions and feedback on policy
issues. This is subject to the Commission being granted an extension to its reporting date.
“We are seeking information and views about the policy issues we need to address and on options for change,” says
Justice Graham Panckhurst, Chairperson of the Commission. “To help guide participants we have identified a series of
questions for them to consider.”
The questions relate to mining regulation and recognised practice, the interaction between mining and other legal
requirements (including conservation and the environment) and the resourcing and administration a mining inspectorate.
The list of questions is available in Minute No.10.
“The Commission expects to seek expert advice on the policy issues, and will also hold discussions with parties most
affected by particular policy aspects,” says Justice Panckhurst.
“The final submissions hearing will provide an opportunity for both factual and policy questions to be debated in a
public forum.”
The policy and submission hearings will follow the resumption of hearings on 8 February looking into Phase Three
entitled What happened at Pike River?
ENDS