Minute's silence to be marked in Lakes District

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Queenstown Lakes District are inviting their communities to join them tomorrow (Friday) at noon in a minute’s silence to mark the Pike River Mine tragedy.  

“The people of the West Coast are our near neighbours and our community is feeling deeply for their loss. This simple gesture is a chance for the people of the Lakes District to pay their respects. It’s important we make that opportunity available,” Mayor van Uden said.   

The Wakatipu community was asked to join Mayor van Uden in a simple ceremony to pay respects to the miners, their families and the people of the West Coast at the Village Green Queenstown and Deputy Mayor Lyal Cocks will lead proceedings for the Wanaka Community at the Dinosaur Park Reserve at the Wanaka lakefront.  

“It will be a simple opportunity for our community to express the sorrow being felt by the entire nation,” she said. 

People were asked to bring a candle to light before observing the minute’s silence. The brief ceremonies would take place regardless of the weather. 

“Rain or shine we will mark this tragedy together,” Mayor van Uden said.