Mine scare means Government must act now

The Labour Party says it is a great relief that 28 miners trapped by an underground fire this morning have emerged safely from the Waihi Gold Mine.

Labour’s spokesperson for health and safety Darien Fenton says “The incident is a stark reminder that underground mining remains highly dangerous, and the Government should make improving safety regulations a real priority.

“While the Government has made some progress with its High Hazards Unit, New Zealand still has essentially the same mine safety regime as it did before the Pike River Mine tragedy.

"Unlike Pike River, the health and safety systems appear to have worked well at the Waihi Gold Mine, although High Hazards Unit inspectors were not due to arrive at the scene until this afternoon.

“While loss of life and injury has thankfully been avoided today, New Zealand’s underground miners will continue to be put at risk until the Government brings our safety regulations up to international standards.”