Protesters, including Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, are sitting in at the mine. Photo: Supplied
Environment Minister Nick Smith. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The mother of one of the men killed in the Pike River mine disaster has had an angry 90-minute meeting with Environment Minister Nick Smith over getting the bodies out.
Sonya Rockhouse says Mr Smith wasn't listening and the meeting with him and the 30 other families was a waste of time.
They insist the mine's drift or entry tunnel is safe to explore for the men's remains and don't want it sealed.
Ms Rockhouse and widow Anna Osborne have been blockading a road to the mine in protest.
"Theoretically, yes. It could be opened up. But in a technical sense it is a permanent seal."
