Police are nearing the final stages of the criminal investigation into the first explosion at Pike River Mine in November 2010.
Police have been working on the nationally significant and legally complex investigation alongside the Crown Solicitor Wellington for over 18 months.
“We acknowledge this year will be 16 years since the disaster,” said Detective Superintendent Darryl Sweeney.
“Before any decisions can be made, we will be conducting a further investigation phase.
“To protect the integrity of the investigation, we will not be providing specifics.
“However, I can say any further update is likely to be several months away.
“We appreciate questions over the time this investigation has taken, but Police are committed to exploring all possible lines of enquiry out of respect for the 29 miners and their families,” Det Supt Sweeney says.
