Pike River

A catastrophic gas explosion shocked the Pike River coal mine on 19 November 2010, claiming the lives of 29 men who were trapped inside. Unknown to those involved, a perfect storm of systemic failures had been brewing right from the outset of the mine's planning and construction. This docudrama recounts the disaster through dramatic reenactments blended with interviews from the families, policymakers and safety and mining experts involved in the tragedy. Pike River takes an unflinching look at the human cost of profit-driven decisions and the tragedy's impact on those left behind.

Pike River will eventually go into production without adequate ventilation, no viable secondary egress, and no means of escape other than the single two point three kilometre stone drive, despite the fact that single egress mines have long been banned in most countries in the world.

– The narrator on the safety failings of the Pike River mine

Key Cast & Crew

Adam Gardiner

As: Gordon Ward

Roy Billing

As: Peter Whittall

Sofia Wenborn

Director - Documentary

Dave Cameron

Cinematographer

Rupert Mackenzie

Director

Philly de Lacey

Producer, Executive Producer