Latest from West Coast

Pike River mine: 'West Coast's darkest hour'

The abrupt certainty of a second blast at Pike River shattered hundreds of loving hearts.

Fleeting period to attempt Pike mine rescue: expert

The first four hours after Friday's Pike River mine blast was the only time rescuers could have entered the mine, a safety expert says.

School helps pupils in 'tough time'

<i>Cartoon</i>: The price of coal

Raft of investigations into Pike River mine tragedy

Pike River: 'We want our boys back' - Whittall

It was Pike River CEO Peter Whittall who broke the news to the miners' families this afternoon, that their worst fears had been realised.

Pike River: Families in 'absolute despair'

Families of the 29 Pike River mine victims who perished in today's second blast fell to the floor screaming and were in "absolute despair", when they were told the news.

John Key: 'We are a nation in mourning'

Keith Valli