The Pike River families have had an opportunity to talk directly to Prime Minister John Key today, during a campaign visit to the West Coast.
The family members were holding a silent protest, to highlight the lack of progress in recovering the bodies of those who died in the mine.
Watch family members and John Key in Greymouth
Twenty-nine men were killed in the Pike River mine explosion in November 2010, and the families still want their remains to be recovered.
In Greymouth today Mr Key was told by the families' spokesperson, Bernie Monk that the families were frustrated at the lack of progress, and he asked Mr Key to put pressure on Solid Energy.
Mr Key said the Government had put up the necessary funds, but now it was up to the directors of Solid Energy to make the call.
The families also expressed their concern about the possibility of Solid Energy, which now owns the mine, being sold.
Relatives of Pike River victims protesting against Mr Key's visit. Photo: RNZ / Patrick Phelps
Pike River families hold silent protest
About a dozen relatives of victims of the Pike River mine tragedy have protested during Mr Key's West Coast tour.
The family members held placards as the protested in Greymouth at the lack of progress in recovering the bodies of the 29 men who died in the mine.
Pike River families and supporters await John Key's arrival in Greymouth. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The protesters said it was to be a silent protest and they would not be trying to impede Mr Key, but wanted him to know they are unhappy at the delays.
They were also concerned that the state-owned enterprise Solid Energy, which now owns the mine, could be sold.
A small group of National Party supporters welcomed the National Party leader as he stepped off the plane in Hokitika this morning.
Mr Key spent the morning talking to residents and business people, and drove to the single-lane road-rail Taramakau Bridge, which the Transport Agency announced earlier this year would be replaced.
Prime Minister John Key and his entourage arrive in Hokitika. Photo: RNZ
