Has John Key handled the decision to seal Pike River poorly?

[shrub]

It seems to me from a quick obervation that he could well lose all the goodwill he earned when it all happened. I agree that the time has to come when a decision is made to give up trying to recover the bodies, and from what I understand from talking to someone who knows about these things all that is likely to be found will be fragments of bone, but I think the decision was made poorly.

It seems from what I have read on the net that the families received little warning and were not consulted with adequately. They are being quoted as saying that they weren't ready to give up looking and they are planning to contract an expert to provide a report when 3 of these have already been prepared. If they are willing to spend that kind of money it would suggest that they weren't aware of the other reports given they were apparently unequivocal.

So they're up in arms, and this could cost Key big time. Be interesting to see what his spin doctors do.

[JimO]

they should have sealed the mine weeks ago, there will be nothing left of the miners to recover. whats key supposed to do?? he isnt running the operation

[Mully]

I'd be surprised if JK made that decision himself.

I seem to recall hearing that they stopped trying cos it was dangerous.

[Vampirella]

It seems to me from a quick obervation that he could well lose all the goodwill he earned when it all happened. I agree that the time has to come when a decision is made to give up trying to recover the bodies, and from what I understand from talking to someone who knows about these things all that is likely to be found will be fragments of bone, but I think the decision was made poorly.

It seems from what I have read on the net that the families received little warning and were not consulted with adequately. They are being quoted as saying that they weren't ready to give up looking and they are planning to contract an expert to provide a report when 3 of these have already been prepared. If they are willing to spend that kind of money it would suggest that they weren't aware of the other reports given they were apparently unequivocal.

So they're up in arms, and this could cost Key big time. Be interesting to see what his spin doctors do.

THis is just like saying "Calling all armchair warriors" or "Calling all Monday morning quarter backs" just fookin leave it to the experts.

[Mully]

THis is just like saying "Calling all armchair warriors" or "Calling all Monday morning quarter backs" just fookin leave it to the experts.

*Snort*

You're new to KB, so you might not have realised. This is the home od the world's experts......

Bling duly blung.

[sil3nt]

I don't understand why they kept trying to get in there for so long. Surely there is nothing to recover. Risking more lives always seemed a little pointless.

[FJRider]

*Snort*

You're new to KB, so you might not have realised. This is the home od the world's experts......

Bling duly blung.

CLOSE ... we know more than God .... experts are just noob's ...

[imdying]

THis is just like saying "Calling all armchair warriors" or "Calling all Monday morning quarter backs" just fookin leave it to the experts.

Ah huh, and your post is like saying "Calling all flamers to tell me what a silly bitch I am".

[shrub]

I'd be surprised if JK made that decision himself.

I seem to recall hearing that they stopped trying cos it was dangerous.

It was really the only logical thing to do, but the validity of the decision is not in question, rather how Key's publicity people handled it.

He had little to do with the decision, but because of his involvement at the begiining and the masterful way he worked the crowds and came down to the level of the community he is therefore linked to the decision. Despite him having little or nothing to do with it, he was linked so needed to manage how the decision was made and fed to the families.

He held a press conference where he announced the decision, which was entirely appropriate and now he is being accused of breaking promises and there is a potential "he says - she says" scenario with grieving familes, and that's a battle he will not win.

It would have been wiser to involve the familes in the decision making process, make them privy to the reports of the experts and managed them to the point where they felt included and able to accept the decision.

[FJRider]

I don't understand why they kept trying to get in there for so long. Surely there is nothing to recover. Risking more lives always seemed a little pointless.

because an attempt must be SEEN to be tried ... reality however ... is usually (as usual) seen later ...

[Deano]

I'd be surprised if JK made that decision himself.

I seem to recall hearing that they stopped trying cos it was dangerous.

+1.

He was quoted as saying it will be sealed, but then seemed to quickly say that it was the receiver's call.

I think he spoke a bit soon on his personal thoughts of the overall outcome, when in reality, it's not his decision.

As far as body recovery goes, I understand that crematoriums operate at 6-700 degrees C, the mine explosions and fires resulted in 1000 degrees. There's nothing left sorry.

The media keep referring to recovery of bodies. Are they trying to inflame the situation or are being PC for the families.

[Mully]

It was really the only logical thing to do, but the validity of the decision is not in question, rather how Key's publicity people handled it.

He had little to do with the decision, but because of his involvement at the begiining and the masterful way he worked the crowds and came down to the level of the community he is therefore linked to the decision. Despite him having little or nothing to do with it, he was linked so needed to manage how the decision was made and fed to the families.

He held a press conference where he announced the decision, which was entirely appropriate and now he is being accused of breaking promises and there is a potential "he says - she says" scenario with grieving familes, and that's a battle he will not win.

It would have been wiser to involve the familes in the decision making process, make them privy to the reports of the experts and managed them to the point where they felt included and able to accept the decision.

Meh - the people that will hold this against him are the type of people who go looking for things to damn him for anyway.

[riffer]

Let's face it. No-one's ever going to give the Tories an easy time on the West Coast.

[PrincessBandit]

It would always be a highly emotionally charged call. My first thought was "well, where do you draw the line; it has to come some time". Then I imagined what it would be like if my own son or husband's remains were trapped up in a mountain and realised just how hard it would be.

It will continue to be a heart breaking course, regardless of how and when any decision is made and by whom.

[Genie]

Didn't see his announcement, did he laugh or something?
I can't imagine many being able to handle that situation very well.
Politics and death...do they go hand-in-hand?
Glad I'm no-one of great importance, dont' think I'd handle that too flash myself.

I don't really think they had much choice, mother nature and her gases seem to be holding all the cards in this round, and in many other 'rounds' around the world!

Best we make the most of the moments we have, you have no idea how long you have left and getting all antsy over this, waste of time.