The Prime Minster of New Zealand announced that NZ$3.5 million would be contributed by the government to Greymouth events centre as a tribute to miners who died at Pike River.
The $5 million worth Greymouth events centre is to be built as a memorial to victims of mining tragedies in the region. The remaining $1.5 million for the centre will come from West Coast organizations.
Prime Minister John Key said that the West Coast Miners Memorial Events Centre will commemorate those who lost their lives in the Pike River tragedy, and also those who died in the West Coast mining disasters in the past. He added that this was a project that the West Coast community felt would be valuable for supporting the region as it dealt with the aftermath of November's disaster.
Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn said that they were extremely happy with the decision of the government to fund the centre. He said that they have to recognise that the Government's under a huge amount of pressure as they're borrowing a huge amount of money every week, and we've got a real recession biting in at the moment.
Economic development minister David Carter said that the Pike River tragedy had a terrible human cost. In addition to the loss of lives, there was also a significant economic impact as a result of the mine's closure. He hoped that the new events centre would go some way towards helping the local community by creating job opportunities through its construction, including for firms directly affected by the closure of the mine. It will also provide a much-needed community facility.