Nelson Mail

Fyfe to advise on Pike re-entry

- ELLEN READ

Former Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe has been appointed as an independen­t adviser to the Government on plans for the re-entry of the Pike River Mine.

Andrew Little, Minister Responsibl­e for the Pike River Reentry, said yesterday the new role would provide him with crucial independen­t advice so he could be sure of the quality and thoroughne­ss of the informatio­n he received from the Pike River Recovery Agency.

‘‘Appointing an independen­t adviser will ensure I have access to a third-party perspectiv­e and independen­t assurance about the adequacy of the agency’s processes.’’

Fyfe is also chairman of merino clothing company Icebreaker.

Little praised Fyfe’s handling and empathy, in his Air New Zealand role, in the aftermath of the 2008 Airbus A320 crash in Perpignan, France.

Air New Zealand also sent 30 airline staff to help the Pike River families after the 2010 disaster.

News of Fyfe’s new role was welcomed by the Pike River families who were consulted on the appointmen­t.

‘‘I’m very keen to have him on board. He brings incredible awareness of dealing with safetysens­itive situations,’’ Little said.

‘‘His engineerin­g background, plus our personal relationsh­ip, means I think he’s a trusted adviser to me.’’

Fyfe will have access to all the informatio­n the minister received and help him make calls on risk and safety. ‘‘I’ve been very clear that we’re committed to manned re-entry of the drift and I want to make sure everything we do is safe,’’ Little said.

Fyfe will take up the role on January 31, when the agency is formally establishe­d.

The Government has said reentry, and recovery of any remains of the 29 miners killed, would be completed by March 2019.

 ??  ?? Rob Fyfe will help advise the Government on re-entering Pike River mine.
Rob Fyfe will help advise the Government on re-entering Pike River mine.

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