ASB and Greymouth Evening Star donate $100,000 for special Pike River Memorial

ASB Bank and The Greymouth Evening Star Company Ltd are together establishing a new fund to receive donations for a permanent memorial to the Pike River miners and contractors.  

Seed funding of $100,000 has been provided by the two companies, with ASB donating $75,000 into the fund and The Greymouth Evening Star contributing $25,000.

These funds will assist with the establishment and maintenance of a local memorial in conjunction with the Grey District Council.

ASB Regional Manager Kevin Manera says there has been extensive discussion in the local community about commemorating the lives of the 29 men lost in the Pike River Mine tragedy.

“This disaster, with its heavy loss of life, has touched the hearts of New Zealanders across the country and has had an enormous impact on the communities of the West Coast,” he says. “It’s important that the local community now has the opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a suitable public memorial to recognise this tragic event.” 

John Goulding, General Manager of The Greymouth Evening Star, understands many of the families, as well as the wider community, have expressed the desire to remember these brave men for generations to come. 

“An appropriate memorial will be designed so that the community can remember their fathers, brothers, sons, work colleagues and friends lost in the disaster.  The funds we are donating today will be used to ensure that a fitting monument is built and maintained in memory of the Pike River Miners and contractors, and the tragedy that occurred on 19 November.”

A committee has been formed consisting of Chairman, Tony Kokshoorn, the ASB Greymouth Branch Manager, Donna May and John Goulding, General Manager of The Greymouth Evening Star Co Ltd to oversee the raising of funds and building of the monument.

Contributions to the dedicated Pike River Memorial Fund can be made at any branch of ASB Bank or online to account number 12-3168-0055850-00.