Fern frond of remembrance

Today the nation came to a silent standstill for 2 minutes at 2.00pm to remember the 29 miners who lost their lives in the Pike River mining tragedy just 13 days ago.

It has been a tragedy that has impacted on virtually everyone in the Greymouth community, a huge portion of the South Island and many, many other people up and down the country.

A significant symbol used at the Greymouth rememberance service were 50 000 fern fronds freshly cut from the bush around Greymouth. Different people see the fronds as significant for a variety of reasons as the Reverend who conducted todays service said:

"Symbols, in the end, are what you make of them. For me, I picture the miners on their last drive up to the Pike mine, travelling through the West Coast bush surrounded by ferns. For you, let the fern be whatever is most helpful."

Rest in peace, brave men.