Melanie Lynskey (Anna Osborne) and Robyn Malcolm (Sonya Rockhouse) in the 2025 film Pike River. Photo: Supplied / Matt Grace
On the afternoon of 19 November 2010, an explosion ripped through the remote Pike River mine on the West Coast, where 29 men were working. Five days later - there was a second blast and confirmation all 29 men were killed, devastating the close knit community. The disaster was one of the country's worst industrial disasters.
A subsequent royal commission of inquiry found a litany of failings within the mine compounded by the failure of government regulatory authorities to effectively inspect the mine and act to remedy the problems. Anna Osborne, whose husband Milton died and Sonya Rockhouse whose son Ben died, became the voices for many of the families, fighting for accountability. Now, 15 years on, a film about the disaster- focussing on the two women - is to have its red carpet premiere at Greymouth's Regent Theatre.
Directed by Rob Sarkies and starring Melanie Lynsky as Anna Osborne and Robyn Malcolm as Sonya Rockhouse. Kathryn speaks with Rob Sarkies about why he feels now is the time for this film.
