The families of some of the Pike River miners are rejecting the government's plan to put a camera inside the mine.
Pike River mine has not been entered since the explosion in 2010, and the remains of those killed in the blast and its aftermath are still inside. Photo: RNZ
The remains of 29 miners have been trapped in the mine since it exploded in 2010, and owner Solid Energy maintains it is too dangerous to retrieve them.
Miner Milton Osborne's widow Anna said the government had put forward a plan to have a snake camera look into the mine.
But Ms Osborne said it has denied requests by the families, including for them to have a representative present when the camera goes in.
Anna Osbourne was among those protesting for re-entry to the mine at Parliament in December. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
"It's absolutely frustrating for the families because as I say it's a very reasonable request for transparency," she said.
"The families should have their say and input into this - it's just another stalling tactic, I believe, to have this run out past election day."
Prime Minister Bill English has set New Zealand's next general election for 23 September.