Crossing the Brunner Bridge to the historic mine site.

Brunner Mine historic area

Located in Greymouth area in the West Coast region

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Introduction

In 1896, 65 mine workers were killed here in one single explosion because safety wasn’t a priority.

Today, everyone expects to come home safe from work. When the Brunner Mine exploded in 1896 families abruptly lost their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons. This led to new hardships caused by a loss of income, with grieving families struggling to pay for food, clothes, rent or mortgage.  

The disaster and the plight of the families caught the attention of the whole nation. It ultimately led to improved workplace safety legislation and practices.  

Brunner Mine remains New Zealand’s worst work place accident site. Despite the improvements achieved, workplace safety remains a vital issue.   

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