The Pike River families protesting against the sealing of the mine say their protest is gaining momentum and political support.
Friends and families of the Pike River miners, including Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, pictured here, protested the closure of the mine in November. Photo: Supplied
Some of the families of the 29 men who died in 2010 want the mine's entry tunnel searched for bodies and evidence before Solid Energy permanently seals it.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters visited the picket line on the road to the mine at the weekend and backed the families' calls.
Spokesperson Bernie Monk said Labour leader Andrew Little and some Green Party members would be visiting on Wednesday in a show of support.
"It seems like we've been beating our head against a brick wall up until now. We've done everything in our power to be heard. I think people are just starting to understand where we're coming from now," he said.
Mr Monk said the families were continuing to put pressure on the government, which owns Solid Energy, to allow re-entry.
