A number of different funds have been set up to help those who have lost loved ones in the Pike River mining tragedy.

Pike River Coal has led the way with the donation of half a million dollars to start a fund for the families of the 29 killed at that West Coast mine.

That contribution would be matched by major shareholder New Zealand Oil and Gas and other companies that work with Pike River have already pledged to support the fund.

Donations to the fund can be made by direct credit to: Minter Ellison Rudd Watts Trust Account – for Pike River Miner’s Relief Fund, National Bank of New Zealand, Featherston Street, Wellington, New Zealand. The account number is 06 0501 0121759 02.

Members of the public wishing to donate can also do so through an account that has been set up at ANZ bank.

To kick start the fund ANZ has donated $100,000 and anybody wishing to make a donation can go into any ANZ or National Bank branch to do so, using account number 01 1841 0052483 00.

A third fund has been set up at ASB. The account - Pike River Support Fund – has the number 12 3205 0146728 00.

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn has also said he would be establishing a mayoral fund and donations can be sent to Grey District Council, with the Bank of New Zealand already announcing it will contribute.

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union had also set up a fund to assist the families of the dead miners.

People can also donate to the fund through the Givealittle website at http://www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/pikeriver.