Emergency services and welfare agencies working to rescue the miners from the Pike River Coal Mine have been overwhelmed with messages of goodwill from New Zealand and around the world.
"We have been inundated with messages of support from throughout the country and other parts of the world including Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and United States," said commander of Operation Pike, Superintendent Gary Knowles.
"We'd like to thank all of those people who've taken the time to send us a message of support. These are all greatly appreciated and continue to sustain us."
"These are very difficult times for everybody, but particularly the families of the miners."
"They are acting in a remarkable way and continue to provide us with the best motivation on this search and rescue operation," he said.
ENDS