New Zealand's Pike River Royal Commission has agreed to look at the new evidence of three former Pike River Coal mine workers, after a request from Peter Whittall's lawyer.
Stacey Shortall, who represents the mine's former chief executive, has asked the commission be reconvened to hear the testimony of former mine technical staff member Udo Renk and middle managers Terry Moynihan and Greg Borichevsky.
Ms Shortall told the Greymouth Star the men's evidence had come to light after the commission closed its public hearings three months ago.
The new evidence is on the secure Royal Commission website and remains confidential.
Ms Shortall wants to be able to cross-examine the men, ensure there is as much evidence before the commission as possible, and make sure its findings were robust, she said.
The commission, in a statement, says the request "highlights natural justice issues" and has agreed to let hearing participants respond to the new evidence.
They have until July 18 to do so and the commission will then decide if it should reopen the hearings.
Mr Whittall is facing 25 health and safety charges, laid by the former Department of Labour following the November 2010 explosions that killed 29 men at the mine.
Ms Shortall also asked that she be able to see the commission's findings before they are released, so she can seek suppression orders on adverse findings ahead of Mr Whittall's court appearances.
But the commission rejected her request. It could only give the report to the governor-general - by September 28 - and no one else.
