The environment minister's redirected what's expected to be thousands of dollars from Pike River mine plans to a chartered helicopter for TV crews.
Nick Smith met with the Pike River families in Greymouth today about their proposal to extend a nearby national park to incorporate the mine land.
He put on a helicopter flight to fly two TV crews over the site.
Dr Smith's office says the flight will be paid for from a government fund, intended for the mine's decommission - but the final cost isn't yet known.
Nick Smith last year spent more than $6000 in Department of Conservation funds on a helicopter flight for TV crews to film fallen West Coast trees.
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you