Daniel Herk

Daniel Herk. Photo / Supplied

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Daniel Thomas Herk, 36, was from Runanga but has family in Rotorua.

Rotorua woman Brenda Taylor told the Daily Post earlier this week that every time she thought of her nephew she cried. She just wanted to know if he was okay.

Mrs Taylor first heard of the incident on Friday's 5.30pm television news. She rang Daniel's home and spoke to his partner, who told her she wasn't sure where Daniel was.

"When I rang back at 9pm she knew he was [in the mine]."

Mrs Taylor had contacted her sister, Daniel's mother, who lives in New Plymouth. "She is shattered."

Daniel had two young children.