The conservation worker killed during a volcanic eruption on Raoul Island was farewelled by friends and family at his favourite spot on the island yesterday.
Mark Kearney, aged 33, from Wellington, died in March after a crater lake was believed to have erupted while he was checking the water temperature.
His body was never found.
His five co-workers were joined by his sister Merryn McDermott and Conservation Minister Chris Carter for a memorial service on the island, 1000km northeast of New Zealand, yesterday.
A plaque dedicated to Mr Kearney was unveiled.
Ms McDermott spoke of her brother's passion for his work and how his death had made all of the family take stock of what was most important.
"He was wiser than we all realised. My parents always begged him to get a nine-to-five job and get some security. But that was not what he wanted."
- NZPA
