Archdeacon Tim Mora told the Pike River memorial service that the nation has “a moral responsibility” to the families of the entombed miners “to bring them home.”

He said many of the families of the 29 Pike River miners remain trapped, “unable to move forward in their grief” because they are “unable to complete their duty of care for their loved ones. 

“And because of that I believe we have a moral responsibility to the families to bring them home.

“I know it will not be easy or cheap. But what sets us apart as human, as a community and indeed as a nation is the way in which we care for others.

“And so I would urge the powers that be to be open, honest and transparent about how this might happen, and when a viable, cost effective solution can be put together, and to then act on it with all urgency.”

The full text of Tim’s address follows:

I can't believe it's a year already.

So much has happened, so much is still happening, and more still needs to happen.

But here we are, gathered again to acknowledge the impact of the Pike River Mine explosion upon our nation, our community and upon the families of those killed and hurt underground.

And it is to you the families that I first want to extend a welcome as you gather with us to mark one year.

And publically I want to say again that we do acknowledge your ongoing loss, and we continue to stand with you as a community. Like you, we want resolution to all manner of issues.

Welcome also to our Prime Minister the Right Honourable John Key and the Governor General the Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae representing our nation, Tena korua.

Welcome to our Mayor Tony Kokshoorn, we acknowledge also the presence of Tangata Te Whenua and other honoured guests. Welcome to you all and thank you for standing with us on this day.

First anniversaries are always important. They mark the end of a year of firsts. Our loved ones have not been present for significant birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.

It's hard because each of those occasions is just another reminder of loss. You're brought face to face with the reality that a loved one isn't there, and never will be, ever again.

And so it's important to take time out on a day like today and to acknowledge that the first year has passed.

Most first anniversaries also mark a time of closure.

But that's not the case here, because there is still unfinished business.

The various enquiries and commissions are still about their work, the future of the mine is still uncertain – but most importantly, the men who went underground this day one year ago are still there.

And for many, that means they are unable to move forward in their grief.

They are trapped and waiting agonisingly for the wheels of progress to turn and for uncertainty to end so that they can complete their duty of care for their loved ones.

And because of that I believe we have a moral responsibility to the families to bring them home.

I know it will not be easy or cheap. But what sets us apart as human, as a community and indeed as a nation, is the way in which we care for others.

And so I would urge the powers that be to be open, honest and transparent about how this might happen and when a viable, cost effective solution can be put together, to then act on it with all urgency.

It would be so easy to let anger at what happened and the agonising pace of what's continuing to happen cloud this day.

But let's not do that. For this is day to stand together as a community, to mark again what's happened and to say we will not be beaten down by what befell us, we will continue to stand strong.

And we will choose to use this day to honour the memory of those killed underground, to acknowledge all who have been hurt and affected by this tragedy.

And finally, we will use it to give thanks for the way in which we pulled together as a community and a nation.

So on this day, as memories are revived, and grief returns anew, know that you are not forgotten.

May you be encouraged by the numbers who have gathered here today.

May you know the comfort and support of friends and family.

And may you also know the comfort of a God who longs to stand with you, too.