The heartbroken sister of a Scot killed in a mine explosion in New Zealand did not attend the memorial held in honour of the 29 workers who lost their lives.

Pete Rodger, 40, from Perth, died when a series of underground explosions ripped through the Pike River coal mine in 2010.

Mr Rodger's sister Lorraine Lowe said the pain of her loss is still raw.

Independent experts have suggested it could still be possible to enter the collapsed mine to bring out the bodies of the men who were trapped by the blasts.

Mrs Lowe said it had given her family renewed hope his body could be retrieved and repatriated – but she remains wary of government promises.

She said: "As far as the possible recovery of the men goes, all I know is it is technically feasible, certainly dangerous, but the dangers are not insurmountable.

"It will require a lot of money though, so I guess it remains in the hands of [Prime Minister] John Key as to whether he and his 'experts' feel the plan is credible and safe."

A report into the tragedy uncovered a catalogue of failures by the mine owner.

Also among the victims was Malcolm Campbell, 25, from St Andrews, Fife.

The parents of Mr Campbell have also called for "definitive action" to recover their son's body.

Jane and Malcolm Campbell, who attended the service, said they too had been given renewed hope his body could be brought out.