DoC workers stunned friend is missing

Mark Kearney's former colleagues are stunned that their friend and workmate is missing on Raoul Island.

A search party left Tauranga by boat early today in the hopes of finding the 32-year-old Wellingtonian, who has not been seen since a volcano erupted on Friday morning.

DOC's Te Anau area manager Reg Kemper said Mark Kearney worked there for a few seasons and was a great team member.

He said the team is close-knit and has close links with the Raoul Island team.

So, he said, everyone is very upset.

Reg Kemper said Mr Kearney was a great team member and could turn his hand to almost anything.

He said he seemed to get a lot out of back-country and biodiversity work, and enjoyed his job.

- NEWSTALK ZB