Speaking at the memorial service at Omoto racecourse in Greymouth for the 29 men who lost their lives, Mr Kokshoorn said miners had a special bond.
"They live it every day. Workers from Scotland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand who rely on each other deep below the Paparoa National Park where our rainforests now weep,'' he said.
"Once more on this rugged coast, fate has had the final say. We all waited for the good news but it never came our way.
"We have so many memories of our loved ones. We must hold on to them close to our heart. We want the sons and daughters to know that the tears we wept for our men in the Pike River mine will flow for many years to come.''
Mr Kokshoorn praised the strength of the families, who banded together to support each other soon after the first explosion.
"Tears, optimism, anxiety, helplessness, anger and grief were shared by 25 brave families at the daily vigil. Hope faded as your loved ones came to journey's end,'' he said.
"You have a way to go on this long and winding road, but I promise as you walk, we will match you stride for stride. Your West Coast family is standing by your side.
Tragedy was no stranger to the West Coast, where hundreds of miners had already lost their lives, he said.
The rescue of Chilean miners earlier this year inspired the community, "but we were not as fortunate. I suppose in some ways we just drew the short straw''.
Mr Kokshoorn noted that 65 men lost their lives in the 1896 Brunner mine disaster, nine died at Dobson in 1926, and 19 died at the Strongman mine in 1967.
"Also over the years we have lost another 250 men,'' he said. ``That's a big toll, but we have to pull ourselves through it and work together.''
Mr Kokshoorn paid tribute to Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Prime Minister John Key for their support,
He saved a particular tribute to Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, whose offers of help were hugely appreciated.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you. You were on standby, you sent your search and rescue workers when we needed it, you sent the machinery, you did everything possible to help us. That was just fantastic.''
