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Regional Development Minister Shane Jones officially opened six new cabins in Reefton Domain campground, built to accommodate an influx of workers at Edura Mining’s Snowy River gold mine.
At the Broadway tearooms after the function, he was ambushed by a colourful life-size statue of himself — complete with Freddy the Frog perched on its shoulder — commissioned by Reefton businessman John Bougen.
Mr Jones said he was "deeply honoured’’.
"I see it’s got a generous mouth on it — I was born with my gob open."
Mr Jones said he was impressed with the speed of the town’s response to the need for housing and the collaboration between council and local businesses