A Grey District Council member killed in the Pike River mine disaster has been described as a man worth his weight in gold.
Milton Osborne, 54, died with 28 of his workmates.
The council went ahead with a planned meeting on Thursday afternoon - paying special tribute to Mr Osborne.
His colleagues stood for a minute's silence and a single yellow rose was put at his seat.
Mayor Tony Kokshoorn described the former fire fighter as a 'likeable rogue with a stubborn streak'.
