Councillor Celia Butler has lived in Golden Bay since 1978 and credits her career as a health professional for her profile in her community. Plus, she says it’s given her the ability to study an issue and make decisions that will help people. Over her years as a midwife in Golden Bay she noted many young couples say they don't want a baby to arrive during calving but in fact that's what happened to a number. It’s during those circumstances you forge friendships and learn to trust each other.
Recently re-elected as a Golden Bay representative for another term on Tasman District Council she says it’s taken the first three-year term to find her way at the Council table because of the huge amount of new legislation coming down from central Government. Celia says, she is enjoying the job of Councilor, engaging with issues and understanding how she can communicate her communities’ views at Council level.
Having some family background in farming she’s aware of issues facing the farming sector and says, the Golden Bay farming community is mainly forward looking. There’s a lot of collaboration between farmers who share knowledge between each other which keeps the industry moving in the right direction. We are all waiting for the final decision on Te Waikorupupu Springs water conservation order and anticipating what it will look like. We can’t change regulation, but we can add people’s opinions into the mix through the consultation process.
When asked how she can meet the expectations of a diverse community. Celia says her focus is to avoid extreme views and to engage with everyone constructively and as a community.
