As a second term Councillor, Fliss Butcher has over twenty-five years experience in the building industry as the Practice Manager for the family's award winning Architectural practice. This work includes accounting, marketing, being an employer and she brings this experience, along with her passion for a high quality built environment, to Council.

Referring to herself as an environmentalist and a social scientist, Fliss has a double degree, BA/BCom, and recently gained a Master of Entrepreneurship at the University of Otago in order to up-skill and maintain academic and business knowledge. "The special nature of Dunedin's town/gown relationship is something that needs to be nurtured and celebrated. I really enjoy being able to apply my knowledge and experience to ensure this relationship stays in good heart".

Early in her teens Fliss's political buttons were pushed in regard to issues to do with Peace Action, Save the Whales, Greenpeace, Women's Rights, the Pure Water Society and many others. Since those formative years she has continued to work as a community activist, specifically in regard to social justice and environmental issues. With her children off her hands she plucked up the courage and stood for the South Dunedin electorate in 2003. Although unsuccessful the experience boosted her confidence and commitment to "take it personally", vowing to ensure that local issues don't get swamped by Central Government policy. In 2004 she stood and was elected to the DCC, successfully being re-elected in 2007.

Not afraid to ask the hard questions at Council Fliss continues to work in the family business, advocate for social and environmental justice and babysit her grandchildren. She enjoys the variety of work she undertakes as a Dunedin City Councillor saying it's never dull and is asking you to vote for her so she can continue to serve the community.

Top 5 Issues

1. No privitisation of DCC owned Water assets
2. Establishing a Renewable Energy Fund where Dunedin people can borrow $ to buy and install Solar Hot Water systems (to reduce their energy consumption and energy costs) and pay back those $ through their rates.
3. Council decision making is based on the concept of a balanced triple bottom line where environmental, social and financial considerations are given equal weighting.
4. Committed to looking after and celebrating the natural and built heritage of the city by gaining World Heritage Status.
5. Sustaining a wealthy, healthy, tidy, friendly Dunedin through the creation of new clean tech/ green tech jobs.

Personal Profile

BA, BCom, MEnt.  52, Married to award winning Architect Ian Butcher.  Assorted children and 7 beautiful, noisey, inquiring, clever, boisterous, grandchildren.