Masterton-based sheep and beef farmer Mike Butterick pulled on a pair of gumboots early in life, growing up on a Canterbury farm, one of a family of seven. He developed a passion for agriculture early on. Thirty years ago he headed north to shepherd, settling in the Wairarapa, working towards farm ownership.

Family connection is important to him. He feels privileged to have been married to wife Rachel for twenty-nine years, they have four children, aged 20-26 years. He is incredibly proud of each of them, proud they have strong values, resourcefulness and the ability to work hard.

He believes he is very fortunate to have lived his dream. As the elected MP for Wairarapa he is delighted to have the opportunity to give back to the community that he has spent his adult life in. He believes his farming career has taught him many skills he can draw on in Parliament: fiscal discipline, the ability to plan strategically, to weigh up opportunities and to monitor progress.

Mike will apply his practical, logical, no-nonsense approach to his advocacy work in the electorate as well as in his work as a member of the Primary Production Select Committee. He will remain a passionate advocate for provincial New Zealand.

Watch Mike’s Parliamentary Maiden Speech 31 January 2024