Blind councillor praised as role model

New Plymouth district councillor Lance Girling-Butcher was this week recognised for his services to both the district and the blind community.

Mr Girling-Butcher, who is the first blind person to be elected on to a council in New Zealand, was a former editor of the Taranaki Daily News, but his vision loss forced him into early retirement.

A Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind member, he is the winner of the foundation chairman's award for 2009.

Foundation chairman Don McKenzie says Mr Girling-Butcher is a role model using his many talents for the benefit of the local community.

"He has contributed to a number of policy and environmental design changes, resulting in better opportunities and accessibility for blind people. The New Plymouth community is all the richer for his input."

Mr Girling-Butcher said he was embarrassed by the award.

"I hope it serves to remind people that blindness late in life doesn't need to be the end of life. It's possible to be active and fully occupied even though it takes a little bit more work."