Recently elected Mosgiel/Taieri councillor Mike Lord is just one of a long line of farmers who have committed themselves to local body governance.
He is canny and forthright when expressing his views and is a strong advocate for councils to adopt a more "business-friendly" approach.
For 25 years, the Oamaru-born dairy farmer has farmed on the Taieri Plains with his wife Philippa and their four children. Now an elected Dunedin City councillor, he is embarking on a new exciting chapter in his life.
"I didn't think I was smart enough to do this job. But I soon learned the people running our cities generally have everyday backgrounds. In my experience, farmers tend to underestimate the applicability of their skills to other areas of life. I decided to have a crack," he said.
Mr Lord remains staunch about his background since entering the domain of local body politics. Being a former Federated Farmers Otago provincial president, he has a qualified insight into the needs of the rural communities and the significance they have to the wider economy.
He said the swearing in ceremony in Dunedin was a proud moment for him and his family.
The event impressed on him the importance of what he was undertaking and left him feeling humble knowing he would be representing not just farmers but people from all walks of life.
"I want to be the best councillor I can be. I hope the decisions I make along with the others on the council will benefit the community now and in the future," he said.
Mr Lord joins four other farmers who sit on the Dunedin City Council. While he acknowledged this was helpful towards getting farmers' voices heard, he said those involved in farming tended to be suited to the role anyway.
"You need people on the council who can make good business decisions with regard to managing money and farmers fit the bill. Farmers have plenty of experience dealing with financial complexity and taking responsibility for decisions."
Running a farm was similar to being on the council.
The revenues and budgets in terms of figures were obviously a few extra zeros, but the principles and processes were the same.
Still, it is one thing looking to reduce council budgets and debts but, when you want to stimulate a stagnant economy by being more business orientated, how does one reconcile both?
"There is always a need to be more efficient. There is a new culture at the DCC and there are some very capable people at senior management level.
"If we can cut back our costs, and maintain our services, nothing is insurmountable," he said.
Mr Lord believes the council's focus should move towards enabling.
This includes looking at the current regulations and policies and asking whether these are supportive of development. One example is the current 15 hectare minimum lot size for subdivision. Mr Lord believes allowing smaller lot subdivision, particularly on lower value soils, could provide more flexibility for landowners and free up more land for development.
He also wants a more consistent approach on how rates are decided. It was this bugbear which got him interested in running for council. He was gobsmacked when he discovered the astronomical growth in the rates take during a city council annual plan meeting.
Being the Federation's former Otago provincial president also provided experience in the implications of the council's planning and budget processes.
"I became aware of how costs are allocated by councils. I pay a big general rate as do most farmers. I wanted to know what I was getting for my money."
Looking back on his three years as president, Mr Lord expresses his respect and admiration for the Federation.
"I enjoyed serving rural people and the whole submissions process.
"I always got great feedback from members encouraging me and that was very rewarding."
For him, the strength of the Federation was the ability to unite farmers. It wasn't just about incentives when you joined; it was more the kinship and support as no one individual could change Government policy.
For those farmers considering a role as councillor, Mr Lord says go for it.
"If you have something to contribute you can make a difference. You don't know unless you try.
"If you are capable of handling the responsibility, complexity and volatility on-farm then I reckon you're up to dealing with council issues." he said.