Deborah Gilkison is used to hearing people from behind the bar of the Panthers Rock, a country pub in Mayfield.

Now she wants to take those listening skills – and her love of the district – to the council table by running in the Western Ward.

“I just want to be someone who is going to listen to people,” she said.

Her mother, Kim, was a two-term councillor in New Plymouth, so she has some understanding of the role.

“I’ve been to my fair share of council meetings.

“I was sat under the table with my sister while the meetings were on – back in the 1990s when you could do that and mum didn’t have a choice.”

The 37-year-old said she always felt she would one day run for council.

“I always knew I would, and now the timing is right.”

Her family moved to Mid Canterbury almost four years ago, setting up on a lifestyle block under the Surrey Hills near Mayfield.

Gilkison has spent the past few years running two hospitality businesses in the district, The Staveley Store and Panthers Rock, is the president of Mayfield Playcentre, and has been on the district’s tourism advisory group for six months.

“With my lease at The Staveley Store coming to an end in one week, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work even harder for our rural communities.

“I think younger people need to be in local government.

“I’m not afraid to stand up for things and hope I’ll be able to bring a different perspective because it seems there are a lot of similar types on councils, and it needs something else.”

Her perspective is that of a mother of a young, rural family and a businesswoman.

With a background in economic development, she sees “so much potential” for the district to continue to grow.

“There are a lot of people in this district who want to do really cool things, and I’d like to make it easier.”

Gilkison was the second name added to the Ashburton District election ballot on Monday.

Tony Todd was first out of the gate, filing his nomination for the local elections when nominations opened on Friday.

The 78-year-old Todd is seeking a second term as an Ashburton Ward councillor.

By Jonathan Leask