Barry Butcher studied civil engineering at Canterbury University College, graduating in 1952. He then looked for a job with the Ministry of Works and was offered a role in the civil design office.
He worked on a variety of South Island hydro projects including three years on the Lake Hawea control project and the Roxburgh power project, followed by five years as Inspection Engineer on the Benmore and Aviemore power projects.
Barry became Resident Engineer for Auckland South in 1969 and then District Civil Engineer for Auckland. His responsibilities included the building of the international airport in Rarotonga, extensions to Auckland International Airport, and the northern motorway link through Auckland. He then became District Commissioner of Works in Hamilton for 11 years.
Following his retirement in 1988, Barry became an independent consultant. He served on the Local Government Commission that undertook a review and reorganisation of local government. He was also involved in a project for the World Bank to establish a Ministry of Works in Tanzania.
Barry served as IPENZ President in 1990/91.
