Ken Turner was inaugurated onto the Waitākere Ranges Local Board last night in Glen Eden.
He was joined by family and friends as he was sworn in.
Board Chair Greg Presland says, “We welcome Ken to the board. I know he will use his local knowledge to work hard for our unique and special area.”
Ken says he wants to bring unity to the distinctly different communities within the Waitākere Ranges, so that everyone feels involved in the decision-making process.
“The area’s special character is not just our great ranges and coastal environment, it’s just as much the self-sufficient, independent spirit of our outstanding people,” he says.
“I’m honoured to have been elected. It will be a privilege to serve and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in to make a difference for our community.”
Ken is a qualified motor mechanic, having worked 43 years in the trade and has no plans to retire at the moment.
A fourth-generation Waitākere local, Ken lives in Huia where he runs a small farm, a family legacy from his great-grandfather who came from England in 1889 and settled in west Auckland.
He is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys farming and working with animals.
He says the Waitākere Ranges and rugged west coast has instilled a love of the outdoors in the community and he is going to work to ensure our outdoor way of life.
Ken was elected to the board in a by-election following the passing of board member Denise Yates in January.
