Public service a calling

Ken Douglas will miss the hustle and bustle of being a city councillor, but says there will always be something for him to do.

‘‘My time has been influenced by, largely, good people who are serving their communities. I’ve always believed in public service and Porirua has been good to me and my family.

‘‘You learn practical skills over the years, and it’s good to be able to put them to use,’’ he said.

Golf, rugby and Porirua City Council were massive parts of Douglas’ life in the city, where he has lived since 1961.

‘‘Porirua – and Titahi Bay – are fantastic places to live in. It’s taken a while for people to discover that.’’

The feedback he received about the council, and his own role within it, was ceaseless over 18 years.

‘‘You often measure how you’re doing by how people respond to you and if someone stops you and thanks you for sorting a drainage problem or a footpath, then it’s worth it.

‘‘I remember a few years ago helping an older lady, who was in a wheelchair – I talked to [council manager] Peter Bailey and we fixed a gutter so she could get from Mana Ave to the Whitehouse Rd shops. She told me it brought joy into her life.’’

Douglas said he was confident in the direction the city was heading and wanted to stay involved on some level.

‘‘I’m not going to be yesterday’s expert and complain about the council.

‘‘I want to be a positive contributor to things that are happening.’’