EVs and Beyond founder Vern Whitehead dies

The founder of both the main outlets of New Zealand automotive trade media – and an industry legend in his own right – Vern Whitehead, has died aged 83.

His death comes suddenly, though after an extended period of poor health.

A co-founder of the Electric Island Waiheke programme aimed at switching all of the island’s transport to electric, Whitehead lived on Waiheke for about 35 years and had a Nissan Leaf EV.

He and wife Betsy were pro-electrification and both attended the November 2018 launch of Electric Island Waiheke where Vern is also pictured with Norwegian EV Association secretary general Christina Bu (right) and Electric Island Waiheke then board member Darleen Tana, Vern and Betsy both attended the Nordic EV Summit in Norway in 2019.

A public service for Vern Whitehead will be held at the island’s Palm Beach Hall on Sunday March 24, 2pm-4pm.

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