on 27 june 1939 he married liselotte felicitas wodaková at hampstead and in december 1939 they left for wellington, new zealand. arriving in january 1940 turnovsky undertook casual employment. founding the tatra leather goods company he manufactured and sold watch straps. the success of this venture led to a number of successful manufacturing ventures. turnovsky was thought to be the first resident new zealander to become a member of lloyd’s, the british insurance underwriters.