Against the Odds

- Blurb -

Against the Odds is an account of battles New Zealand Pit fought in the second half of the 20th century to secure and maintain access to overseas markets and fair prices for its exports. At stake were the agricultural and exporting industries that had contributed in large part to creating the economic prosperity and social services enjoyed by New Zealanders. The book is a story of how a small nation held its own against the odds. It tracks trade negotiations conducted on the main fronts - with the European Community, the United States, Australia, Japan - and many other nations. It sets out the background and describes how the negotiations were conducted, the personalities involved and the outcomes. It is not a full history but recounts the personal experience of an official who was directly involved. Ted Woodfield, as an official in the Department of Trade and Industry, was an advisor on international trade relations to New Zealand governments over three decades. He participated with Ministers and Prime Ministers in negotiations with all of New Zealand's main trading partners and in international organizations. He had a unique view of the development and implementation of trade policies to advance and protect New Zealand's interests and secure its future.