Snippets from the book

The foreword to From the Rising Sun to the Long White Cloud has been penned by David Caygill, Minister of Trade and Industry from 1984-88 and deputy leader of the Labour Party from 1993-96. “In the early 1970s, the UK announced its intention to join Europe and things had to change,” he writes. “In the absence of a guaranteed market for farm produce, we had to compete with the rest of the world. “That meant addressing our costs. Sooner or later that was going to have to include the high cost of our motor vehicles. “Adjustment took the form of the removal of high protective tariffs and import licensing. “Greater opportunities to import encouraged the purchase of second-hand vehicles from Japan. “This transformed the New Zealand market. In the 1990s, the last assembly plant closed and import tariffs were phased out. “Although all this is now history, it represents an important chapter in the story of our adaptation and growth as a nation.” Author Jackie Russell carried out more than 35 interviews, and hundreds of emails and phone calls, to unravel some of the facts and fallacies behind the industry’s history. You can order a copy by clicking here. “The individuals recounted the story from their perspectives and as the saying goes, ‘history is written by the victors’.” In her introduction to book, Russell writes: “The stories of pioneers determined to change the way Kiwis travel are illuminating. “Some people fought to retain their jobs in the nation’s protected manufacturing sector, while others saw opportunities to develop new enterprises that offered employment that didn’t rely on trade barriers. “The power to make changes came from unity and a trade organisation a handful of businesses gave their time too. “The Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers Importers Association’s hard slog eventually ensured government doors opened when it knocked. “This book is an oral history based on the recollections of numerous contributors. Like all history, individuals involved saw, interpreted and remembered events differently. “Even though it may not include every single event that happened, it does form an important part of New Zealand’s social and economic history.” You can order copies of the book by clicking here.