Edward WOODFIELD Obituary

Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) extends its sincere condolences and thoughts to his family for this very sad loss. Ted Woodfield was VSA´s first chairperson, and we are very grateful for the significant role he played in setting up VSA, now celebrating its 60th year. In 1962 Ted was president of the New Zealand University Students Association, and the first secretary of the NZUSA´s Volunteer Graduate Scheme, which had sent university graduates to Indonesia since 1959. In that year at a conference in Wellington, the government of the day under PM Keith Holyoake (with the support of the Leader of the Opposition Walter Nash) confirmed financial support for a national volunteering programme, and as a result the New Zealand Council for Overseas Service was established - now known as VSA, with Ted Woodfield being elected as chairperson. His tenure as chairperson was cut short due to his foreign service posting in London as assistant trade commissioner but he remained a strong supporter of VSA.

Ted was my boss for a time in Trade and Industry. What an impressive talented man, who made a significant contribution to New Zealand's trade and diplomatic interests. Ted was impressive becaue he maintained the highest standards, and was always focussed on achievments through his work and personal life. He was a good boss. His passing is a sad loss for everyone.

Like many of my younger colleagues working in the Trade Policy area in the 1970's and 1980's, Ted was our role model. I had the privilege to work with him directly on one of the endless EU 4 year quota negotiations in 1983/83. But even earlier when on a 4 year posting in Vienna Ted was the only one from Wellington who took the time during an airport stop somewhere in Europe to give me a call to "see how I was getting on."
I cannot help but think that we had one of the best captains of our trade policy team in Ted, and no one could match his experience and and even intuition. He was one of the first to suggest that New Zealand might propose GATT membership for China. I look back on those years fondly and am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with "the consumate professional" who oversaw New Zealand's trade policy efforts for so long.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this sad time. I have always looked up at Uncle Ted with the highest respect , ever since I was a small boy. You will be missed. Peter &Fiona Woodfield

Our deepest thoughts go to you all with the sad loss of your beloved Ted.
We look back on many good memories, and you will have so many more. Take care of them for the future.
Your loving sister Dawn and family.

Dear Aunty Janet, Susan and family. Our Loving thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Love On behalf of your loved sister June, Terry and Tina xx

Deepest sympathy to the family.
So grateful we had the Birss reunion and could catch up.

Rigby Family

Very sorry to read of Ted´s passing,Janet.I do recall having the pleasure of meeting him on a number of occasions.A great loss for you and the family.
Sorry I can´t write a proper letter but don´t have your address.
V best to you Janet with many happy memories of working together Robert Logan