No Job Too Hard

(Hardback)

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No Job Too Hard begins with Fletcher Holdings playing a vital role in World War II and Jim Fletcher acting as Commissioner of Defence Construction. His controversial approach got results, and after the war he was pivotal in the creation of the Ministry of Works. During his father's absence, 28-year-old JC Fletcher grew Fletcher Holdings into New Zealand's largest conglomerate. Its construction business would face post-war shortages, restrictive building controls and the running down of state house construction. Jack recounts the company's early efforts to diversify by going offshore, and its ultimately successful entry into civil engineering. This is a story of war and peace, of success and failure, and how New Zealand's premier builder coped in the face of many challenges. No job was too hard, too arduous, or too daunting.

Author Bio

Jack Smith began work with Fletcher Construction in 1953 and became general manager in 1967. Asked who inspired and mentored him, former Fletcher executive Dr John Hood (later Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University) named Jack, calling him "the doyen of post-war New Zealand construction." Hugh Fletcher, in his foreword, commends Jack's skill and passion for engineering & construction over 35 years with the company, and describes him as a meticulous historian of its work.