Fred Waite

Who was Fred Waite?

Fred Waite CMG DSO OBE VD was a New Zealand journalist, farmer, politician, and soldier who served in both the First and Second World Wars.

Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Waite was a farmer at the time of the First World War. He joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and served in the Gallipoli Campaign, during which he received the Distinguished Service Order. He was evacuated due to sickness and was repatriated to New Zealand. He later wrote a history of New Zealand's military efforts at Gallipoli and finished out the war as an instructor. He returned to his farm and became involved in politics. He joined the Reform Party and in 1925 was elected Member of Parliament for the Clutha electorate, serving two terms. In 1934, he was appointed to the Legislative Council. During the Second World War, he was overseas commissioner for the National Patriotic Fund Board and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services in this role. Two years later he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. He died in 1952 at the age of 67.