Fred Waite (politician)

The Honourable Fred Waite CMG, DSO, OBE, VD
Fred Waite during the First World War
Member of Parliament, Clutha
In office 4 November 1925 – 12 November 1931
Preceded by	John Edie
Succeeded by	Peter McSkimming
Member of the New Zealand Legislative Council
In office 22 June 1934 – 31 December 1951
Personal details
Born	(1885-08-21)21 August 1885 Dunedin, New Zealand
Died	29 August 1952(1952-08-29) (aged 67) Balclutha, New Zealand
Military service
Service/branch	New Zealand Military Forces
Years of service	1914–19 1940–46
Rank	Colonel
Battles/wars	First World War Gallipoli Campaign Western Front Second World War
Awards	Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George Officer of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order

First World War

Fred Waite, CMG, DSO, OBE, VD (21 August 1885 – 29 August 1952) was a New Zealand farmer, historian, politician, and soldier who served in both the First and Second World Wars.

Born in Dunedin, Waite was a farmer at the outbreak of the First World War. He joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) and served in the Gallipoli Campaign, during which he received the Distinguished Service Order. He was evacuated from Gallipoli due to sickness and repatriated to New Zealand, where he saw out the war as an instructor in NZEF training camps. He wrote a history of New Zealand's military efforts during the Gallipoli Campaign that was published in 1919. He returned to his farm and soon became involved in politics, joining the Reform Party. In 1925 he was elected Member of Parliament for the Clutha electorate, serving two terms. He was appointed to the Legislative Council in 1934. During the Second World War, Waite 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 appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. He died in 1952 at the age of 67.