Fred Waite | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Fred_Waite_c1928.jpg) Waite, c. 1928 | |
| 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 | 21 August 1885 Dunedin, New Zealand |
| Died | 29 August 1952 (aged 67) Balclutha, New Zealand |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | New Zealand Military Forces |
| Years of service | 1914–19 1940–46 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George Officer of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order |
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.