author
Fred Waite
1885–1952
A New Zealand soldier, farmer, politician, and historian, he is best remembered by many readers for writing vivid accounts of the First World War. His work draws on lived experience, which gives his military history a direct, grounded feel.
1 Audiobook
New Zealanders at Gallipoli
by Fred Waite
About the author
Born in Dunedin in 1885, Fred Waite worked as a compositor before moving into farming. When the First World War began, he joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, served with the Field Engineers at Gallipoli, and later became known for recording New Zealand's part in the war.
As a writer, Waite is closely linked with The New Zealanders at Gallipoli and other historical works about New Zealand soldiers. Because he had been there himself, his books carry both the detail of a historian and the perspective of a participant.
Waite's life reached well beyond writing. He was active in farming organizations, served in public life, and became a member of New Zealand's Legislative Council. He died in 1952, leaving behind a body of work that helped shape how New Zealand remembered the war years.