Fred Ambler

Frederick Norman Ambler (28 February 1894 – 1983) was a pioneering New Zealand businessman in the clothing trade and a long serving local-body politician.

Biography Early life Ambler was born in a mill town in Yorkshire, England in 1894 to Herbert Ambler. He emigrated with his family to Christchurch when he was 13 years old. He gained employment in the clothing industry at the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills.

In 1917 he left for World War I as part of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. He was seriously wounded in action and was returned to New Zealand. He spent many months prior to his return recovering in a St John hospital in Étaples, France. As a result, after his return to New Zealand he spent many years working for the St John Ambulance Association including as chairman of the association. It grew to become the largest men's shirt company in New Zealand.

Political career In 1941 he stood on the Citizens & Ratepayers ticket for the Auckland City Council and was elected a member. His main motivation to stand for the council was to improve the Parnell Baths. His proposal was carried through and they were redecorated and given the addition of tables and chairs. Ambler spearheaded the addition of potted palms to beautify inner-city street sides and the planning of Auckland's civic complex. Fred Ambler's Lookout in Parnell Park is named in his honour.