Named in honour of a man who dedicated much of his life to Auckland, Fred Ambler Lookout offers more than just a pretty view. Fred Ambler Lookout is a tribute to Frederick Norman Ambler. He was a pioneering businessman and long-serving local politician. Ambler was born in Yorkshire England in 1894. At 13, he and his family emigrated to Christchurch.
Ambler’s early career was in the clothing industry. He worked at the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills. In 1917, he bravely served in World War I as part of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. He was seriously wounded in action and returned home. After recovering in a French hospital, he dedicated years to the St John Ambulance Association. He even became its chairman.
In 1919, Ambler married Ella Skelton. At 30, he became the youngest Justice of the Peace in New Zealand. He also joined the Auckland Savage Club and led the Auckland Kindergarten Association. Ambler’s business acumen shone when he started Ambler & Company Ltd in Browns Bay in 1919. He used mass production to make clothing for the first time in New Zealand. His company was famous for men’s pyjamas and the slogan “No one ever regretted buying quality”. Ambler & Company became the largest men’s shirt company in New Zealand.
Ambler also believed in supporting local industry. He was part of an early “buy New Zealand-made” campaign. He was president of the Manufacturers Association from 1940 to 1942. In 1941, Ambler entered politics, winning a seat on the Auckland City Council. His primary goal was to improve the Parnell Baths. He successfully pushed for their redecoration and the addition of tables and chairs. Fred Ambler served on the council for thirty years.
In 1957, Fred Ambler became Deputy Mayor of Auckland. He held this position for five years. Even after being dropped from his party’s ticket, he won re-election as an independent. By 1971, he was the longest-serving member of the city council. Ambler also contributed to the Auckland Harbour Bridge Authority and the Auckland Drainage Board. He opposed the plan to discharge sewage into Waitemata Harbour.
For his outstanding service, Fred Ambler was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1957. Fred Ambler’s Lookout is a lasting reminder of his contributions to Auckland.
Today from Fred Ambler Lookout you see the container terminal. You may also notice Dove-Myer Robinson Park is a festival of colour and scent. Some 5000 rose bushes grow there. The park is named after Auckland’s longest serving mayor. The Dove-Myer Robinson rose gardens showcase new and old rose varieties. The cottage-style Nancy Steen garden offers excellent examples of heritage roses. The white garden is a popular venue for weddings. To enjoy the blooms at their fullest, visit the rose gardens between October and April.
Fred Ambler died in 1983 at the age of 89. His legacy lives on. This lookout offers stunning views and a chance to remember a man who shaped Auckland. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you and the contributions of Fred Ambler to this city.