Board at his death. A by-election was avoided when Terry Brandon, the highest polling unsuccessful candidate from the 1977 election, was appointed to fill Kitts' vacant seat. Frank Kitts Park Frank Kitts Park on Wellington's waterfront is named after him. The park, on the site formerly used for a row of wharf sheds, was opened in 1976 and after redevelopment reopened in 1990. There is a children's playground, the orange foremast recovered from , and a water sculpture The Albatross by Tanya Ashken. Honours Kitts was known for his tireless public service, which continued after his retirement, including helping Wellington's immigrant community. In the 1966 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor for services as mayor of Wellington. In the 1975 Queen's Birthday Honours, Kitts' wife, Iris, Lady Kitts, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, for services to the community as mayoress of Wellington between 1956 and 1974. The Kitts Trophy for Impromptu Speaking is awarded by the Wellington Speaking Union every year. The trophy is named after Kitts, who donated it in 1967 to encourage excellence in impromptu speaking. Notes References Who's Who in New Zealand (1961, 7th edition) External links Frank Kitts, candidate, in 1950 (photo) The Duke of Edinburgh and Frank Kitts in 1956 (photo 1) The Duke of Edinburgh and Frank Kitts in 1956 (photo 2) Cartoon of Frank Kitts & Michael Fowler in 1974 1912 births 1979 deaths Mayors of Wellington Wellington City Councillors New Zealand Labour Party MPs New Zealand Knights Bachelor New Zealand MPs for Wellington electorates People from Waimate People educated at Timaru Boys' High School Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives Wellington Harbour Board members Wellington Hospital Board members Unsuccessful candidates in the 1949 New Zealand general election Unsuccessful candidates in the 1951 New Zealand general election Unsuccessful candidates in the 1960 New Zealand general election Unsuccessful candidates in the 1963 New Zealand general election New Zealand politicians awarded knighthoods Burials at Karori Cemetery New Zealand military personnel of World War II