During World War I, he served in the Motor Boat Patrol, gaining his commission in 1915 while Canada.

[2][3] He first became involved in politics in 1922 he became his father's private secretary prior to the unsuccessful Tauranga by-election, before moving to Wellington after Sir Joseph re-entered Parliament in 1925.

[4] He replaced his father in the 13 August 1930 by-election for the parliamentary seat of Invercargill that was held after Sir Joseph died.

[5] He was subsequently appointed to the Legislative Council on 22 June 1934 by Sir Joseph's successor as Prime Minister, George Forbes.

[9][10] In later life, Ward was director of several companies and also became secretary of the Wellington Metropolitan Patriotic Council in September 1940.