Five members of the road transport community were inducted into the Road Transport Hall of Fame this year, honouring the outstanding contributions they have made to the industry.

Jeff Fleury

Jeffrey Morris Fleury was born in Mosgiel on 27 October 1953. He is married to Anita Fleury and has dedicated his career to enhancing road safety and transport compliance in New Zealand.

Jeff began his professional journey in 1969 as an apprentice mechanic with New Zealand Express Co in Dunedin, followed by a stint at Hyslop Blair Transport in Outram. His career advanced with roles at the Ministry of Transport from 1975 to 1993, where he served as a vehicle inspector. From 1993 to 1998, Jeff was branch manager for Vehicle Testing New Zealand in Dunedin. He continued as a vehicle compliance officer for the Land Transport Safety Authority from 1998 to 2006 and worked as a vehicle safety officer for the New Zealand Police’s Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit from 2007 to 2013. Jeff joined the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) in 2013 as a vehicle specialist, a role he held until his retirement in March 2023.

Jeff’s commitment to road safety was evident throughout his career. His involvement with law enforcement began in 1999, when he responded to a troubling series of heavy vehicle crashes in South Otago, including a catastrophic accident with six fatalities. Jeff’s engagement at crash scenes allowed him to provide expert advice on accident causes and prevention strategies.

Jeff Fleury (centre).

A significant achievement in Jeff’s career was his leadership in a national seat belt campaign for heavy-vehicle drivers. Noticing a high incidence of fatalities involving unbelted drivers, Jeff led a campaign that combined education and enforcement, collaborating with the Road Transport Association and the Otago/Southland Heavy Motor Vehicle Safety Group. This initiative, marked by the use of fluorescent seat belt covers, significantly increased seat belt usage and served as a model for national campaigns.

Jeff also addressed heavy-vehicle rollovers through “Jeff’s Roll Over Prevention Training”, which he first presented with NZTA funding in April 2016. His training, which included a lecturing visit to the New South Wales Forestry Department, effectively translated complex scientific data into actionable advice for drivers. Despite challenges in gathering real-time data, Jeff’s training sessions continued to impact drivers positively, with 231 presentations across New Zealand reaching 7325 drivers. Even after retirement, Jeff delivered prevention sessions to an additional 873 drivers in his first year alone.

In 2003, while with the Land Transport Safety Authority, Jeff conducted a nationwide brake survey of heavy vehicles. His findings revealed that 65% of the vehicles tested failed to meet safety standards. His findings led to regulatory changes that improved safety across the board.

Jeff’s investigative rigour was highlighted by his work in 2013, when his conclusions on a crash investigation led to a coronial review, demonstrating his commitment to uncovering the truth.

Additionally, Jeff was a founding member of the Drive to Survive programme, which targeted high school students in Otago. His role was to educate them about vehicle modifications and handling. His ability to engage with diverse audiences underscored his dedication to road safety.

Jeff was also proactive in recognising industry and driver contributions, advocating for support for drivers and their families when commercial drivers were not at fault in serious crashes. His legacy is marked by his empathy for the industry and relentless pursuit of road safety improvements. Jeff’s retirement marked the end of an era for NZTA, leaving a lasting impact on road safety in New Zealand.

Don Hutchinson

Don Hutchinson

Don Hutchinson was born in Upper Hutt in 1961 and grew up in Johnsonville, a northern suburb of Wellington, where his family operated a local pharmacy.

At 16, he juggled part-time work for a bricklayer while driving an old Bedford truck and helped in the family business after college hours.

Don began his career in 1980 with the Ministry of Transport’s traffic engineering branch. During this time, he completed a New Zealand Certificate in Civil Engineering and pursued postgraduate studies in transport planning, management and control at the University of New South Wales. His interest in traffic engineering grew from the challenge of managing the unpredictable nature of human behaviour and its interaction with road systems, contrasting with the more controlled outcomes of civil engineering.

His curiosity about improving the safety and productivity of the heavy-vehicle fleet led him to focus on vehicle size, mass and configurations. He pioneered adopting performance-based standards to evaluate innovative vehicles against traditional benchmarks. This work contributed to the development of various policies, permit regimes and new legislation, including the vehicle dimensions and mass rule and the high productivity motor vehicle scheme. Additionally, he played a crucial role in introducing static roll threshold legislation to New Zealand and authored the truck loading code and sections of the road code, along with numerous other safety initiatives.

In the early 2000s, Don transitioned into senior management roles, collaborating with multiple ministries and ministers to enhance vehicle regulations in New Zealand. He remained deeply involved in practical aspects of the field and returned to a practitioner’s role later in his career, planning to continue in this capacity before transitioning into retirement.

Reflecting on his career, Don highlights the value of engaging with the industry and learning from it. He emphasises the often- overlooked contributions of truck operators, trailer builders and freight industry businesses. He has faced significant challenges, including investigating fatal crashes and serving as a court witness in cases involving misbehaving operators.

Throughout his career, Don has earned widespread respect in the heavy-transport industry. His collaborative approach and problem-solving skills have made him a valuable partner to industry associations such as Transporting NZ, National Road Carriers, Log Transport Safety Council, NZ Truck-Trailer Manufacturers Federation, Motor Industry Association and the Institute of Road Transport Engineers New Zealand, of which he has been a member since 1995. His efforts have facilitated numerous industry initiatives and advancements.

Don Hutchinson’s career, which spans over four decades, is marked by his dedication to improving vehicle safety and efficiency, his proactive involvement in industry regulation and his commitment to collaboration and continuous learning.

Russell Pellowe

Born in Dunedin, Russell Pellowe became the family’s male figurehead as a teenager after his father’s death. He excelled academically at Green Island Primary and Kings High School before pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at Otago University. Russell quickly secured a position with a government agency and advanced rapidly. He met Bill Auld, the company accountant at Fulton Hogan, through his involvement in sports clubs and the Green Island Jaycees. Impressed by Russell’s skills, Bill arranged for him to join Fulton Hogan in 1966 as a clerk in the Fairfield office. Russell’s early responsibilities included handling cash payments for the 67 staff, often at the Commercial Tavern, which led to some humorous situations.

As Fulton Hogan’s trucking business grew following its 1955 merger with Maxwell Bros, Russell’s role expanded. His partnership with Ralph Maxwell was crucial in developing the transport division, including a major investment in waste disposal. In 1968, they purchased a small industrial waste business in Dunedin. By 1979, the company had established New Zealand’s first purpose-built refuse transfer station on Fryatt Street in Dunedin, which later merged with Auckland’s Northern Disposal Services to form Envirowaste. Fulton Hogan eventually sold Envirowaste in 2007 for a substantial profit, highlighting Russell’s contributions.

The 1980s brought changes to New Zealand’s road transport sector with the removal of distance regulations. As a Fulton Hogan director, Russell played a key role in adapting to these changes, overseeing fleet upgrades and redesigns, including the Maxwell Bros freight yard and the Alexandra Transport fleet. This expansion extended services beyond construction to general freight, focusing on Christchurch south. Under his leadership, Fulton Hogan acquired JC Mowat and Sons, expanding into heavy haulage and bulk cartage.

Russell’s enthusiasm, analytical skills and negotiation abilities significantly benefited the company. He developed costing and pricing models for transport services and played a key role in rate negotiations and tendering in construction.

In the early 1990s, Russell led the establishment of collective agreements for Fulton Hogan staff in the Otago region, adapting to changes in employment law. He was also a strong supporter of the New Zealand Road Transport Association (NZRTA), earning honorary life membership in 1993 for his service.

Family of the late Russell Pellowe accepted the induction on his behalf.

Russell’s management style was inclusive and personable, reflecting his family values and the traditional Fulton Hogan culture. He was known for his hands-on approach and commitment to staff, exemplified by his quick action to repair a staff member’s home during a work trip.

Russell continued to play a crucial role as regional manager in Dunedin and later as a director of the expanded Fulton Hogan Group. He was instrumental in establishing a share scheme, allowing staff to become shareholders and fostering loyalty. This scheme remains active, with over 2700 employees holding shares. As Fulton Hogan expanded into the North Island, Russell ensured the company’s culture remained intact. He was heavily involved in negotiating group purchases, acquisitions and international ventures. After spending his career in Dunedin, he moved to Christchurch in 2001 to continue as executive director with responsibilities across New Zealand and Australia.

Russell served on the Fulton Hogan Board for 20 years and held directorships and chairmanships in several joint ventures, including Blackhead Quarries, Horokiwi Quarries and Envirowaste. He retired in 2003 due to health issues, leaving a lasting legacy of significant contributions to Fulton Hogan’s growth in New Zealand and Australia.

Forbes Knight

Forbes Knight

Forbes William Knight, born 14 January 1932 in Dunedin, grew up in Waipori, where his father worked on the Power Scheme.

He began his schooling at Waipori Falls School and later attended Kuri Bush for secondary education. During his youth, Forbes drove cattle to Green Island and worked for John Hay at Waipori Gorge.

At 17, Forbes started working for Dunedin City Corporation. He then moved to Balclutha, staying at the Crown Hotel, where he was advised to contact Jimmy Wilson at Clutha Carrying Co. After a successful test drive in a GMC, Forbes was hired and began working with trucks and unloading freight. He later obtained his heavy traffic licence and moved to Inch Clutha to live with Alf Bichan.

In 1954, Forbes and Roy Tosh purchased Millers Flat Carrying Co from Laurie Brady, acquiring three Ford V8 trucks and a special licence for livestock transport to Burnside. This licence allowed them to handle multiple daily loads. Forbes married Grace, and they had three children: Rosalind, Richard and Jillian. Richard followed his father into transport and rugby, eventually managing South Otago Transport.

Initially focused on gravel transport, Millers Flat Carrying Co expanded by securing contracts with Fulton Hogan to transport gravel to the Roxburgh Dam. The business also grew to handle rural transport, including livestock, wool and fruit. Despite pursuing additional rail licences, Forbes faced challenges due to the local rail line’s closure in 1969. The company excelled in fruit transport, becoming the first to transport apples from Roxburgh to Dunedin port, initially building crates in Millers Flat before outsourcing.

In 1985, the business was sold to a partnership that failed, leading to its closure. Forbes then worked for the Apple and Pear Board for several years and continues to reside in Millers Flat, where Grace passed away after a long illness.

Forbes Knight’s extensive community involvement includes:

• Transport: President of the Central Otago Branch of the NZ Road Transport Association for 20 years, Otago executive member (1960-1985) and convenor of the RTA Annual Golf Tournament in Roxburgh for 15 years.
•  Rugby: Played rugby for Crescent and Millers Flat, represented South Otago and Otago Sub Unions, was president of Millers Flat Rugby Club (1964-1965), a delegate to the Otago Rugby Union (1956-1963) and a selector for the Otago Rugby Sub Union.
• Racing: President of Beaumont Racing Club for 22 years, life member of the club (2001), a life member of Otago Racing Club (2022) and honorary life member of Roxburgh Trotting Club (2016). Served as a timekeeper for Central Otago Trotting Trials.
• Bowls: President and secretary of Millers Flat Bowling Club, life member (1999), delegate to the Otago Bowls Association (24 years), and held a New Zealand Umpires Badge.
• Curling: Member of Manorburn Curling Club for 28 years, life member (1995).
• Athletics: Member of Millers Flat Sports Club since 1962, groundskeeper and life member (2004).
• General: Member of Roxburgh Millers Flat RSA (since 1977), serving as president and welfare officer, with life membership (2013) and Royal NZ RSA Gold Star (2005). Received the Central Otago District Council Service Award (2003), is a life member of Millers Flat Collie Dog Club (2022) and served on the Millers Flat Cemetery Trust since 1974. He retired from Roxburgh Golf Club in 1985 due to injuries from a bull attack.

Peter Rae

Peter Rae, currently based in Christchurch, has had a notable career in the transport industry, characterised by innovation and leadership.

He joined Waitaki Transport in 1965 as an accountant, shortly after the company’s establishment. Over time, Peter ascended to the role of managing director and, by 1987, acquired full ownership of the company.

Under Peter’s leadership, Waitaki Transport emerged as a key player in North Otago’s transport sector, particularly noted for its involvement in the Upper Waitaki hydro development projects. The company undertook a variety of tasks, including freight cartage, building transportation, metal cartage and livestock movements, operating a large fleet from multiple depots in North Otago at its peak.

Peter’s leadership was crucial during several challenging periods. Notably, he guided the company through harsh droughts soon after his arrival. Despite these adversities, he ensured that employee wages were consistently paid, and no cheques bounced. Peter’s strategic foresight enabled Waitaki to capitalise on significant opportunities, especially in the hydro schemes, which involved bold financial decisions and substantial investments in new equipment.

In 1971, Waitaki Transport made a substantial investment in 20 International Harvester ACCO 1820 tip trucks, followed by another 10 trucks later. By 1981, the company secured a $3.5 million cartage contract for the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme, an extension of earlier work. This contract necessitated the acquisition of additional trucks and established Waitaki as a critical player in transporting essential materials to the hydro projects, including large equipment and household goods.

Beyond freight, Waitaki also became a leading house mover, relocating entire villages to accommodate power projects. At its height, the company operated 40 trucks and 35 buses to support the hydro schemes. Innovative solutions were required, such as installing night-store heaters in buses to ensure their operation during winter. Peter Rae was also a key driver of industry advancements. In 1979, Waitaki introduced one of New Zealand’s largest fleet maintenance workshops, a venture initially met with scepticism but later recognised as a significant asset. This facility serviced both Waitaki’s fleet and external clients.

Peter Rae was unable to travel, so his sons accepted on his behalf.

Peter’s contributions extended to broader industry efforts as well. He actively participated in the Road Transport Association in Otago and served as its president. In 1980, he received the Brennan Memorial Trust Travel Award, which allowed him to study roading taxation and transport licensing systems in the United States, Canada, Britain and Europe. This provided valuable insights for the New Zealand transport sector.

By 1984, Peter shifted from day-to-day operations to focus on strategic leadership as chair of the board. His vision led to the company’s diversification into property ownership and investment, with notable involvement in the National Property Trust and other ventures. Waitaki Transport Holdings evolved into Peter Rae Industries under his leadership. In 2000, Waitaki’s livestock and rural division was sold to Owens Transport Group, and by 2017, the remaining transport assets were sold to Hoskins Transport, marking the end of Waitaki’s 52-year tenure in the road transport industry.

Today, Peter Rae remains active in directorships and investment activities. Peter Rae Industries now focuses primarily on property investment, and Peter continues to be involved in the finance sector through stakes in Mutual Credit Finance and Efficient Market Services.

Peter Rae’s career exemplifies his pioneering spirit, strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence in the transport industry.