Five people have been listed in this year’s Mobil Delvac 1 NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame.
Russell Pellowe, Jeff Fleury, Don Hutchinson, Peter Rae and Forbes Knight were honoured at this year’s gala dinner, which took place at Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill.
The brainchild of Invercargill-based HWR directors, Jocelyn (Joc) and Scott O’Donnell, the NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame showcases and honours the outstanding contributions individuals have made to the New Zealand road transport industry. Each year, up to six individuals are inducted.
HWR group chief executive Anthony Jones said all the men recognised at this year’s event have had significant impact on the road transport industry here in New Zealand.
“Each of this year’s inductees show a great passion for our industry, and have each played a vital part in shaping what it is today,” Jones said.
“Celebrating these men and all they have achieved is what the NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame is all about. Russell, Jeff, Don, Peter and Forbes join a select few stalwarts of our industry, who have been recognised for their efforts in forging the sector into what it is.”
Inductees
Jeff Fleury said the award was full circle.
“When I first started at the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority in 1998, I came to Southland on a diary run to meet the transport operators of Southland. The last appointment of the two days was with Bill Richardson at HWR,” he said.
“He asked me what I thought about compliance and I got his thoughts on a level playing field and compliance, and that’s something that’s stuck with me.”
The late Russel Pellowe’s son Grant said, “As a family we’re very humbled to be here. My father died 17 years ago, so for him to still have an impact in this environment is fantastic and speaks to the remembrance of the work he’s done.
“As an accountant trucks very quickly became a passion for him. He enjoyed his transport work and had a fair dabble in the transport space.”
Don Hutchinson said it was an honour to be at the awards.
“It’s been quite a journey from a young teenager moving into government and moving forward into regulating the sector.
“I have to say the sector has been really good to work alongside, when I look at some things I’ve achieved it was actually the sector that helped me to achieve them.
“The truck loading code that I put together in 1985, is still the main document used today and I’m really proud of that one.”
Forbes Knight said, “I’ve spent a lifetime in the industry and I still have a look when a truck goes past.
“I’d like to thank Richardsons and everyone involved and the road transport industry. Since the Hall of Fame started I’ve known somebody who was inducted every year.”
Peter Rae said, “When I first joined the industry I felt overnight I had virtually gained a friend and associate in probably everyone sitting in a small town throughout New Zealand. And what a great bunch of people.
“Throughout my years in management I only ever thought that I was simply conducting the orchestra,” he said.
“The real heroes to me were the drivers, mechanics, engineers and the others actually out there doing.”
This year, the NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame is supporting a new charity; Street Smart, driven by Tony Quinn Foundation Road Safety.
Street Smart is a Driver’s education programme designed to help young Kiwis stay safe on the road.
“A big focus for all of us involved in the road transport industry is making sure our drivers get home safely at the end of each day, so choosing Street Smart as the new Hall of Fame charity completely aligned with this,” Jones said.
“It couldn’t be more fitting given the influence those attending the NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame have had on making our roads safer.”
The full biographies of the 2024 NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame inductees will be published in the upcoming November issue of New Zealand Trucking magazine.
