Five stalwarts of New Zealand’s trucking sector — Warren Hamilton, John de Pont, Kelvin Neville, Fred Gibson and Neil Otway — have been inducted into the Mobil Delvac 1 NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame.
The inductees were honoured at a gala dinner at Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill on September 26.
Founded by HWR directors Jocelyn (Joc) and Scott O’Donnell, the Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have shaped the road transport industry; up to six inductees are honoured each year.
“This year’s inductees join a distinguished group of industry legends whose contributions have each helped build the sector into what it is. While their stories are unique, they all have something in common too – their passion and dedication for the transport industry,” Joc O’Donnell says.
“John, Kelvin, Fred, Neil, and Warren have all given so much to the sector and are incredibly deserving of this recognition.”
The event was again backed Street Smart, a driver education programme run by the Tony Quinn Foundation Road Safety charity, which aims to help young New Zealanders stay safe on the road.
“Driver safety is front and centre for us all in the road transport industry, and Street Smart’s work in this space means the alignment couldn’t be stronger. Many of those attending the Hall of Fame event have played a key role in making our roads safer, so supporting a charity focused on driver education and safety is a natural fit,” Scott O’Donnell says.
Organisers note youth road deaths remain among the highest in the OECD, underscoring the focus on driver education.
Transport World says it delivered an exceptional 2025 event and plans to expand next year with a conference.
*Go to roadtransporthalloffame.co.nz for the full biographies of the 2025 inductees.
