Three leading New Zealand transport businesses have been recognised at the recent 2025 Aotearoa Hydrogen Awards, honouring their contributions to innovation, training and fleet development in the transition to zero-emission transport.
TR Group received the Hydrogen Transport Award, acknowledged for its leadership in low- and zero-emissions heavy vehicles. It recently launched its first 50-tonne hydrogen-powered prime mover and signed purchase agreements with Global Bus Ventures (GBV) and Hyundai New Zealand to supply 20 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
GBV was awarded the Innovation Excellence Award for its engineering breakthroughs — including the first hydrogen fuel cell truck designed and built in New Zealand, and the world’s first hydrogen chase boats developed for the America’s Cup.
HW Richardson Group’s HWR Hydrogen was recognised with the Our People Award for its work in workforce development. The company was praised for supporting drivers, mechanics and engineers through in-person training and a strong culture of collaboration.
The Aotearoa Hydrogen Awards celebrate “the exceptional achievements of organisations and individuals involved in initiatives at the forefront of advancing hydrogen as part of our low emissions future.”
This year, 46 nominations were received, with 19 finalists selected across six categories.
“The Awards are an opportunity to recognise accomplishments across industry, government, academia and community and to demonstrate innovation, leadership, commitment and vision in advancing the opportunity for hydrogen to play an intrinsic role across our energy system as we build and benefit from a decarbonised economy,” organisers say.
The judging panel, made up of senior energy and sustainability leaders, included Dr Roderick Carr (former Chair, Climate Change Commission), Ian Kennedy (Chair, Japan New Zealand Business Council), Felicity Underhill (Independent Director), James Canny (Meridian Energy), and Hayden Mackenzie (Invest New Zealand, NZTE).
The winners were celebrated at a gala dinner on May 28 during the H2 2 ZERO Summit.
