On Friday September 28 the inaugural Road Transport Hall of Fame awards will see eight inductees recognised for their contribution to the transport industry.
HW Richardson Group will host the black tie event in the Bill Richardson Truck Museum, a stunning private collection of trucking and machinery memorabilia.
More than 400 guests are expected to be in attendance, making up a ‘who’s who’ of the industry and including Simon Bridges (associate Minister of Transport), Liz Martin (CEO, Shell Rimula Road Transport Hall of Fame, Alice Springs, Australia), and Rod Millen.
Event manager Sally Macdonald says the original plan was to honour six inductees, but the high calibre of nominations saw this number increased by two.
“A purpose built room will house both photographs and biographies, a permanent feature that is the perfect addition to both the museum and the nation’s trucking history,” she says.
The selection process sees each regional Road Transport Association submit up to three individuals, both living and deceased, accompanied by an in-depth report noting relevant achievements and contributions to the New Zealand road transport industry.
Three inductee categories are covered: small operator/owner driver, large operator (50+ trucks), and suppliers/supporters of the industry.
The final selection panel is made up of Scott O’Donnell (director, NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame), Graham Sheldrake (president of Road Transport Association NZ), and Warren Hamilton (nominated regional Road Transport Association representative)
The hall of fame project was the brainchild of Scott and Joc O’Donnell of the HW Richardson Group, who wished to honour and recognise those who have made significant contributions to the industry.
Macdonald says the response from the transport industry has been overwhelming, with support and praise for the project shown right from the start.
Profits from the event will be hand to the not-for-profit charitable trust, Proactive Drive, a driving skill enhancement scheme operated by the Proactive Drive Youth Driver Education Trust.
