Merv Solly, a stalwart of New Zealand’s road freight industry, has been recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours List for his outstanding contributions to the transport sector and business.
The 77-year-old Rockville resident has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).
Solly, who serves as the managing director of Sollys Freight, expressed his pride in receiving the accolade. “I’m pretty proud to be named on the list,” he said.
The honour reflects more than six decades of dedicated work in transport, civil construction, quarrying, and farming.
Taking the reins of the family business at the age of 31, Solly became the third-generation managing director, succeeding his father and grandfather. Under his leadership, the company expanded from a modest rural transport operation to a national enterprise boasting 130 trucks and 180 staff members. Sollys diversified its operations, acquiring interests in marine shipping, farming, and coal distribution.
Today, the company delivers a wide range of services, including freight transport, construction work on major projects, road maintenance, coastal protection, and supplying raw materials from its quarries. These efforts underpin New Zealand’s agriculture and infrastructure sectors.
In 2007, Solly purchased Golden Bay Dolomite, where he began soil testing and developing biological fertiliser mixes for farms, vineyards, and orchards across New Zealand and abroad. A passionate agronomist, Solly advocates for natural nitrogen fixers as alternatives to chemical fertilisers—boosting soil health, productivity, and nutrition.
Beyond Sollys Freight, his business ventures include DX50, a provider of water treatment chemicals, and Fernbrae Farms.
Solly’s contributions extend to the Golden Bay community, where he has been a member of the Lions Club, a supporter of the local fire brigade, and a mentor for youth. He was previously honoured with a Tasman Community Award and was inducted into the New Zealand Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2016.
Despite his many commitments, Solly remains hands-on. When not overseeing his businesses, he spends weekends working on his farms and enjoys occasional fishing trips.
