Hall of Fame 2020 welcomes its first female inductee

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Following a couple of postponements, due to Covid-19, the 2020 Mobil Delvac 1 NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame gala dinner was finally held in mid-November at Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill. Six members of the national transport industry were welcomed into the Hall of Fame, including the first female inductee.

About 350 people from around the country attended the event, fewer than usual and understandable given the circumstances. “The transport industry has long been a male-dominated field, but the contribution made by many women has been absolutely vital in growing and strengthening the New Zealand transport industry as a whole. We encourage all women involved in the industry to celebrate their successes, and encourage others within the industry to do so as well,” said Jocelyn O’Donnell, who launched the event in 2012 with husband and fellow director of HW Richardson Group, Scott.

“All deserve acclaim and thanks for their care and enthusiasm for our industry. The Kiwi road transport industry would not be what it is today, were it not for the efforts of the men and women who dedicate their lives to strengthening our industry for the future.”

All proceeds from the Mobil 1 Delvac NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame, including a charity auction, are donated to the ProActive Drive Youth Driver Education Trust. The programme aims to make driving safer for young New Zealanders and is provided at no cost to teenagers who already hold a driver’s licence. It offers courses aimed at improving their driving skills, to ensure they are equipped in the event something unexpected happens while they are on the road. With courses combining theory and practical elements, it is also available to corporate drivers.