Transport Legends Celebrated In Invercargill
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Six men who shaped New Zealand's road transport industry have been inducted into the NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame at a gala dinner held at Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill.
Wayne "Ox" McEwan, Edwin Mansell, Geoffrey "Marty" Greaves, Cornelius van Opzeeland, Greg Pert and Gordon Soper were honoured at the 2026 ceremony — each recognised for decades of commitment to the industry.
Bill Richardson Transport World, the largest private automotive museum of its kind in the world, hosted the event. Founded by HWR directors Jocelyn "Joc" and Scott O'Donnell, the Hall of Fame marks the contributions of individuals who have helped shape road transport in New Zealand, with up to six inductees honoured each year.
Joc O'Donnell said the evening was exactly what the Hall of Fame exists for.
"This year's inductees now line the walls of Bill Richardson Transport World, alongside a line-up of industry leaders who have left lasting legacies. Each has followed their own path, but they all have all shared the same commitment, passion and dedication to the transport industry."
"Ox, Ed, Marty, Cornelius, Greg and Gordon have all given so much to the sector and are incredibly deserving of this recognition."
Alongside the inductee celebrations, the 2026 event again supported Street Smart, driven by Tony Quinn Foundation Road Safety — a driver education programme aimed at keeping young New Zealanders safe on the road. Youth vehicle accident fatalities in New Zealand are among the highest in the OECD, with road crashes one of the leading causes of death and serious injury for young people.
O'Donnell said the partnership made sense from the start.
"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."
Full biographies for the 2026 inductees are available through Bill Richardson Transport World. The 2027 event is already in planning.