Southland Business Leader Joins KiwiRail Board

Scott O’Donnell appointed to help grow KiwiRail’s freight and logistics capabilities
A conflict-of-interest plan ensures transparency with his ongoing business connections
He also led Invercargill mall redevelopment on time and within budget

Southland businessman Scott O’Donnell has been appointed to the KiwiRail board, adding valuable freight and commercial experience to the state-owned company. Rail Minister Winston Peters says O’Donnell’s background will help guide the company’s future growth in key areas.

“Railways have no shortage of potential for New Zealand, and we expect to see sustained growth in earnings, revenue, volumes, reliability, and safety to turn this business into something great,” Mr Peters said.

O’Donnell is currently a director of the HW Richardson Group and previously served as its managing director for nearly a decade. The South Island based business runs 46 companies, employing 2,000 people across sectors such as transport, logistics, and fuel.

To manage any potential conflict of interest, O’Donnell, Chair Sue Tindal, and the Treasury have agreed on a management plan that will be regularly reviewed. O’Donnell will step back from all KiwiRail activity involving areas south of Oamaru, where HW Richardson has significant operations.

He has also resigned as chair of Dynes Transport, a subsidiary of HW Richardson, although he remains a board member. The company is involved in a government-supported rail project to create a freight hub in Mosgiel.

Alongside his transport background, O’Donnell also led the Invercargill central city mall redevelopment, delivering the project on time and on budget. He manages HW Richardson’s property portfolio, which oversees a range of commercial developments around the country.

His board term runs from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2028. His combination of governance experience, freight expertise, and project leadership is expected to help KiwiRail strengthen its role in New Zealand’s transport system.