Freight Leader Scott O’Donnell Joins KiwiRail Board to Drive Growth

KiwiRail is set to benefit from a major injection of freight and logistics expertise with the appointment of Scott O’Donnell to its board, Minister for Rail Winston Peters has announced. The move is part of the Government’s broader strategy to revitalise New Zealand’s rail sector, ensuring it plays a central role in the country’s long-term freight and transport strategy.

The new board term for O’Donnell runs from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2028.

A Proven Industry Leader Joins KiwiRail

He is currently a Director of HW Richardson Group (HWR), a major Southland-based company with 46 subsidiaries across six sectors and employing over 2,000 people nationwide. He previously served as HWR’s Managing Director from 2006 to 2015, overseeing a period of significant expansion and diversification.

According to Minister Peters, O’Donnell’s appointment is a strategic addition:

“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 O’Donnell’s deep operational and governance experience in freight, logistics, and commercial development will deliver valuable strategic insights for KiwiRail as it aims to scale and modernise.”

Managing Conflicts of Interest with Transparency

Given O’Donnell’s direct involvement in the freight sector, the Government has proactively addressed potential conflicts of interest. A comprehensive conflict-of-interest management plan has been agreed upon by Mr O’Donnell, KiwiRail Chair Sue Tindal, and the Treasury, which will be regularly reviewed and enforced.

Key elements of the management plan include:

• Recusal from KiwiRail discussions or decisions involving the lower South Island, specifically south of Oamaru, where HWR’s road freight operations are most active.

• O’Donnell’s resignation as Chair of Dynes Transport, a company owned by HWR.

• His continuation as a board member of Dynes Transport, which is currently involved in a Government-co-invested rail siding project in Mosgiel to support an integrated road and rail freight hub.

These measures are designed to maintain public trust and transparency while allowing KiwiRail to benefit from O’Donnell’s industry knowledge.

Expertise to Support KiwiRail’s Strategic Goals

The appointment comes at a critical time for KiwiRail, which is working to:

• Expand its freight volumes and customer base

• Improve service reliability and safety

• Modernise rail infrastructure and assets

• Enhance commercial viability and long-term revenue streams

O’Donnell’s dual expertise in freight logistics and property development is expected to strengthen KiwiRail’s strategic planning and asset management—areas that are vital for unlocking rail’s potential as a low-emissions freight alternative.

KiwiRail’s Board Chair Sue Tindal, who has already led key governance reforms since her appointment, is expected to work closely with O’Donnell and other board members to deliver on the Government’s expectations for performance and transformation.

About Scott O’Donnell

Beyond transport, Scott O’Donnell also leads HWR Group’s national property portfolio, guiding the development and management of commercial and industrial assets across New Zealand. During his decade-long leadership as Managing Director, HWR grew significantly in size and scope, cementing its place as one of the country’s most diversified privately-owned businesses.

O’Donnell is well respected in the business community for his commercial acumen, strategic foresight, and his ability to align infrastructure investment with long-term growth needs.

Looking Ahead

O’Donnell joins KiwiRail at a time when the company is positioned to become a more dynamic and commercially focused organisation. His appointment reflects the Government’s push to ensure that board leadership includes private-sector expertise capable of driving performance improvements in public infrastructure assets.

“With better leadership and targeted investment, KiwiRail can be transformed into a high-performing business that delivers for all New Zealanders,” Minister Peters said.