Scott O'Donnell, co-owner of Supercars team Walkinshaw TWG Racing, has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in an investiture ceremony conducted by Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro. The honour recognises his outstanding contribution to business across New Zealand, along with his ongoing philanthropic support in Invercargill and beyond.
For O'Donnell, this is more than just a business accolade—it's a reflection of his lifelong dedication to the community. HW Richardson Group, the company he helped grow, now encompasses 46 companies and employs over 2000 staff. The New Zealand Government specifically cited his work expanding the business into gas, rural transport, and waste sectors, as well as the development of green hydrogen. O'Donnell orchestrated the introduction of the country's first hydrogen-diesel dual-fuel truck, a groundbreaking move that underscores his forward-thinking vision.
But O'Donnell's impact goes beyond industry. In Invercargill, he led a joint venture on a $180 million redevelopment of the CBD and was a major backer of tourism landmarks such as Classic Motorcycle Mecca, Toot Sweets, Bill Richardson Transport World, and The Lodges at Transport World. He also played a key role in developing Hawthorndale Care Village, a dementia and elderly care facility. These efforts paint a picture of a man who is not just chasing profits but building a legacy for his community.
His passion for motorsport is undeniable. Beyond his stake in Walkinshaw TWG Racing, O'Donnell serves on the MotorSport New Zealand board and is an active competitor. He recently competed in the GT3 Revival Series in a Porsche 911 and promotes the bi-annual George Begg Motorsport Festival at Teretonga. For him, racing is not just about competition—it's about preserving history and building the sport's future.
His involvement with Walkinshaw TWG Racing began through HW Richardson Group's Mobil1 distribution agreement via Allied Petroleum. That relationship evolved into direct investment earlier this year when O'Donnell bought into the team via ODFI Ltd, joining Ryan Walkinshaw (Walkinshaw Group) and Dan Towriss (TWG Motorsports) as shareholders. This move solidified his commitment to contributing to the team's success on track.
With this ONZM honour, O'Donnell further cements his status as an influential figure in New Zealand. His dedication to business, philanthropy, and motorsport serves as an inspiration to many. In the Supercars paddock, his presence brings not only capital but also a spirit and vision that can drive the team to greater heights. We can only wait for the next move from a man who has proven that true success is about giving back.
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