Newspaper Article 2015 – Sir Russell inducted into NZ’s hall of fame

Sir Russell inducted into NZ’s hall of fame

Hawke’s Bay identity and philanthropist the late Sir Russell Pettigrew is among eight New Zealanders to be inducted into the Business Hall of Fame this year.

The former transport industry giant died in Napier in March at 94.

Sir Russell’s first transport venture involved carting fence posts and battens after returning from World War II in 1944. Later, he formed RH Pettigrew Transport and developed the most extensive freight, timber, livestock and forwarding transport operations in the North Island.

He went on to help create Freightways, New Zealand’s largest international road, rail, air and sea service operation.

Sir Russell’s sporting and community involvement included spending time as president of the Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand rugby unions, and a founder of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation, formed to assist players with serious injuries.

He and his wife, Lady Glennis, contributed $500,000 towards Taradale’s Pettigrew Green Arena.

Sir Russell was knighted for his services to transport, community and sport in 1982 and inducted into the New Zealand Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2013. Established in 1994 by the Young Enterprise Trust, the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates individuals who have made a significant contribution to the economic and social development of this country.

The other identities to be inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside Sir Russell on July 29 this year are Neville Crichton, Chris Mace, Annie Millar, Lloyd Morrison, Dame Alison Paterson, and brothers William and George Winstone.

Laureates are admitted to the hall by the Governor-General at an annual black-tie gala dinner.

Past inductees with Hawke’s Bay connections include Sileni Estates founder Sir Graeme Avery, who was inducted last year.

Photo caption – SUCCESS: Sir Russell Pettigrew created Freightways, New Zealand’s largest international road, rail, air and sea service operation.   PHOTO/FILE