Celebrating 160 years of excellence

This year, HWR are proud to recognise three significant milestones that together tell a story of growth, and legacy: 80 years of Southern Transport, 50 years of Allied Concrete, and 30 years of SouthRoads.

In 1946, Southern Transport began with just two trucks and a clear vision from Harold Richardson, Bill Richardson’s father. From those modest beginnings, the business has grown into a cornerstone of transport across Southland, recognised by its unmistakable green and yellow fleet. Over eight decades, Southern Transport has been shaped by generations of dedicated staff, loyal customers, and a community that has stood alongside the business every step of the way.

Just over 30 years later, another chapter of the Group’s story began with the establishment of Allied Concrete in 1976. Allied Concrete grew from a local operation into one of New Zealand’s most trusted concrete suppliers, supporting projects of all sizes across the country. While much has changed over 50 years, the business has remained grounded in the values it was built on. Many still remember the original green trucks, before the shift to the now-familiar blue and yellow, a colour choice inspired by a simple family moment, when Bill matched the fleet to a Matchbox truck bought for his son, Harold. Over the decade's, Allied Concrete has been shaped by its people, the plant operators, drivers, engineers and support teams working behind the scenes. Their pride, skill and commitment continue to drive the business forward and enable strong partnerships with customers to achieve better outcomes every day.

The Group’s enduring story of growth continued in 1996, when SouthRoads became part of HWR. That year brought both challenge and change, shaped by loss but also guided by purpose, with the move into contracting made in the belief that Harold would have supported it wholeheartedly. From its Southland roots, SouthRoads expanded steadily into Balclutha, Dunedin, Central Otago and Oamaru, establishing depots, securing contracts, and strengthening capability along the way. Strategic investments in Kilmore Quarries, SouthDrill, International Specialty Aggregates, and most recently SouthRail, have supported this growth. Nearly three decades on, SouthRoads has evolved into much more than roads.

Together, these anniversaries represent more than milestones on a timeline. They reflect the shared values that sit at the heart of the HWR. Family owned and operated, long-term thinking, pride in workmanship, and people who care deeply about what they do.