Raising reputation:

The nutrient spreading industry is a highly skilled profession and Groundspread NZ is raising awareness of this. At every opportunity, it promotes the vital role that groundspreaders play as the first step in the New Zealand food story.

Whether you are a sole operator or part of a large team, Groundspread NZ acknowledges the value of the job they do, and with solid stakeholder and industry relationships, we are communicating this across the agricultural landscape.

Grow your support network:

Nutrient spreading involves the use of powerful machinery and complex technological equipment as well as navigating new agricultural regulations and increasing environmental guidelines. If you need help and support in any of these areas, as a Groundspread NZ member you know you can rely on the strength, knowledge, experience, and friendship of this long-standing organisation.

Health and safety comes first:

Making sure members return home safely each night is a priority for Groundspread NZ. Under the direction of the Groundspread NZ Health & Safety Councillor, several initiatives are already in place, including a groundspread-specific health and safety manual, incident reporting and ongoing guidance around industry topics such as dangerous goods classifications, hazardous substances, and minimum vehicle requirements for supplier sites.

Encouraging Spreadmark certification:

Spreadmark is the groundspread industry’s best practice standard that recognises groundspreaders for their professionalism and expertise in nutrient application. Primary producers are increasingly requesting certification to this standard so they can demonstrate that their nutrient application methods have met environmental obligations. Groundspread NZ members are encouraged to become Spreadmark registered and can take advantage of discounted registration fees. Groundspread NZ is proud to be a founding member of Spreadmark and continues to play a key role in the ongoing development of the Spreadmark standard.

Celebrate Success:

The association holds an annual awards gala each year at the Association conference. This is an opportunity for members’ excellence to be celebrated. The four awards are the Ballance Agri-Nutrients President’s Award, the Keith Andrews Innovation Award, the Graymont Health & Safety Award, and the Ravensdown Young Achiever’s Award. These recognise and celebrate the people behind the spreader trucks and the hard work they put in. In what can often be a solitary profession, these industry awards help bring our people together. 

Extra benefits:

As a Groundspread NZ member, you will receive a copy of our very own Groundspread magazine and also the NZ Truck & Driver magazine. You’ll also have access to free advice, an online member-only toolkit and the N3 business buying network (South Island only). There are opportunities for on-going training and development as well as for Spreadmark registration and auditing. 

Associate Membership:

Companies who have significant associations with the groundspread industry may apply for Associate Organisation Membership. Please contact the Groundspread NZ branch in your region to discuss the benefits.