In 2019 the Groundspread NZ (NZGFA) introduced four awards to its annual conference programme. The awards seek to recognise and commend individuals or associate organisations who have made a significant and positive contribution to the ground spreading industry. They also serve to reflect the level of professionalism, responsibility and innovation that exists across the ground spreading profession, and within the Association.
Nominations for the 2026 Awards will open on Monday 2nd March 2026. Nominations can be made by emailing the Executive Officer at eo@groundspreadnz.com or 027 214 1790, no forms to fill in, just let us know who you would like to nominate and for what award and we will take it from there, it has never been easier to celebrate success!
Please ensure you read the terms & conditions and refer to the criteria for each award, by clicking on the award links
This award will be presented to a Groundspread NZ member who has been a positive supporter of the Association during the past three years, they impart their knowledge to others in the industry, and their contribution has helped groundspreaders in one of the following areas – business, economic, environmental, or social. Nominees should be Spreadmark registered in this category please.
Previous winners: Gordon Dobbs (2019), Grant Anderson (2020), John Whitehead (2021), Tina Powell (2022), Stephen Whitehead (2023), Graeme Martin (2024), Nick Hyslop (2025).
Ballance is a New Zealand farmer-owned co-operative that helps its customers to farm more productively, profitably and sustainably. From its core business of fertiliser manufacturing, supply, sales, and advice, Ballance has grown to offer farmers a full range of science-backed nutrient products and services. This enables us to help farmers achieve soil and animal nutrition and productivity with a minimal environmental footprint. Ballance’s agri-nutrient advice is complemented by award-winning web-based farm systems software. With strong emphasis on quality and professionalism, Ballance is proud to be the sponsor of the prestigious President’s Award. This award will be presented to a Groundspread NZ member who is under the age of 35 and is passionate about the groundspread industry (that they currently work in). They will show vision and passion and contribute positively to the industry and Association.
Previous winners: Adam White (2019), Matthew Blomfield (2020), Toby Evans (2021), Nigel Nunn (2022), Hayley Allen (2023), Nicole Furniss (2024), Emma Johnstone (2025).
Ravensdown is a fertiliser co-operative. We manufacture and import quality agri-products for our shareholders. Ravensdown’s mission is to enable smarter farming for a better New Zealand. We are proud to support the Young Achiever’s Award. This award fits with Ravensdown’s philosophy of recognising the achievements of young people within agriculture. We already offer agri-scholarships and are delighted to grow our support of youth in agriculture by sponsoring this award. We believe that by rewarding excellence in this way, we can help ensure that the ground spreading industry continues to attract young talent. This award will be presented to a Groundspread NZ member who demonstrates a commitment to the exploration of technology and innovation in the groundspread industry during the past three years. They will have encountered an industry problem or issue and have been able to solve it with their innovation.
Previous winners: Ted Usmar (2019), Ron Smith (2020), John Whitehead (2021), Jon Jackson (2022), Shane Glassey (2023), James Stenton (2024), Adam Glasgow (2025).
Keith Andrews, New Zealand’s largest commercial vehicle dealer, is an established Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and FUSO specialist providing commercial vehicle sales and service from locations throughout the North Island. The company’s ethos centres on the principle that great people make great businesses, and Keith Andrews is proud to have a team of passionate individuals, who share a common approach to delivering excellent customer service. Keith Andrews proudly sponsors the Innovation Award to support and celebrate the classic Kiwi traits of ingenuity and creativity for the betterment of the Groundspread industry and community.
2025 saw the introduction of this exciting new category!
We were thrilled to announce the Graymont Emerging Talent Award, created to celebrate high-potential individuals whose passion, aspirations, engagement, and contribution to their role and the wider groundspread industry deserve recognition.
The Graymont Emerging Talent Award honours the outstanding contribution by a team member who consistently delivers operational excellence. This award will be presented to the candidate who embodies Graymont’s core values of teamwork, excellence, respect, accountability, integrity, innovation, and a long-term perspective for the success of their organisation and the wider Groundspread industry.
Previous winners (Health & Safety Award): Nicola Goodwin (2019), Phil Johnson (2020), Nick Hyslop (2021), Kylie Stenton (2022), Grant Anderson (2023), Jessie Freer (2024).
Previous winners (Emerging Talent Award): Stuart Davison (2025).
Graymont is a highly reliable and trusted global leader in delivering essential calcium-based solutions to meet the world’s changing needs. Founded in 1948, the company is professionally managed and family-owned to proudly serve a wide range of markets, customers and communities in North America and Asia Pacific.
Graymont’s calcium-based solutions include high calcium lime, value-added lime-based products, pulverized limestone and construction stone products. They provide essential solutions to a wide range of industrial, construction and agricultural markets to support air and water purification, animal nutrition and soil conditioning, and production of materials such as paper, glass, steel, and critical minerals. Strongly committed to participating in a decarbonised economy, Graymont proactively invests in research and development and works closely with customers on their emerging needs and engineered solutions.
