They would not be possible without the support of the dedicated award sponsors. A massive thank you to Ravensdown, Ballance, Graymont and Keith Andrews for your continued support in celebrating the shining stars in our industry.
Graeme Martin’s illustrious career has been deeply intertwined with the agriculture sector. Having most recently made his mark in agricultural fuel operations, his prior roles at Wealleans and Ballance Agri-Nutrients underscore a wealth of experience and insights garnered over the years. Transitioning to a pivotal role at Super Air, Graeme brought with him a unique blend of people-centric skills and strategic foresight that have continued to shape the industry landscape.
At the core of Graeme’s professional ethos lies a fervent drive for transformative impact. His relentless pursuit of strategic goals, market share expansion, compliance excellence, and fostering a culture of safety and training exemplify his commitment to catalysing positive change within the industry. Graeme’s ability to inspire and unite people around a shared vision underscores his charismatic leadership and exceptional communication prowess. He generously imparts his vast knowledge through mentorship roles, elevating professionalism and expertise across the board.
Graeme’s leadership has elevated industry standards and cultivated fruitful relationships with key stakeholders. Instrumental in establishing the industry awards scheme and driving strategic initiatives, he has propelled the association towards a future of sustainable agricultural practices. By championing precision applications of nutrients and advocating for industry-wide growth amidst regulatory challenges, Graeme has left an indelible mark on the sector.
Graeme remains a steadfast advocate for the Strategic Plan of Groundspread NZ. His emphasis on unity, accountability, and the collective pursuit of industry excellence resonates deeply within the community. By fostering a culture of collaboration and transcending individual affiliations for the greater good, Graeme embodies a spirit of inclusivity, progress, and shared success.
Graeme has not only shaped the trajectory of Groundspread NZ but has also instilled a sense of purpose and value within its members. His strategic insight, compassionate leadership style, and unwavering commitment to the industry’s well-being have set a new standard of excellence.
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.
With an impressive career spanning 15 years in the dairy industry, Jessie Freer has honed her skills and expertise as both a contract milker and a sharemilker. Seven years into her dairying journey, she ventured into a pivotal role at Sandfords, initially starting on a casual basis before swiftly progressing into a full-time position.
Known as a silent achiever, Jessie Freer’s impact at Sandfords goes beyond words. Managing human resources, staffing, health & safety standards, and addressing concerns with finesse, she ensures operational excellence at every level. Her willingness to take on challenges head-on and consistently strive for the best outcomes sets her apart in the industry.
Jessie’s innovative and solution-driven mindset has revolutionised health and safety practices within the dairy industry. Her ability to connect with individuals on a personal level, understanding their motivations, and tailoring safety messages to resonate deeply has facilitated a cultural shift towards prioritising health and safety as a fundamental value rather than a mere obligation.
Jessie emphasises the importance of bridging the gap between legislation and practical implementation on the ground. Her proactive involvement in review processes, such as the H&S Resource for all members, showcases her unwavering commitment to enhancing industry standards and ensuring the well-being of every individual involved.
One of Jessie’s notable initiatives involved implementing a practical first aid course recommended by Pracmed, designed and run by ex-military personnel. This initiative not only equipped her team with essential skills but also instilled confidence among drivers who are often the first responders at accident scenes, given their extensive time on the road.
Jessie’s vision for the industry extends beyond routine practices; she envisions a collaborative future where people’s voices on the ground shape the policies that govern them. Her advocacy and proactive engagement in roles that bridge this gap highlight her relentless pursuit of a safer, more cohesive industry.
As the deserving recipient of the Graymont Health & Safety Award for 2024, Jessie’s impact resonates throughout the industry, inspiring a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
“What an experience! Alongside the exceptionally talented and high calibre of applicants it really was such an overwhelming moment to be recognised for the work done,” says Jessie. ”A big thank you to Kylie and the Graymont team for the award. Being a part of such a collective association is infectious, with members who support and encourage each other all the way it gives so much motivation for what can be achieved next!”
Graymont is an emerging global leader in the supply of lime and limestone products. The company, which stretches back more than 75 years, is family owned and serves major markets throughout the world. Striving to be a world-class company necessitates achieving an outstanding level of performance in the crucial area of health and safety. We are continuing to develop and implement organisation-wide safety standards. These emphasise employee involvement through safety committees, internal safety audits, training, and certification, as well as strict adherence to safe work habits. Sponsorship of the Groundspread NZ Health & Safety Award aligns well with our commitment to continuous improvement to health and safety – and our ultimate goal of achieving zero injuries and zero incidents.
James Stenton’s professional odyssey unfolds with a rich tapestry of experiences, spanning a decade as a whiskey distiller before transitioning into the realm of dairy maintenance and engineering. Faced with the need for a new challenge amidst the limits of land in North Otago, James embarked on a transformative path by joining the family business a decade ago, embodying the role of a versatile ‘dogsbody’ in the operation.
James Stenton’s profound contribution lies in his innate ability to conceptualise solutions and effectively collaborate with industry tech developers to bring his ideas to fruition. Adept at leveraging his profound machinery expertise to communicate seamlessly, James imparts his innovative creations to the wider community without seeking personal gain, exemplifying a spirit of collaborative advancement and industry-wide elevation.
As a beacon of collaboration and relationship-building, James Stenton sets a sterling example within the rural community, fostering connections and sharing insights that propel industry standards to unparalleled heights. His commitment to knowledge dissemination and support extends beyond personal endeavours, manifesting in the enhancement of operational practices and the empowerment of fellow professionals in the field.
James shines as a natural leader, adept at communicating his vision with clarity and instilling a sense of purpose and direction among his team. His ardent belief in enhancing driver safety and optimising spreader performance underscores his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. Through partnerships with unconventional industry collaborators, such as ERL and Fleetpin, James pioneers’ transformative enhancements that benefit the industry at large.
James dedication to driver safety and precision spreader performance encapsulates his core ethos, fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and advancement within the industry. His receptiveness to diverse perspectives, paired with a steadfast commitment to shared progress, cements his position as a respected figure among peers and the wider rural community.
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.
Nicole’s journey unfolds with a deep-rooted passion for the family business, transitioning seamlessly into her role at TBS immediately after completing her schooling. Embracing her responsibilities with a familiarity that speaks of a lifetime’s involvement, Nicole epitomises the essence of dedication, growth, and hands-on learning that characterise her approach to the industry.
As the face of TBS, Nicole embodies exceptional communication skills, effortlessly engaging with customers, suppliers, and drivers alike. Her willingness to immerse herself in every facet of the family business, from obtaining licences to dispatching vehicles and mastering equipment maintenance, reflects her unwavering commitment to holistic learning and continuous improvement.
Nicole’s leadership style resonates with trust, positivity, and inclusivity, as she fosters a high-trust model within her team while championing diversity in the industry. As an ambassador for young professionals, particularly women, Nicole’s passion for empowering newcomers and her dedication to supporting their growth underscores her commitment to paving the way for a more diverse and vibrant industry landscape.
With a clear vision for the future, Nicole embodies a profound sense of pride and nostalgia in the family business, envisioning a legacy that honours her grandparents’ legacy and upholds the traditions passed down through generations. Her enthusiasm, coupled with a relentless pursuit of growth and knowledge, positions her as a beacon of inspiration and determination for aspiring young professionals in the field.
Nicole’s journey, characterised by passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, epitomises the spirit of the Ravensdown Young Achievers Award. Her belief in the potential of the industry’s youth, and her dedication to customer satisfaction pave the way for a future brimming with promise and opportunity for all aspiring young professionals in the groundspread landscape.
“For me, winning this award means that I’m doing something that matters to others just as much as it does to myself,” says Nicole. “I am a 3rd generation family member in this business. With my Grandparents starting this company in 1983 and my parents taking it over in 1992. My family members are some of the people who I have always looked up to, only ever wanting to make them proud. I am especially grateful as some of them are not here with us today. By winning this award I am paving my own way thought-out our business getting closer to my end goal of owning Te Awamutu Bulk Spreaders one day. Even if my part looks a little different to my families its mine and I can’t wait to see what it has in store for me next. Winning this award was just a step in the right direction for my career and I know I’ll put it to good use.”
“For my first time attending the conference I was very nervous as I didn’t know what to expect. I was blown away by the day and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The people in attendance were captivating to talk to as everybody had their own opinions and suggestions on how to improve the job we all do. Everybody was super friendly and was always ready to help if need be. From my point of view I was surrounded by well accomplished individuals in their own way who wanted to implicate change and direction to keep this industry going forward as times change. The things talked about and covered were all relevant to business nowadays and how hard it is with all these new rules and regulations coming into play. So it was nice to know that everybody was facing these problems and that together they can be worked through and overcome.”
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.
