While Sunny Marlborough is how most of us imagine it, Blenheim had other plans this year. Just days before the 66th Groundspread NZ Annual Conference, the region was plunged into a state of emergency following significant flooding—roads were closed, detours were in place, and gumboots weren’t just optional.

And yet… the people came. Despite the disruption, members, sponsors, and speakers made their way from across the motu, reinforcing the spirit of driving and thriving in diversity. It was a powerful reminder: our industry knows how to show up, even when the ground is shifting beneath us—literally.

💬 Opening with Grit and Gratitude

Local MP Stuart Smith officially opened the event, speaking to some of the sector’s pressing concerns—sequestration, the Resource Management Act (RMA), and the ongoing tension between environmental expectations and practical land use. Then came Doug Avery, who brought the house down with his no-nonsense approach to rural resilience. “On a shit day,” Doug said, “use it as manure to grow a new opportunity.”

🧰 Tools for the Job: Monday Highlights

Sessions kicked off with Billy Clemens’ Diversity Toolbox, followed by Succession Planning with Chris Coughlin and a Marketing Workshop with George McDonald. The afternoon featured the National Council’s ‘Finding Value’ session and AGM Q&A. Tanya Pouwhare’s Ethical Employment session led into Sieve Box Training with Travis Churchill and Craig Snodgrass.

🍽️ IVECO Dinner & A Night of Generosity

The IVECO dinner featured a heartfelt charity auction led by MC Wayne Langford, raising a phenomenal $62,000 for ‘Meet the Need’. The generosity on display reflected the strength and heart of our industry.

🔍 Looking Ahead: Governance, Growth & the Future of Spreadmark

Tuesday opened with the Spreadmark governance session led by National Council, followed by the AGM.

Wayne Scott, CEO of the Aggregate and Quarry Association, and Tyler Langford, Director of the Fertiliser Quality Council (FQC), each spoke to the current challenges and opportunities within their respective sectors—highlighting the intersection between regulatory change, product quality, and industry trust.

Following Tyler’s presentation, Allister Holmes shared the findings of his recent research project on blended fertilisers. His presentation sparked important discussion around the evolving role of Spreadmark and the wider supply chain.

Matt Hood from BNZ then delivered a practical and well-received session on everyday banking and finance, helping members consider strategies for building financial resilience and adapting to changing economic conditions.

In the afternoon, Groundspread NZ was proud to welcome Heath Bosley, President of the Australian Fertiliser Services Association, to the stage. Heath shared reflections on trans-Tasman challenges and opportunities, following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between our two organisations, as well as a state-of-play from his side of the ditch.

Meanwhile, two engaging Diversity Panels showcased real-world stories from within our rural sector—offering powerful insights into leadership succession, culture, and adaptability on the ground.

🏆 Gala Night: GroundED Graduation & Industry Awards

The evening celebrated the GroundED Programme graduates and the 2025 Award Winners. The traditional fines session brought plenty of laughs, including a memorable two-unit fire callout to the local pub (no harm done—just one light missing from the wall).

The 2025 Groundspread NZ Award Winners are:

• Ballance Agri-Nutrients President’s Award – Nick Hyslop
• Graymont Emerging Talent Award – Stuart Davison
• Keith Andrews Innovation Award – Adam Glasgow
• Ravensdown Young Achiever’s Award – Emma Johnstone
• Spreadmark Trophy – Travis Churchill

🙌 Thank You to Our Sponsors and Exhibitors

Groundspread NZ sincerely thanks all our 2025 sponsors and exhibitors for their incredible support. Your backing ensures we can continue to create events that connect, challenge, and grow our industry.

👣 Final Words & Forward Motion

The 66th Annual Conference reminded us that our strength lies not in uniformity, but in our diversity—of experience, of perspective, and of approach. Whether it was showing up through a flood, graduating from GroundED, or raising $62,000 for Meet the Need, this year’s conference proved: Groundspread NZ isn’t just an industry. It’s a whānau.

See you in 2026!