MEDIA RELEASE
xxth February 2019
The New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers Association (NZGFA) is encouraging agricultural companies to nominate
candidates for a set of new industry awards. The awards, introduced to recognise and commend those who have made a
significant and positive contribution to the ground spreading industry, have attracted sponsorship from Ballance
Agri-Nutrients, Graymont, Ravensdown and Trucks & Trailers.
Nominations for the four awards – the President’s Award, the Innovation Award, the Health & Safety Award and the Young Achiever’s Award – open on Monday 18th February and close on Friday 12th April 2019.
Finalists will be invited to attend the NZGFA’s 63rd annual conference in Taupo in July.
The awards programme is also intended to raise the profile of the essential role ground spreaders play in the food
production chain in New Zealand.
Dean Brooks, NZGFA President, explains that ground spreaders are typically the first step in ensuring on-farm
productivity. “By spreading nutrients accurately and evenly, using the latest technology, finely calibrated vehicles and
highly trained operators, ground spreaders help farmers and growers get the best out of their nutrient spend. The skill
involved in ground spreading means that food production in New Zealand gets the best start possible.”
He adds that the awards also serve to reflect the level of professionalism, responsibility and innovation that exists
across the ground spreading within the NZGFA.
Full information about the awards, including the criteria, the process and how to nominate is available at
www.nzgfa.co.nz.
ends