Southlander Tina Powell gained top honours last month (July) at the annual New Zealand Groundspread Fertiliser Association (NZGFA) awards, winning the Ballance Agri-nutrients Presidents Award.

The award is presented to a NZGFA member who has made a significant and positive contribution to the ground spreading industry.

Powell works for Te Anau's Healy Transport and is also the secretary of NZGFA's Otago Southland branch.

Ballance Agri-nutrients representative Shane Dufaur said Powell had brought a great deal of collaboration, enthusiasm and energy to the Otago-Southland Branch of Groundspread NZ, and the direct partners she works with at ‘The Key’ Consignment Store in Te Anau.

He said Powell's motivation to be her best every day came from an understanding that the industry is in an environment of ‘change’ and evolution is required.

Dufaur said she was also passionate about championing the growth and improved engagement of woman in the fertiliser industry and the association.

There must be a focus on creating a safe space for woman to bring their value and skills to the table, Dufaur said.

This year's Presidents Award runner-up went to Oamaru's John Schultz, who works at Mainland Spreading.