60 | Three generations keeping Northland farms growing PG Smith Topdressing employs about 10 staff. Kelly Deeks Whether it’s dairy pasture in Helensville, sheep and beef country in Wellsford, or kiwifruit orchards in Kerikeri, PG Smith Topdressing is on the ground from Auckland Harbour Bridge to Cape Reinga, keeping farms and orchards productive with expert spreading and fertiliser services. With more than 70 years in business and three generations of the Smith family behind the wheel, the company has grown from a small spreading outfit on the outskirts of Auckland to one of the North’s most trusted names in fertiliser application. Owner-operators Geoff and Maree Smith are proud to see Geoff’s sons Cameron and Matthew stepping up in the business, carrying forward the passion and commitment that has been the hallmark of the Smith family for decades. “We basically cover from the Auckland Harbour Bridge right up to Cape Reinga,” Geoff says. “We do a lot of work for dairy and beef farmers, but horticulture and lifestyle blocks have become a really big part of the business as well.” The business was founded 70 years ago by Geoff’s father Pat in what was then rural West Auckland. As housing developments spread, the company expanded its focus north, establishing depots in Wellsford and Kerikeri. Today, PG Smith Topdressing employs about 10 staff and operates the Ballance fertiliser store in Helensville. “Helensville is an important base for us,” Maree says. RURAL SERVICES » PG Smith Topdressing Ltd P.G. Smith Ltd. TOPDRESSING Topdressing Orchard Spreading Fertiliser & Lime Helensville 09 420 7079 Wellsford 09 423 8372 Whangarei 09 437 1116 Kaikohe / Kerikeri 09 405 2229 Kaitaia 09 408 6666 Email: of ce@pgsmithltd.co.nz “We’ve got a great team there, led by Iain Young. He’s very talented. He not only manages the Helensville operation but also runs the Ballance store and he’s very good at engineering work. He started out as a driver for us years ago, so he knows the spreading side inside out and also has great relationships with all of our customers.” Geoff himself has been in the business for 45 years, and he’s still very much hands-on, still gets behind the wheel. “I still drive myself and I love it,” he says. “I really enjoy helping out our clients and I’m fortunate to have made a lot of friendships with them over the years. We are a third generation company and we are now working with the third generation on some of our farms.” Unlike other contractors, PG Smith Top- dressing runs solely trucks instead of tractors – mostly four-by-fours and six-by-fours, and many fitted with blower systems. “That’s really important for the hill country we work in,” Geoff says. “Farmers will often request a blower truck, especially on hill country blocks, because it does such a good job.” Northland’s horticulture sector is also a growing focus for PG Smith Topdressing, particularly kiwifruit. The company operates a specialist low-profile spreader designed for orchard work, applying fertiliser, compost, and lime with precision between the vines. “Orchard work has become a big part of what we do,” Maree says. “Geoff and I are based in Kerikeri and he’s flat out with kiwifruit. He’s been involved in that side for more than 20 years now, and it’s really driving forward.” While fertiliser remains the backbone of the business, Geoff is a strong advocate for lime. “Lime is a product that’s been overlooked, but it makes such a difference. It sweetens the soil, helps the grass, and if you’ve got moss in your paddocks, it’s a sure sign you need more lime. Healthy soil means healthy stock.” With strong family involvement, loyal staff, and a reputation built over generations, PG Smith Topdressing is well positioned to keep Northland farms and orchards thriving for many more decades to come.
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