Speedy and accurate service has earned a Tauranga courier the top national prize for Fastway Couriers.

Tauranga Fastway Couriers franchisee Todd Hinton was presented with the award for Courier Franchisee of the Year at an awards dinner in Auckland at the Fastway Couriers' Annual Excellence Awards.

Tauranga Fastway Couriers franchisee Todd Hinton.

Todd was selected from a field of more than 200 courier franchisees from around the country for his outstanding business acumen, customer service, brand advocacy and overall contribution to the community.

"Two years ago, I was chosen as runner up Courier Franchisee of the year,” says Todd.

'I decided there and then that I was going to continue to strive to be the number one courier in New Zealand. It's great to look back and see that all that hard work has paid off.”

Todd's been a Fastway courier nearly 15 years and recently split his run with his wife, Debbie, after experiencing dramatic growth.

"I always thrive on a challenge. If something is too easy, you aren't pushing yourself. Success comes down to hard work, honesty and the support of my fellow franchisees.

"Fastway is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I look forward to continuing to grow my run alongside my wife, with a view to owning my own regional franchise somewhere down the track."

Fastway Couriers New Zealand Executive Officer Jason Windhager says the Courier Franchisee of the Year Award recognises sales growth, team work, attitude, determination and commitment to the Fastway brand.

"Todd continues to be an inspiration for the rest of the Fastway Couriers team. In the past twelve months, he's adhered solidly to Fastway's systems and policies while maintaining consistently high standards of punctuality and service. He's extraordinarily deserving of this accolade," says Jason.

Fastway Couriers started in New Zealand in 1983, and now has 1200 franchisees and 100 regional depots across Australasia, South Africa, Ireland, Northern Ireland.

The franchise remains true to its Kiwi heritage, with both its New Zealand Franchise Support office and Global office based in Hawke's Bay. Through its industry-leading franchise system, the organisation has developed a reputation for providing a fast, friendly and cost-effective service to its customers – an achievement which has seen it receive more than 45 major industry accolades, including the Westpac NZ Franchise Awards 2010/2011 in both the Master Franchisee and Business Services categories.