Mike Pennall, a forklift driver for national dairy company Fonterra, has won the New Zealand National Forklift Drivers' Championship.

Mr Pennall was among 450 entrants and was selected as one of 12 finalists who battled for the title in Auckland on November 26 and November 27.

Chief judge Maurice Flood, national forklift instructors' registrar for New Zealand's Occupational Safety & Health Service, which staged the event, said Mr Pennall was the "best of the best".

"Drivers were gruellingly tested over the two days, and the judges had a reducing tolerance for error over each stage. We also used a reach truck this year, which was a wildcard for many drivers," he said.

Mr Pennall won NZ1,000 (USD650), a trophy and a trip for two to the Australian Grand Prix.