Father and daughter duo Ron Mitchell, of Gore, and Jenny Mitchell, of Wellington, were runner-up with Daffodils.
New Zealand Songwriters Trust chairman Jeff Rea said about 88 songs were entered in the awards.
"A wee few more than last year [but] the quality of the songs coming in is probably higher."
It was very pleasing established songwriters were entering the awards, Mr Rea said.
However, an unknown songwriter could just as easily write the winning song.
"It is still very much an open playing field for everybody. "
The 10 finalists performed their songs last night.
The three finalists for the 2023 Apra Best Country Music Song also performed their songs before the winner was announced.
Tami Neilson, of Auckland, and Delaney Davidson, of Lyttelton, won with their song called Beyond the Stars, which Neilson performed via video with Willie Nelson.
Find a River, written by Maegan and Nicola Mitchell, both of Gore, and Neilson was second.
Written by Sandy Eggleston
