Parsons received the award for her song The hardest. The prize rewards unreleased songs by writers from New Zealand and Australia.
The Westport-raised artist was one of ten finalists who performed their songs during the Country Music Honors evening at Gore's SBS St James Theater on Sunday evening.
Gore country artist Nicola Mitchell's song The man who told me was number two.
Vanessa Small, chair of the New Zealand Songwriters' Trust, said Parsons was a meritorious and unique artist.
“Her music is very captivating and so is her voice.”
The other finalists were Mark Casey and Lavina Williams, Jon Collins, Fiona Louise, Chad Robinson and Kate Targett-Adams, Rosie Teese, Karra Rhodes, Barry Saunders and Zac Griffith and co-writer Allan Caswell.
This year there were 159 entries for the award, compared to 88 last year.
“We're extremely happy with that outcome. We've put a lot of effort into social media this year and getting artists to participate,” Small said.
The quality of the entries was high and the caliber of the finalists “better than ever”.
“Really great. The quality of that top part is just amazing.
“I think it just shows the talent in New Zealand and beyond.”
Many entries were received from Australia, including finalist Jon Collins.
“It's amazing that we have this in Gore [festival] and someone from Australia decides to drop by.”