WIRED Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
Issue 40 December 2015
Issue 23 � September 2011
IN THIS ISSUE: Field Days Review PSA Risk Management Protocol System Stays Profile on McLenaghan Contracting Good v's Bad Northland Basalt
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FCANZ, PO Box 19-389, 3244Lincoln, New Zealand. Ph 0508 4 FCANZ 4 32269) www.fencingcontractors.co.nz FCANZ, PO BoxHamilton, 69 107, 7640 Ph 0508(0508 4 FCANZ (0508 4 32269)
OUTHERE, HERE, IT OUT ITPAYS PAYS OUT HERE, IT PAYS TO BE TOUGH AND WIRY. TO BE TOUGH AND WIRY. TO BE TOUGH AND WIRY. Simon Fuller, Fuller Fencing, Southland.
Fuller, Fuller Fencing, Southland. SimonSimon Fuller, Fuller Fencing, Southland.
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and proven to endure the rigours of livestock and our extreme weather. Look for the label and insist on WIREMARK . It’s as tough
nd proven to endure the rigours of livestock and our extreme weather. Look for the label and insist on WIREMARK®. It’s as to as a local fencer. Call 0800 WIREMARK today. a local fencer. Call 0800 WIREMARK today.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT Welcome to the December edition of Wired.
FCANZ would like to acknowledge the significant financial contribution that WIREMARK makes towards meeting the costs associated with the publication and distribution of WIRED.
Welcome to the December edition of Wired. Well, what a mixed bag of weather the country seems to be having this year. I know for us in the South one day we have a great summer day and the next we are straight back to the guts of winter, the most common factor around the country has been the comment of the wind and certainly one thing no one seems to get used to. Once again most fencers that I have been talking to seem to be busy, but that isn’t the case with other people involved with agriculture with some experiencing sales figures to be back on last year. On a positive note one bank is saying that fencing will be the big spend area in agriculture in the next couple of years. We have had our Association days around the country with good turn outs in all areas and positive feedback about them. We must apologise for a couple of regions missing out this round due to two of Gallagher Territory Managers having accidents
at the Hilux Rural Games in Queenstown at Waitangi weekend. You can read more about this event in this issue of Wired and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there to cheer on the competitors. We believe that having fencing on Sky TV and National media is great exposure for our profession. You will find some valuable reading ahead of you in this edition of Wired, Mike’s been building a bridge, Gallagher talk about earthing and there is something to think about regarding post sizing. I enjoy hearing about what you are doing and we have the first column of Travel tales from Nick Liefting. On behalf of the Board I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Partners and members and wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Simon
A note from the FCANZ Desk!
Sincere thanks to our contributors: Nick Liefting John Noakes Terry Renner Mike Billinghurst Glyn Eason Susan Benson Samuel White
so we hope you guys are on the mend. In the New Year we start organising next year’s days. So if you have ideas what you are wanting from those days please let us know so we can take your ideas on board and get them into those days. As I mentioned in my last report the Board has been looking at options and ways of helping all members to comply with the Health and Safety coming into place next year. It is important to us that everyone involved with the fencing industry get home safe at the end of each day and also that our members comply with regulation. We have also been following up on the training side of things and looks like we are making some progress with this. So if anyone is partly through a National Certificate or would like access to training please contact Jane. We will keep you informed with the outcome of both of these as they come through. FCANZ has again taken on the role of organising the Speed Fencing event
Cover Association Day Putaruru. Photo supplied by Debbie Robertson Fensin Taupo.
Thank you for all of your feedback on the September issue of Wired. This magazine is by fencers for fencers so it is up to you to make sure that the content is what you want to see. If there is something that you don’t agree with or think would be of interest to other fencers please let me know. This issue we are introducing a new Travel section written by Nick Liefting who is keen to share his trips away with all of us. If you are doing an interesting job or have something that you would like to share with other fencers we welcome articles and especially new contributers. A few thank-yous for the final issue of Wired in 2015. Thank you to Scott from Pursuit Design. Scott is responsible for the look and feel of this magazine – he turns our word documents into what you see! A big thank you also to all of our Business Partners for their support and guidance throughout the year. I wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas. Happy Fencing.
Our Mission: To increase the profile of fencing as a recognised profession and encourage a high level of workmanship through knowledge and standards. Phone: 0508 432 269
Disclaimer: WIRED takes all due care in the preparation of this magazine but is not responsible tried or liable for any mistakes or omissions. Articles that appear in WIRED do not necessarily reflect ough the opinions of FCANZ. WIRED welcomes contributions but reserves the right to edit.
WorkSafe spells out its reality
This article was originally printed in the NZ Farmers Weekly With much debate, emotional reaction, myth, misunderstanding and plain mistruths surrounding the introduction of new health and safety laws and their policing in the farming sector, Farmers Weekly asked WorkSafe to provide some clarity.
Myth 1: Health and safety means more paperwork Farming health and safety isn’t about filling in endless forms. In fact, under workplace laws, there are only two documents you are legally required to have: an accident register and list of all the hazardous substances on your farm. Similarly, under the new health and safety laws, you’ll also need to keep a record of what are known as “notifiable events” – incidents that result in fatalities, serious injuries and illnesses. However, you are required to have a system that identifies and manages workplace risks created on the farm. It doesn’t need to be complex. It just needs to clearly identify risks and record steps you have put in place to manage and communicate the. What’s important is thinking about the risks and thinking about what to do about managing those risks – making sure that everyone who needs to know this information does. While you are not legally required to write this down, it will actually save you time in the long run and be easier to communicate to others if you record what you have done. If you need to know where to start, the Safer Farms website www.saferfarms.org.nz is a good place to go. If you don’t have good internet access you can call 0800 030 040 for hard copies of the Safer Farms toolkit. The information includes practical advice on how you can manage the most common hazards. It also has templates you can use when constructing your risk management system. These guides are representative of the standard you’re expected to meet but you are best placed to assess, understand and manage the risks on your farm. This is a statement of what WorkSafe considers to be compliant. If you choose not to follow the guidelines, you’ll need to put steps in place that are at least as effective.
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Myth 2: Farming is inherently dangerous, accidents happen
have been prosecuted for a workplace farm incident. Inspectors want workplaces to be safe.
Yes, dealing with weather extremes, animals and large machinery does carry risks and can be dangerous. But that doesn’t mean all accidents have to happen. Some simple steps can reduce the risk of an accident happening. The secret isn’t any paperwork. It’s in the thinking you do before you start the task. Think about what has to be done, how it is going to be done, when and who is going to do it. If you’ve already done the thinking before you start the task, you will already have the risks and solutions sorted.
During a visit, they will ask you about what steps you have taken to ensure you farm is safe. They ask to see some things that show that this what you are actually doing. You might have a great written maintenance schedule for you vehicles but a bald tyre tells the inspector a lot more. If you have staff, the inspector will want to talk to them about what’s happening to be sure good practices are in place – safety in a folder on a shelf is no substitute for good practice. What happens when something isn’t right? In the first place, there will be a discussion about how things can be improved and probably a written notice to back this up. In a case where something is dangerous, it should be stopped immediately, a prohibition notice can be issued. These actions are designed to help make the workplace safer without imposing penalties. Infringement fines and prosecutions through the courts can happen when farmers fail to comply with these warnings or prohibitions over a period of time or where there is a serious non-compliance or a situation has developed involving the potential for fatalities or very serious harm. After an incident there will be an investigation. In this case, the inspector will look to see what happened and whether it could reasonably have been prevented through good health and safety practices. This means, for example, they could contact your local service agent to check whether a tractor involved in an incident was serviced regularly. If it was, then the investigation is likely to be very different to one where it was in poor condition. If the farmer does not have good health and safety practices in place, the likelihood of prosecution increases.
It’s worth noting a lot of accidents happen during the tasks that performed most. That’s because something might be different, like how tired the person is, how agitated the stock are, how hot or cold or wet it is or how slippery the shed floor is and how fast you are trying to get things done. Think of health and safety risk management like you would financial risk management. Both involve identifying the risks, assessing the options and managing and reviewing them to understand what worked and what could be improved. Ultimately, this process will mean you will have a more efficient, profitable and safe business.
Myth 3: A visit from a WorkSafe inspector or an investigation will always result in a fine or prosecution Only a very small number of visits from inspectors result in a fine and even fewer in prosecution. In fact, over the last two years, on average, only one in 600 visits resulted in a fine. Twice as many people have died on farms as
Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
Myth 4: WorkSafe is trying to ban quads
Quad bikes are a valuable and essential farm tool when used correctly and appropriately. But every day at least two people on farms need medical attention because of quad bikes. They are also a factor in 25% of deaths on farms. WorkSafe and manufacturers both provide guidance for the appropriate use of quad bikes. We encourage farmers to consider whether their quad bike is the right vehicle for the task at hand. It’s easy to lose control of a quad bike if you’re distracted, it’s heavily loaded, you’re towing a heavy weight, or riding over difficult ground. For many farmers quad bikes are the only vehicle they use for light jobs, however, in some circumstances it’s best to use another vehicle. Whether you use a quad bike, tractor or ute, for instance, the requirement to keep people safe in your workplace means you need to choose the right vehicle for the job.
Myth 5: We can’t have kids on the farm anymore Children are a vital component of farming family life and WorkSafe does not want to change that. Farmers are responsible for ensuring other people, including children, are not put at risk from work done on the farm. The known risks on farms are best understood and managed by farmers and this includes risks to children. Farms come with big machines, big animals and big pressures. Children and their parents need to be aware of the risks farms present and work to manage those risks – acknowledging that managing these risks for children is different from managing them for adults. The younger the child, the less risk-averse they are, and the more attention needs to be paid by parents or carers. But many risks can easily be managed by, for example, using vehicles suitable for passengers, fencing artificial ponds, covering pits, or even creating “safe kid zones” in dairy sheds, or working together with neighbours as farmers have always done. That means farming parents can still keep their children safe during busy work times.
Myth 8: Safety is just Myth 6: I’ll have to give Bryan Williams up farming because of National Programmes, Agriculture common sense FCANZ CONFERENCE JULY 2015 If health and safety was really just common the excessive compliance sense, and if common sense was really requirements common, then we would not have the 1
The new legislation will not impose onerous new requirements for farms. It is an extension and strengthening of the existing law, putting the onus on those who can actually influence health and safety decisions. While there is a little bit of work in getting things up and running, once it is in place it should just be part of daily work activity. Given that safety is protecting the most important resource on your farm – you, your family, staff, and visitors – it also makes good business sense.
Myth 7: I’ve been farming for 30 years – I know my way around the farm and don’t need a WorkSafe inspector telling me what to do An inspector’s job isn’t telling you how to farm, but to help you be sure you recognise and manage risks that might cause an injury to you, your family, staff or visitors. Inspectors will engage with you and will be interested in your business – your knowledge and expertise is in farming, ours is in health and safety. Both are important in the workplace.
accident and death rates that we do. Good health and safety needs to be based on more than just common sense and good farmers manage risk by placing the same priority on health and safety as on other production decisions. Our job is to help you make good risk management practice a common event on your farm. Many farmers have indicated they know good health and safety is important but don’t know where to start. We want to help with that. Get started by visiting www.saferfarms.org. nz or calling 0800 030 040 to get a Safer Farms toolkit.
Myth 9: I am responsible for everything contractors do on my farm You need to make sure you understand the risks they bring to your farm, which they should warn you about, and be satisfied they are managing those risks appropriately, which they should tell you about. If they don’t tell you, ask. You are not expected to be an expert in their area, but if you feel their work is being done unsafely, you should stop it until you are satisfied about its safety. You also have a responsibility to warn your contractors about any risks your work poses to them while at work, when you know or should know they are coming on your farm.
Any questions? Have a question about health and safety on your farm? Safer Farms is the programme jointly funded by WorkSafe New Zealand and ACC to help reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in the rural sector.
FIRST FOR FABRICATED TIGHTLOCK
FENCING
TWINLOCK
WHY WOULD YOU FENCE WITH ANYTHING ELSE?
TWISTLOCK
SINCE 1903
really
Does Your Fencing Business
Need a Website?
After looking at the benefits of Facebook last issue, Wired has decided to investigate websites. A website at its basic level tells millions of Internet users: • Who you are, how you began, successes you’ve had, your reputation in the community. • What your company has to offer — products and services. • How to find your location. • The different ways to contact you (phone #’s, email, physical address). • Special offers and upcoming promotions, new additions to products and services. • The Latest NEWS about your company. • What others are saying about you — Client / Customer testimonials. Through a website customers can access information about your business 24 hours a day so your offices do not even need to be open yet you are providing information. Having a comprehensive Internet presence will showcase your goods and services and show potential customers and clients your expertise and personality. A website and blog will also allow you to rank in Google search results when searchers are looking for a fencing contractor. You might think that the process of designing and having a website developed is going to be time and budget consuming, but it actually can be a very simple process if you do your homework and know what you want your site and/or blog to look like.
There are three basic costs: • The development of the site that can range in price from $500 to $2000 typically.
• Hosting the site so your webpage is available through Internet. Hosting costs around $20 to $50 per month. • Registering the domain name or unique web address and the cost is around $50 per year.
It is important to recognize that a website is NOT an advertising investment. A website is a marketing and communication tool that belongs to you. You control it and you can use it continually. Websites reach a customer base that up until now may have remained hidden to you as well giving your current customer base more options to communicate with you. Once you have a website, you can include your web address on all of your advertising, offering potential customers and clients an opportunity to find out more. A website in today’s world is also a stamp of credibility to the public that hasn’t yet met you. The following quote is an excerpt from Small Business Magazine — October Issue 2003. “Customers and other people who come in contact with your business expect to find a reputable businesses on the Web, so don’t risk your credibility by not being present.”
. . . . www
A website usually is rather impersonal — and that’s a good thing. When people use the Internet they want information not a personal relationship. The information will bring them to you. You create the relationship. Only you can determine if your company needs a website. If your business is organized, all of your clients are local, and you have a back-log of customers waiting for fences — and you can handle that service effectively — you may not need a website. A website is a marketing tool that costs you ONE TIME and continues to pay you back. It expands your customer base, enhances your advertising and marketing efforts and gives your business a mark of credibility.
“However, when you consider the continual growth in numbers of Internet users and the growth of companies that are on the Internet, some of which may be your competitors, it could cost you NOT to have a web site”.
Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
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The Importance of Earthing Eight out of ten problems are due to improper earthing. Setting up a good earthing system is often overlooked but it’s a critical part of the electric fence system, as important as the wires and even the Energizer. Without good clean earth stakes in sufficient size and number the ground connection doesn’t work and the shock will not reach the animal.
The 4-3-2-1 rule for earth stakes for permanent fencing 4 metres between earth stakes 3 earth stakes minimum* 2 metres minimum length of stakes in the ground 1 wire connecting all earth stakes to energizer earth terminal * As a rule of thumb, use at least 3 earth stakes or the Energizer Stored Joules rating divided by 5.
All Live Wire System Live Fence Earthing
Eight out of ten problems are due to improper earthing. Location of the earth system
Earthing for drier regions In dry conditions where the ground struggles to conduct enough power to create an effective shock use an Earth Return Wire System. Use both live and earth wires on the fence itself to create the shock when the animal touches them at the same Earth Return. Below is an example of Earth Return permanent fence system for cattle.
Earth Return Wire System Live Fence Earthing
The most effective place for the earth system is in continuously damp, high mineral soil however there are a number of other things to be aware of that may affect the earth: • • • • • •
At least 10m from an electrical or telephone earth (the further away the better) At least 10m from metal pipes carrying domestic or stock water At least 20m from any dairy shed pipework Not connected to, or touching steel or iron clad buildings Protected from machinery and stock damage Away from fertiliser, animal urine and manure (corrosion)
If the earth system has to be some distance from a high powered Energizer the connecting wire must be highly conductive e.g. 250m use aluminium coated wire, 500m use two aluminium coated wires in parallel. For more advice on earthing requirements, such as testing the earth system visit www.gallagher.com or talk to your local Gallagher Territory Manager, 0800 731 500.
www.gallagher.com
Nick Liefting’s
surprise trip to Vanuatu
In July this year, Ngaire and I attended a lovely outdoor wedding in Taupo by the lake, with the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop and fortunately it was a beautiful sunny day. Fortunate also, was that the reception was held inside, as once the sun went down it became quite cool. Now at the reception (yea okay, I’m not the only one that likes food), we were seated at pre-arranged tables with name placing. I ended up sitting beside a total stranger, no not Ngaire, on the other side! Well perhaps I should say, ‘friends I have never met’. As I introduced myself and got talking, it was like we had known each other for years. We started off with small talk, “where was I from”, to which I replied “my mother!” – I thought it was awfully rude that he could have thought I was from somewhere else, particularly since he had only just met me!. Anyway, as we continued talking and discussed what we did for jobs, when I said “I dabble into a bit of fencing”, all of a sudden his eyes lit up. He said, “I need to pick your brains”, to which I replied, “I would you rather do than pick my nose”! As it turned out, this guy, Marty, was going to Vanuatu in a week’s time with five other guys, all from Auckland, to put up a boundary fence, which was all part of the Cyclone Pam restoration
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relief scheme, and also regarded as a missions trip. Marty began asking me a barrage of questions and at one point I even asked if he could make them multi choice at all! I was drawing pictures on serviettes and passing on as much of my hidden talents as one can at a wedding reception. Ngaire, at one stage even said to him that “He does know what he is talking about” which promoted more questions, coming thick and fast. A little while into our discussion, he had to drop his son off at their motel. Half an hour later he returned and told me he had checked my website, and said “you are a bit of a guru” Well, what could a humble man like me say, so I thanked him in a polite way, as those of you who know me, know I am awfully good at that! I then proceeded to ask him questions regarding materials and tools they were taking or had over there. He assured me that a 20 foot container got sent over with all that was required in it. As I continued to ask, I found out they had purchased a post hole borer from Bunnings, to which I replied, “and you paid $445.00 for it”. He was suitably surprised and dismayed when I told him not to use it, return it and get your money back as it would not do what’s required, and told him to take mine as it was far superior. While I had only just
Me and East Auckland Team Cookhouse lean-too roof
met Marty, I knew he was trustworthy and I could work around not having it for a week. He thanked me immensely and began to start treating me like an honourable citizen, like most of you do! As we continued to talk, Marty was starting to realise this fencing project could be in the too hard basket, considering the six man team had no experience in fencing. He asked me would I be prepared to join the team if at all possible. I thought about it for a moment and said “yes, however cannot go on the Saturday when you all go over, as I have a Fencing meeting here in Taupo, and have to be back Friday evening to attend my brothers 50th bash at Kaikohe the next Saturday”. The following day, Marty’s team leader rang me and thanked me for my generous offer (in case many of you don’t realise, with missions trips, or the like, you don’t get paid) and invited me around for dinner the following night to meet the rest of the guys. I asked the team leader, Chris, to send me an email with the list of materials and tools that had already been sent to Vanuatu in the container. It was great meeting “strangers I have never met”. After a while they asked me to speak. I ascertained there and then that no one had any fencing experience.
Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
I proceed to explain that fencing is not ‘rocket science’ and that I have been involved in many working bees for churchs, schools, Habitat for Humanity etc. and as long as one is willing to work hard and learn, it would not be a problem. There was almost an audible sigh of relief! After asking more questions, I ascertained that we needed to clear the fence line and we would be putting up 300m of deer netting fence in sandy ground conditions with coral (I said “is she a local girl”!). I continued to explain that I had not worked in coral before, however, despite this, there was much on the inventory they did not need and some important gear they had not included and that it would take until Wednesday to complete, at which their jaws dropped, in stunned, but pleased surprise. I ended up getting them to send over • 6 chain wire strainers (to strain every second wire and also less weight than clamps) • 2 spades (Strainrite) • Post hole borer and 300mm auger (posts 15O SED) • Root instrument (axe head welded onto end of pipe, great for chopping through roots, but could not take on aircraft as hand luggage – I don’t know why!) • A few more tools of my own I would need
They told me to get the gear to them by Wednesday, bought me a ticket there and then, and I was almost on my way. However, alas, when I checked my passport, I found it had expired! I couldn’t use my current Dutch passport as I would have had to obtain a visa to get back into NZ, so ended up paying an exorbitant fee to renew my Kiwi passport. Inoculations for Hep A and B are normally required, however, doc told me that needed to be done two weeks prior to travelling, so that didn’t happen, but he did give me a prescription for Malaria tablets which I had to continue to take while there and for a month after leaving Vanuatu. Before going to a country I have not visited before, I purchase a Lonely Planet travel book and did a bit of research on Vanuatu. While I have been to nearly every European country, I have never visited a Pacific Island, so was looking forward to this experience. A few handy facts for you:
• Vanuatu has 83 Islands which are all inhabited • The Island of Efate is the most populated with 66 thousand people and is where the capital of Port Vila is, which we were heading to • Total population is 240,000 • It was originally called New Hebrides when under English and French rule • On July 30, 1980 it became independent • In 1969 was the last time a cannibal killing took place (so no worries about this lean mean fencing machine being put on the bbq! – still kept an eye out for the local with a machete though!) • Is one hour behind NZ time • Vatu is the local currency and one NZ dollar equals 73 Vatu
So Vanuatu, here I come, with a lovely 3 hour flight on board Air NZ Airbus A320. I arrived at Bauerfield International Airport to a temperature of 28 degrees and high humidity, so breaking into a sweat was not a problem, even without working. I was escorted by Albea Nalisa, a local, for the 40 minute drive to the work site. Language was not a problem as I chose the English from the three choices spoken, being Bislama, English and French. On site, I met up with my East Auckland buddies who showed me through our accommodation which was a concrete block building with no power, four bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room and a verandah. The ablutions were in another building where we had cold showers and a flush toilet – thank
goodness for no ‘long drop’! We all slept under mosquito nets and remembered to take our Malaria tablets plus apply our insect repellent. We had generator power from 5.00pm to 10.00pm each day, so this was our social time. The site is 4 hectares owned by an Australian Christian organisation called Scripture Union, which have facilities on site to hold Christian camps from various denominations, but unfortunately, most of the buildings and trees were demolished with Cyclone Pam’s 320kph winds earlier in the year. Albea Nalisa is the caretaker on site with his wife and four children and they have their own house. A ten minute walk took us to the beach where there was an abundance of snorkelling and beautiful sunsets available. We proceeded to begin work Monday morning on the 200m boundary line, and all we managed to do that first day was to install the two end assemblies and clear the line which was a major job. In jobs like this, we would normally get a surveyor to install line pegs which will give some indication of the clearing line. No line pegs, just a survey peg at each end. Banana trees had to be transplanted and even a pig pen demolished. No footing wire was available and all round wood was the same – 2.70m x 150 SED – I had to make do! As the end strainers had only a 700mm embedment, my footing system comprised of making a scarf at the bottom of the strainer and placing a foot on top of that, plus a peg each side, then rammed the hole up using the concrete bags supplied. The same applied to the footed line posts. Accommodation 20m from work site
I had the team and local volunteers digging holes (the root instrument was a real asset) and ramming up posts once I showed them what to do. I installed the foots, stays and strained the netting. We also did that first day, part of the next 100m boundary line. On Tuesday when I said to the team, “well it’s early knock off tomorrow” they were surprised. And yes, by 4.00pm on Wednesday afternoon, all the fencing was complete. On Thursday we enjoyed an unexpected relaxing day. We hired a van and drove the approximate 100kms around the Island of Efate, on a beautiful road. We stopped at a restaurant on the other side of the Island for lunch. On Friday I organised the guys to build a lean to on an existing cook house and when Albea drove me to the airport at midday, they were still hard at it. On the way, after questioning Albea while he was dodging the pot holes and broken tarseal (obviously not the main road), I discovered: • The average wage is 30,000 Vatu a
Let’s hope John Key doesn’t go there. So I guess if you have no job and/or you are old, you definitely want to be on talking terms with family! I left on a 1.00pm flight back to Auckland. So that was me for Vanuatu, a very
enjoyable time with a good mixture of time with the locals and as a tourist. Will I go back? Well for me, as I am not so inclined to spend too much time in hot humid countries, probably only to work.
Locals watching in amazement - putting up netting.
Lunch at Bamboo Beach Restaurant
month which equates to NZ$103.00/week • The unemployment rate is only 1.70% • There is no unemployment benefit • There is no old age pension
Next edition travel section – Nick and Ngaire depart the New Zealand winter to spend time in Barcelona with two of their daughters.
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Letters to the editor
Post sizes Dear Wired We wanted to warn other FCANZ members about the variation in post sizes. We have been running a successful fencing business for over 30 years and feel we have a good relationship with all of our suppliers. For this reason we ask that you keep our identity confidential. In March 2015 we completed a fencing job on a lifestyle block where the landowner requested 150mm posts to be used. The job was completed without a hitch, all 180 x 150mm posts were put firmly into the ground, we were paid and everyone was happy – or so it appeared. That was until our Landowner in September 2015 got out his tape measure and measured the diameter at the top of the posts. He found 74 of 180 posts were between 132mm and 140mm and in his opinion outside the specifications that he had requested. He was
Posts 1.8m x 150mm
willing to accept 140mm but not smaller. So there was a problem! The landowner wanted all 74 posts replaced with 150mm posts at the top end that he had measured because that is what he had paid for. We had not discussed with the landowner whether the posts were measured at the small end. And of course some suppliers point the large end and some point the small end. At the risk of disclosing our location, we will not use posts that are pointed at the smaller end because they break in the hard ground. We went back to our retailer as both the post bin and invoice showed 1.8m x 150mm. While the retailer gave us 60 replacement posts and paid us a small rate for driving them in the actual post supplier to the franchise said it was not their problem. The post supplier felt the normal range for
Supplier 1 131-160
Supplier 2 130-160
150mm posts was 130mm to 160mm at the small end. It will cost us approximately $2,000 to redo this job. This really is a warning story for all Fencing Contractors to be very clear about what you are delivering to your clients – a case of too much information is a good thing. The supplier involved has now changed their Invoicing to read 1.8 x 130 – 160mm posts. Obviously it has been a learning curve however it does raise a number of questions. What are you getting when you order posts? We did a small investigation of four local suppliers and the results are on the table below. Our suppliers did not specify anywhere whether they were measuring SED or LED in any of their literature and the advertising that was observed only mentioned 150mm.
Supplier 3
Supplier 4
150-160
145-174
So – a cautionary tale from an experienced contractor who has never had this happen before but will be a clearer about the product we are supplying. Please make your members aware.
response Dear FCANZ Member
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this letter and explain how we grade posts at Permapine. This issue highlights the different grading systems that are used in New Zealand particularly the difference between North and South Island where the posts for this job were obviously supplied. South Island Roundwood suppliers grade posts based on an average sizing on the small end giving a more inconsistent end product. The NZ Roundwood specifications are for minimum small end sizing and this is what we use at Permapine along with a smaller range which gives us a more consistent end product. To see how this translates in the field we can look at the most popular post in the South Island, a 1.8m no.1 round. The NZ Roundwood specification for a no.1 round is 115-140mm so for Permapine the smallest measurement on the smallest end or anywhere along the post should not be under 115mm or exceed 140mm – a variation of 25mm between the smallest posts and the largest posts in the bundle. This results in a good consistent line of posts – refer to photos 2 & 3. The equivalent post in the South Island is referred to as a medium post or 150mm post
14
however using average size there will be a range of approximately 130-160mm. From what we understand of average grading, a post could on the small end measure 120mm in one direction and 140mm in the other direction and it would have an average small end face size of 130mm so will be in the range of a 150mm post. At the other end of the spectrum you may have a post in the same bundle that has a measurement of 150mm on the smallest face of the small end in one direction and 170mm in the other direction giving an average of 160mm. Now you have two posts in the same bundle, one has a minimum measurement of 120mm the other 170mm, they both fall within the spec for a 150mm post however they have a 50mm difference in diameter. This is twice the variance you get with our grading on the 115-140mm post referred to earlier.
The different grading methods used result in considerable inconsistencies that create frustration with fencers down South and this is feedback that we hear a lot. Regards, Glyn Eason, Sales Manager, Permapine
example of average sizing small end
Another key factor to consider is in the South island a strainer which is 160-180mm is called a 180mm strainer and a strainer that is 180-200mm will be called a 200mm strainer. The client may expect all of the strainers to be over that stated measurement but in reality this is the maximum any of the strainers will be. I think this is the scenario that your fencer who has written the letter has experienced as the client expected that a 150mm post would mean that all of the posts would have a minimum diameter of 150mm but that would be the maximum of the range not the minimum.
Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
Consistent line of posts
response Dear Wired Thank you for the opportunity to comment on how we describe and grade our posts at Hautapu Pine.
Quarter, this means that all of the posts will have a smallest face measurement of between 100-124mm.
As with most (perhaps all) producers in the North Island we refer to our sizes as No.1, No.2, No.3 and No.4. However, we clearly state on our pricelist, invoices, and any promotional material the measurement range for each size. For example, on our invoices, our No.1 Quarter is described as:
I believe with our methods of grading and describing our products there can be no confusion or cause for complaint from customers.
1.8m No.1 Quarter 100-124mm H4 The range indicates the size of the smallest measurement on the post. For a No.1
Bundles of posts
We measure our posts conservatively, always measuring the smallest point:
Regards Susan Benson Managing Director
Rounds and Strainers
Measurement is taken of the shortest diameter on the small end of the post.
Rounds and Strainers
Measurement is taken on the shortest face at the smallest end or narrowest point along the post.
Rounds and Strainers
Measurement is taken on the shortest face at the smallest end or narrowest point along the post. Both the face size and the thickness determine the size category.
Letters to the editor
Vetting of articles by Nick Liefting
Now I am not one to generally portray negativism towards articles in the Wired Magazine, however, I could not believe the one I saw in the September issue, No.39, submitted by Malcolm Webster. I know Malcolm well, he is a good friend of mine, and he certainly has some good ideas which are created by his inventive character, and yes every industry needs people like Malcolm. His two page article on page 10 and 11 could have been compressed down to one page. There are some good ideas, particularly with running deer netting under the post driver cable and having the wire wrapper drill tool (although crimping has really superseded that item). But I need to tell you, Wired Editor, about driving post staples home and
installing wriggles in the line wires. I can go on and on about the disadvantages of these practices, but I won’t because I am sure we all know. My issue here is – now Malcolm is a well-respected fencer and has judged the Golden Pliers and has also been on the FCANZ committee. People can see this practice being carried out by Malcolm and think to themselves that this must be the way to do it. What practices Malcolm carries out on his own patch is totally up to him, as long as his clients are happy, and I am sure they are. I have seen articles from time to time which have been verging on whether they should indeed have been printed, and I thought it is time I spoke up. Does some credible person check the articles submitted? Or is
the Wired short of material? Perhaps this is a very important area to be discussed, maybe at your next committee meeting. As a side note, I will forward an article for every Wired, in the new section called, “Travel Section”, as most of you know I have done and still do, travel the world extensively, which will help to fill up the pages as well.
the Wired desk that are not accepted because they do not uphold the values of FCANZ of promoting best practice fencing at all times. However, as a Board we are also challenged to ensure that new ideas are presented to members, as without these innovation may be stifled. You can be assured that the whole Board checks all articles that are submitted for Wired to ensure their suitability for publication.
On a final note – thank you very much for committing to providing a ‘Travel Section’. There is always plenty of things happening in the industry and while there is no shortage of articles it is great to have our members providing us with what they want to see in their magazine. Kind Regards
Response from Wired Dear Nick Thank you very much for your letter. The Board has had a lot of feedback on the article that was submitted by Malcolm. It was not printed originally in the June issue of Wired for the very reasons that you highlight in your letter. However, following a discussion with all attending members about it at the Conference in Nelson it was published in September. From time to time articles do come across
Jane
How to do Netting Fences This following information is sourced from the Master Fencer Way and may help you in handling and tensioning fabricated netting.
Tensioning (Short Strains)
• The fabricated netting should be erected with the ‘smooth’ side of the netting to the face side of the fence. The smooth side of the fabricated netting is indicated by where the stay-locks are finished at the bottom of each line wire. The tail of the stay-lock wraps are away from the smooth side of the fabricated netting. The small rectangles should be near ground level.
When tensioning, pull the tension curves to half their original size. A correctly tensioned fence will perform better (than a partially tensioned fence) when subjected to shock loadings.
Tensioning (Long Strains) How to do netting fences.docx
• Tie off the fabricated netting to each end assembly and using two straining clamps, tension towards the centre. The fence should then be joined (centre straining) and the straining clamps released
Centre Straining
• Pass the ends of the line wires over each other until the stay wires abut (touch each other), then twist each line wire around its opposite line wire with a minimum of six wraps. Centre straining can also be done using manufactured joining devices.
Straining in dips and gullies
In dips and gullies the tension on the fence is often too great for it to be pulled down by weight alone. A pull-down tool should be used in these situations. • A chain is attached to the bottom of the footed post (at ground level) • The pull-down tool is placed on the fence above the footed post on the off wire side. • Using a straining device attached to the pull-down tool, put the tension onto the chain and pull the fence in position. • Staple fence to post and release pull-down tool. • Always use pull-down tool with care. Misuse can lead to injury (i.e. if tension on fence is suddenly lost and fence springs up under tension).
Recommended Tension
If the ‘tension curves’ are deformed to half their manufactured size each line wire of the fabricated netting will be at an approximate tension of between 1.1kN and 1.5 KN.
Tying Off
The fabricated netting should be fixed to the end assemblies using locking tie-offs (see Fig 1). To enable this tie-off to be used, one of the vertical stays should be removed from the line wires of the netting to give sufficient length of clear line wire. Locking wires are to have 1 to 2 finishing wraps. Locking tie-offs are to be vertically in line and positioned at 1/5th of the strain 27/11/15 5:11 PM posts diameter in from the wire side. The locking tie-off is to be between 20mm and 40mm from the strain post. This is defined as the shortest distance between the post and where the line wire is first crossed to form the knot.
Intermediate posts
• Each line wire of the fabricated netting should be fixed to the post for maximum strength and life of the netting. All fabricated netting line wires were fixed to posts.
Figure 1: Wire placement
• All wires are to be correctly placed and spaced around the end assembly
14
Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
The Bridge to Somewhere...
In October 2014 we sold the farm and downsized to a 36 acre lifestyle block in three titles. When purchasing this property we knew we would have to create some direct access from the two 10 acre titles on one side of the swampy creek that meanders through the property to the higher 15 acre title where buildings/sheds and yards would eventually be erected. I had to find a point to build the bridge – there were several areas that had access from the lower side but the issue we had was that the creek was about 10 metres wide at least and had very soft approaches from both sides of the creek. The only area where the span was about the required 8 metres could work but the approach from the top side would have a very steep gradient. Initially just to get access, this wasn’t really a problem but we did have trouble getting the Quad bike and tractor up the hill after any rain. I started by finding a height above the creek that I wanted the underside of the bridge to finish at and rammed poles for the abutment to that height. The first poles I put in were 4.2 m and went in far too easily so I went to 5.4 m poles and these were put in 600 mm centres along the 2.5 m bridge width and went out to 1200 mm across the rest of the abutment. On the steep side of the approach I had to make a long retaining wall due to the track coming off the hill needing somewhere Decision made, the bridge is going over here!! to run out. The retaining wall here was
of 9 tonne at 10 m clear span. This price compared favourably to the other bridges that I looked at, pre-stressed concrete or timber poles. I made the deck 3 m wide to make use of the 6m lengths of 200 x 100 deck timber. This was nailed to the 200 x 75 runners which were bolted to the bridge frame. 175 x 7.5 mm bridge spikes were used to nail the deck down. All the 7 mm holes were pre-drilled for these but it was still hell on the elbows and wrist. Every 7th length of decking was longer to take the supports for the sides. Approach fencing and yards are still to be completed, but as it is the cattle go over the bridge well, with little or no pressure, that money might get put to better use on some drainage on the bottom flats during the spring. It has been over six months since completion now and we have reduced the gradient of the top track to make it easier for stock and vehicles, and have started placing some crushed rock on the tracks for better allweather access Included is a photo of the bridge looking like a “bridge to nowhere” as a result of the recent Manawatu floods, I am pleased that the abutments held up well when it was put to the test.
between 1 and 1.5 m high and then had the creek cleanings packed along the back side of it. Poles went from 5.4 m at the bridge to 3.6 m at the end. On the other side of the creek once I had found level and got the desired square sorted out, I started with the front poles again. Pretty tricky using 5.4 m poles by yourself when you are standing in mud up to your knees believe me! This side had a higher retaining wall so I used 4.5mm wire tie backs to posts driven into solid ground under the approach ramp. Once all the H4 timber was on and I had packed river run and fill against the retaining wall, I built the concrete abutments, 2.5 m square, 300 mm deep with reinforcing mesh. I had the concrete pumped over the creek as the trucks had no access from the top side due to the steep track. Looking back I should have had some poles put in under this to hold it in place as the whole lot has sunk about 6 – 8 mm over the last six months which was only evident as I had not dyna-bolted the steel runners into the concrete due to having the top approach ramps retained against the bridge deck. Gordon McPhee, an engineer at Rata has a good name for doing bridges and already had an engineered design drawn for this size and span. The steel work cost less than 10 K for a 12 m x 2.1 m frame with a load rating
Concrete abutments
Side one rammed and ready for timber.
Concrete abutments
Concrete abutments
Bridge frame in place ready for decking.
Bridge frame in place ready for decking.
Side one rammed and ready for timber.
Difficult access to start the retaining wall.
Finished, and Tractor proof, crushed rotten rock on the approaches. The deck is 3 metres off water level.
The beauty of my Revolution, lifting Decking nailed to the runners. the poles into place.
Difficult access to start the retaining wall.
Finished, and Tractor proof, crushed rotten rock on the approaches. The deck is 3 metres
The beauty of my Revolution, lifting the poles into place.
Bridge frame in place ready for decking.
Side one back filled, ready for boxing.
Decking nailed to the runners.
Decking nailed to the runners.
Pre-drilled, ready for the apprentices.
Pre‐drilled, ready for the apprentices.
I hadFinished, and Tractor proof, crushed rotten rock on the approaches. The deck is 3 metres off water level. a few concerns when I saw this, but everything held together brilliantly.
Tie backs to “ Dead men” driven into solid ground I had a few concerns when I saw this, but everything held together brilliantly.
Hilux New Zealand Rural Games 2016 “ The need for Speed!” NZ Speed Fencing Championship is co-founded by FCANZ and Fairbrother Industries and presented in association with Wiremark and Kinghitter Postdrivers.
The Hilux New Zealand Rural Games return to Queenstown over Waitangi weekend with a two-day programme of traditional country sports and live entertainment. This year, entry is completely free making it easier for people to drop by and watch the mix of fast-paced national championships for ‘pro’ sports like sheep shearing, wood chopping and coal shovelling and open, have-a-go events including gumboot throwing, wine barrel racing and gold panning. Games organisers have worked with rural sports associations and industry bodies including FCANZ to develop exciting new competitive formats, many of them, like fencing, based on speed to maximise excitement and entertainment value for spectators.
The inaugural event last February attracted a good crowd. The action was noisy, fast and furious with Matt Jones (Kapiti Coast) taking the title from Tony White (Papakura) and Nick Leifting (Pukekohe). FCANZ Vice President Mike Billinghurst penned a great review in the March 2015 issue of Wired. As he wrote at the time: “To get our industry and our event onto prime time news and to have a good share of the hour highlights package [on SKY Sports] is priceless.” And so we look forward to the 2016 NZ Speed Fencing Championship co-founded by FCANZ and Fairbrother Industries and presented in association with Wiremark and Kinghitter Post Drivers – quite a mouthful but it reflects the efforts of those concerned in getting this new
format off (or should that be into?) the ground and their continuing support. Mike says the format for this year will be very similar with a few tweaks based on everyone’s experience last time. There’ll be two heats each with five competitors boring a strainer hole to height and plumb, then a semi-final of five boring a strainer and placing a block in front. The top three then complete some wire work, boring two posts and putting in a mortised stay and stay block, all against the clock! “We have a very strong field this year and several competitors are capable of winning. Some have been in training and are taking it very seriously, whilst others are just enjoying the trip south to get in some hunting while down here!” says Mike.
The aim is to compliment existing competitions like the Golden Shears and Golden Pliers, bringing them all together in a family friendly weekend and presenting these ‘sports that built the nation’ to a wider audience that might not otherwise be exposed to the joys of traditional rural competitions. The NZ Speed Fencing Championship definitely fits in the ‘pro’ category – no one is about to let your average Queenstown backpacker loose with a borer and a chainsaw!
18
Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
Among those aiming to take the title off Matt Jones will be reigning Golden Pliers holder and NZFC Chairman, Tim Stafford from Marton alongside Hilux NZ Rural Games returnees Tony White, 2015 Bill Schuler Trophy winner Mike Billinghurst from Feilding and Southland’s Donald Cornwall. Donald made the semi-final last time but had to pull out with a knee sprain. Regular NZFC competitors Jason Van Beers and Jack Richardson will be looking to remind Queenstowners where Whakamaru is on the map. Jack was a 2015 Bill Schuler finalist and sub-contracts to Jason who won that title in 2013.
Richard Broughton, chief judge of the National Fencing Championships, returns to ensure quality isn’t sacrificed to speed. So start planning your Waitangi holiday weekend in beautiful Queenstown. The Hilux New Zealand Rural Games take place Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February with the NZ Speed Fencing Championship on Sunday morning. Entry is free on both days.
There’ll be special appearances from the likes of former All Blacks Justin Marshall and Marc Ellis and special contests for the under-12s in Jetstar Kids ‘n Country. If you’re there on Saturday, don’t miss live music from country pop sensation Jody Direen and the ‘Running of the Wools’ – more than 400 locally bred merino sheep herding through central Queenstown!
Tom Dingle, who works with Tony White, and Jamie Graham from the Kapiti Coast will be out to impress in only their second year as competitive fencers while the dark horse is definitely Nick Terry, a ‘first timer’ out of Waikouaiti.
You can find out more about the Hilux New Zealand Rural Games at ruralgames.co.nz and watch the SKY Sports clip of the 2015 speed fencing competition on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xvMj4zRN9Fo
A great family weekend of traditional sports and live entertainment plus the ‘Running of the Wools’
f enr treye!
of the
&MORE HEAPS
RGN 15925
wools
Jeff Wilson - All Black to ‘Coal Black’
QUEENSTOWN RECREATION GROUND WAITANGI WEEKEND 6–7 FEBRUARY 2016
ruralgames.co.nz
FROM THE TOP OF
THE SOUTH Hi all fellow Fencers and Partners, where has the year gone? Seems like it has been in top gear. I know the ground has been hard and dry in our area but we have had a bit of rain over night which is always welcome for us coming into summer. The days have been increasing in degrees and there seems to be a lot more tourists on the road a lot earlier than normal, so be careful out there, you never know what they are going to do next – stop in the middle of the road ‘lets take a photo of this’ good on you! We don’t have three lane roads to dodge you. The FCANZ Gallagher Association Days have been a great success throughout the country, with a lot of our other Partners taking part as well, which adds another dimension to the practical side of electrics and all fencing techniques, products and attention to detail. After all ‘setting standards’ is what we are all about and showcasing our industry. The Association Days we had in Motueka and Blenheim attracted 42 people and I have had great feedback with two of the guys off a station totally changing the way they do their electrics. A good example
by John Noakes
of education and knowledge leading to more power, a win/win situation. Flying the flag for Wiremark NZ Made is good for educating people on products and why they should use the right wire for the job at hand, footing, electrics, underground cable etc. Brendon of Waratah did an excellent job of showcasing their products and why the galvanised JIO Waratahs are here to stay at long last. Remember you get what you pay for. Cyclone products were used for the display, Stockade makes fencing and Warren showcased a practical display with the latest staplers and product addon. Lawrence from Steel & Tube Hurricane outlined some of their range of products from snig chains to the bugle screws for timber and wire products. Stihl showcased some of their products including the battery operated chainsaw, ideal for timber work. I think with having different partners eg Farmlands at these days has really paid off, even non FCANZ members , as it shows what we are all about and we will gain more members. Next on our FCANZ Calendar will be the Rural Games in Queenstown, 1st weekend
in February. So if you are down there on holiday or whatever, make sure you catch up, it’s a pretty awesome weekend showing everything rural and of course speed fencing. Waimumu Fieldays just out of Gore, 10th – 12th February 2016, a bi-annual event which is well worth attending, great location, good atmosphere, easy to get around. I’ll be down there doing demos and catching up with our FCANZ members and Partners. I hear there could be fencing competitions as well. Central Districts Fielddays 17th – 19th March 2016. Hopefully we will see you at some of these events and don’t forget Conference in Rotorua 29th – 31st July 2016. Remember to step back from the coal face over the festive season, recalibrate the mind, have some time out. I have to dash about to take part in another ‘Noksees Famous Stewart Island Tour’ with some fellow fencers from the north and others. Giving them a good time not a long time. All the best for the festive season, stay safe, look after each other. See you in 2016. Cheers Noksee
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Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
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The real deal in
Fencing The term ‘waratah’ is the widely accepted name for steel fence posts in New Zealand, but according to Waratah, the iconic Australian fencing brand (from where the nickname derived) if a steel fence post doesn’t have ‘Waratah’ stamped on it, it’s not the real deal. The Waratah brand has been around for over 130 years and was previously sold in New Zealand via the old BHP black tar posts. After a hiatus from the New Zealand market, Waratah returned in late 2013 with a fresh take on fence posts. Interest in the Waratah Jio® posts has been on a steady rise ever since Waratah’s return to New Zealand and Waratah New Zealand Sales Manager Brendon Crequer believes this could be attributed to a shift in attitude towards cheaper, imported alternatives that emerged in Waratah’s absence years ago. “There’s a huge gap in quality. You put up a fence expecting that there will be an amount of light maintenance over its lifespan, but what farmers found was that the inferior quality of imported posts meant a significant increase in maintenance required for their fences and in some cases, the fences required
replacement after a relatively short amount of time,” he said. The new Waratah Jio range of posts has some notable differences from the old BHP black tar post. For starters, the black tar has been replaced by a hot-dipped galvanised coating which offers superior corrosion protection. Waratah also offer two fence posts – a standard ‘waratah’ called Jio Star® and a bigger ‘waratah’ called Jio MaxY®. The Jio Star is a standard Y profile post, whereas the Jio MaxY post is twice the size and serves as a timber intermediate post alternative, where additional strength or ground holding is required. “Waratah’s posts are designed for superior performance in three key areas: strength, ductility (which improves the ability to be re-straightened after impact), and triple the amount of holes, giving both design flexibility and better wire alignment options” said Mr Crequer. “Combine that with Waratah’s superior grade-specific steel and the exceptional corrosion protection from the hot-dipped gal coating and you have a post that performs a cut above the rest.”
Mr Crequer added that the posts can also be installed quickly and simply, without the need for heavy machinery and additional labour, which is a key benefit for those farmers with properties with steep or challenging country that prove impossible to navigate with tractors. Wire attachment is also made quick and easy with the use of the Jio post clips. “Without the need for heavy machinery or additional labour, the job becomes significantly easier and much less time consuming. It’s a big plus for farmers and fencing contractors alike!” “Our range of products shows a level of technology and innovation that New Zealand farmers and contractors have not seen in the fencing category before. Remember; be sure to look out for the branded “Waratah” on every post so you know you are getting the real deal!” For more information on Waratah products, visit www.waratahfencing.co.nz or call Brendon Crequer on 021-393-010.
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To view the full range and register your interest in Waratah products visit www.waratahfencing.co.nz Place an order at your local Farmlands or PGG Wrightson outlet today, or call 0508 WARATAH (0508 927 2824) ™Registered trademark of OneSteel Wire Pty Limited, Ingall Street, Mayfield, NSW 2304, Australia. ABN 59 000 010 873. TS2754
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ASSOCIATION DAYS 2015
2015 saw FCANZ alongside Gallaghers run five Association Days from Putaruru in the North to Winton in the South. The goal of these days is give FCANZ members the opportunity to learn and share knowledge with one another alongside some key business partners. Gallaghers hosted these days on our behalf and were instrumental in planning the days along with organising the venues, food and actual content. Thank you Gallaghers! We
Ashburton
Putaruru
have had really positive feedback on all five days from members in all regions. Attendance at these days was varied ranging from 16 to 40 people and the content varied also depending on the region. The focus this year was on a more practical hands on session and problem solving in the field. Warren showed us the new 315i impulse stapler, with its main use being for the fence battens. The larger ST400 post stapler was
also shown, with its main use being for deer netting or post staples. Both tools were well received. Thank you very much to all of our presenters from Gallaghers, Paslode, Waratah and Steel & Tube. A big thank-you must also go to the local FCANZ Board member for each region for facilitating the day and ensuring that it ran smoothly.
ASSOCIATION DAYS 2015 From a Contractors Perspective By Terry Renner, Renner Contracting Limited, Seddon
Our local Association Day was held at David and Jo Grigg’s Tempello Farm in the Brancott Valley, just out of Blenheim. It was a good day put together by our local Gallagher Territory Manager Ken McMiken and FCANZ Board Member John Noakes, along with Brendon Crequer of Waratah and Warren Herlihy of Paslode.
Ken from Gallagher covered everything, starting with setting up an electric fence unit correctly. A lot of people there didn’t realise how important the earth is to running the fence. There was a good discussion on the size of units and the best ones for the jobs. The importance of the lead-out wire surprised a few people. Ken also covered security system that Gallagher are marketing. At the end of his talk Ken reminded us that Gallagher Territory Managers are there to support Fencing Contractors and are always willing to help both with problem solving and set up of new systems.
These days are a great opportunity to see what these Companies have available to Contractors as not everything they have is available in our merchandise stores. On a similar note not all of Waratah product is available in New Zealand and if you have a tricky project Brendan may be able to source a solution from Australia for you. Warren from Paslode was his usual chirpy self, showed us his product and explained the advantages. John covered the importance of standards and communication. A good reminder that you are only as good as your last job so make sure that you are consistently fencing well and that your staff if you have them, are too. Communication is crucial in any business and ours is no different. If you can’t do the job for three months tell the client and if you say you will turn up on Tuesday make sure you do. John also spoke about the importance of supporting FCANZ sponsors.
Waratah was up next and Brendon showed all of his product, and costings of new products.
Winton
Manawatu
24
There was a good turnout on the day. It was great to see two Farmlands men that work in the Blenheim store attend the day and they found it very interesting and enjoyed it too. A local farmer, Frazer Avery, sent two employees along, and I know he would have got new ideas thrown at him. Frazer rang me a few days later to thank us and let me know how much they enjoyed it. Six of our gang turned up from Renner Contracting and found it was a great day. It’s like you can tell someone the way it should be done, and when the rep shows them, they say the boss wants it that way!!! I find I learn something from the day, and the ones that don’t come, are the losers. Great feed at the end of the day. Well done John and Ken. A big thanks to David and Jo Grigg, from Tempello. Keep it up Gallagher. Regards Terry Renner
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Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
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NZFC South Island Doubles Fencing competition at Southern Field Days February 12th 2015
Following on from last year’s South Island fencing competition at SIAFD, Kirwee, Canterbury NZFC is pushing forward with its commitment to organising national level fencing competitions in the South Island, with a fencing competition at the Southern Field Days in Waimumu, Southland February 12th 2015. The NZFC South Island Doubles Fencing competition at the Southern Field Days will be a two man team event . Last year fencing crews were well represented and branded up to help promote their businesses. A PA system commentating on the competition and the competitors is used to highlight both the fencing componentry and the competitors’ details. Following on from last year’s strong entry contingent from the Canterbury region it will be interesting to see if last year’s competitors have enough of a taste to travel South.
….
Results from our recent competitions
Waverley 2015 Team
Score
1st
Shane Bouskill & Tony Bouskill
38.91
2nd
Jeff Joines & Mark Lambert
51.79
3rd
Wayne Newdick & John Steedman
61.45
4th
Tim Stafford & Nathan Bradley
68.15
5th
Stephen Hooper & Maurice Kissick
85.74
6th
Matt Jones & Brody Channings
89.37
7th
Mike Billinghurst & Craig Shortall
92.64
8th
Jason Van Beers & Jack Richardson
115.72
9th
Wilton Weeks & Bernard Condon-Orr
119.31
10
Paul Quarrie & Ben Taylor
204.98
Place
Our next competition is at Taumarunui on February 13th 2016. Email newdickwk@xtra.co.nz to be sent a entry form if you currently do not receive them
Thanks to our Waverley Sponsors for their generosity…..
Check out the NZ Fencing Competitions website and Facebook page for more photos and videos
Continued from previous page There are 10 lines available and the winner’s first prize is an all expenses paid trip to compete in the National Championships competition at Fieldays or $1,000.00 prize money if the trip prize is not taken up. For further details and an entry form please contact Debbie White 09 2928064 email: TDWKKC@xtra.co.nz or look at the New Zealand Fencing Competitions website nzfencingcompetitions.co.nz
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Results from our recent competitions
es Bay Sponsors: NZFC would like to thank our Hawk Show, Tumu Timber, Stihl, Hawkes Bay Revolution Postdrivers, Strainrite, Neu Genz Battenz
Hawkes Bay 2015 Place
Team
Score
1st
Matt Jones & Tim Stafford
51.75
2nd
Shane Bouskill and Tony Bouskill
55.85
3rd
Jason Van Beers & Jack Richardson
74.35
4th
Wayne Newdick & John Steedman
89.37
5th
Mike Billinghurst & Craig Shortall
94.3
6th
Ken Channings & Brody Channings
106.43
7th
Jeff Joines & Tom Ottoway
111.36
8th
Tony White & Tom Dingle
132.13
9th
Jamie Graham & Sam Burton
137.28
10
Wilton Weeks & Bernard Condon-Orr
163.83
11
Paul Quarrie & Ben Taylor
248.31
Full photos and videos from our competitions are up on our website
www.nzfencingcompetitions.co.nz
Also, check out our Facebook page NZ Fencing Competitions
FCANZ Accredited Fencers The Accredited Fencing contractor qualification is about more than just the quality of your fencing – it is an opportunity to ensure that you put some focus onto your business and the systems that you have in place. The criteria to becoming an Accredited Contractor is fairly simple: • You need a minimum of L3 NZQA National Certificate in fencing • Evidence of three years in business • Three client testimonials • You need to hold employment contracts for your staff • A minimum of $1 million public liability insurance • A current First Aid Certificate • A signed working Health & Safety policy specific to you business • A signed declaration to say you have a high regard for H&S and Employment If you are interested you can contact the FCANZ office – operations@fencingcontractors.co.nz Or have chat with Mike Billinghurst 0272 695 662 or glentuifencing@xtra.co.nz
Barakat Contractors Ltd (Te Kauwhata)
Dale & Raewyn Barakat 07 826 4461 027 473 5513 dale@barakatcontractors.co.nz www.barakatcontractors.co.nz
CPC Fencing Ltd (Northland)
Phil Cornelius 09 4332644 027 274 4188 cpc.fencing@yahoo.co.nz
Ben Haugh Contracting Ltd (Geraldine) Ben Haugh 03 693 8088 021 523 291 benhaughfencing@farmside.co.nz
Craig Sergeant Fencing (Waipukurau) Craig Sargeant 06 858 9759 027 243 7334 sargey@xtra.co.nz
Custom Fencing Ltd.
Fencetec 2015 Ltd
Waikouaiti Nick Terry 03 465 7212 021 614 100 nickterryfencing@xtra.co.nz
Steve Daley 027 2497852 stevendaley@xtra.co.nz
Central Fencing (Canterbury) Nigel Broadbridge 021 433 623 nigel@centralfencing.co.nz www.centralfencing.co.nz
Ewing Fencing Contractors (Oamaru) Mark Ewing 03 431 3864 027 498 4049 mark@ewingfencing.co.nz
GOLDEN PLIERS BOOK Yes you heard it right! Nick Liefting, after his retirement from 40 years of competitive fencing, has decided to put pen to paper. As he says, “When most good sportsmen retire, this is exactly what they do”. The book will be a glossy upmarket bound A4 size with plenty of photographs in its 20 chapters and will be launched at the Golden Pliers prize giving 2016.
28
Most of the raw material has been collected, and I appreciate those of you who have given me the time to work with you, in collecting it. Some of the chapters have already been written up and are about to be edited, including artwork and design.
Orders can be placed with Nick on 0274941846 or email to nickliefting@xtra.co.nz. I will let you in on a secret here – this will be a must for every Fencer, fencers extended family, farmers, fencing suppliers, lifestyle block owners, etc., etc., etc.
I, Nick Liefting, am now taking orders for this valuable manuscript, although I have not yet finalised the price, however, will have that by next wired magazine.
Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
FCANZ Accredited Fencers Glentui Fencing (Feilding)
Grant Macdonald Fencing Service
Mike Billinghurst 06 323 6466 0272 695 662 glentuifencing@xtra.co.nz www.glentuifencing.co.nz
(Tauranga) Grant Macdonald 07 543 3486 027 494 2251 grantmacdonald@mclarenfalls.co.nz
Greg Burton Fencing (Cambridge) Greg Burton 07 827 8765 027 427 8765 mazgreg@xtra.co.nz
Higgins Fencing Contractors (Wakefield)
Gregg Holmes Contracting (Papakura) Gregg Holmes 027 440 4247 gregghomes1@gmail.com
High Country Fencing Ltd (Darfield)
Grant Scott Fencing Ltd (Te Awamutu) Grant Scott 07 870 6541 g.scottfencing@gmail.com
Ground Up Services Ltd (Katikati) Darryn Astill 07 552 0238 027 586 9227 darryn@groundupservices.co.nz www.groundupservices.co.nz
Geoff Rogers 03 317 8028 021 640 748 info@highcountryfencing.co.nz www.highcountryfencing.co.nz
Horton Contracting Ltd(New Plymouth) Clayton & Sue Horton 06 758 2217 021 710 712 info@groundupsolutions.co.nz www.groundupsolutions.co.nz
Jeff Joines Fencing Contractor Ltd
John Baldock Fencing Ltd (Katikati)
Lake Contracting (Omakau)
(Raumati South) Jeff Joines 04 905 1013 027 484 4481 jeffjoinesfencing@gmail.com
John Baldock 07 552 0763 021 176 4719 john@johnbaldockfencing.co.nz www.johnbaldockfencing.co.nz
Ken Lake 03 447 4031 027 224 0302 kenthomaslake@icloud.com Meersbrooke Fencing
Meersbrooke Fencing
Phillips Contracting BOP Ltd (Edgecombe)
Neil & Raymond Roberston (Fensin)(Taupo)
Philip Higgins 03 541 9292 021 222 5033 info@higginsfencing.co.nz www.higginsfencing.co.nz
(Palmerston North) Alan Rennie 027 450 6420 meersbrooke@hotmail.com
Phillips Contracting BOP Ltd, Edgecumbe Josh Phillips 07 304 8443 027 587 3551
Josh Phillips 07 304 8443 027 587 3551 phillipscontracting@xtra.co.nz
Neil & Raymond Robertson 07 825 5747 027 474 6335 robertson.nd@xtra.co.nz
Quality Fencing (Gisborne)
Renner Contracting Ltd (Seddon)
Graeme Bayly 06 862 5771 027 447 8303 bayly12@clear.net.nz
phillipscontracting@xtra.co.nz
Samuel Fencing Ltd (Alexandra)
Steve Locke Fencing Ltd (Blenheim)
Mike Samuel 03 448 6949 0275 2454090 mikesamuel@xtra.co.nz
Steve Locke 03 578 1927 021 37 1971 steve@stevelockefencing.co.nz www.stevelockefencing.co.nz
West Otago Fencing Ltd (Tapanui)
White Fencing Ltd (Papakura)
Grant & Wendy Harris 03 204 8285 0272 866 576 harris29@xtra.co.nz
Tony White 09 292 8064 027 495 7868 admin@whitefencing.co.nz www.whitefencing.co.nz
Mike & Brad Renner 03 577 6615 021 416 798 rennerfencing@hotmail.com www.rennerfencing.co.nz
Steve Williamson Fencing (Timaru) Steve Williamson 03 686 4779 027 455 3385 shwilliamson@actrix.co.nz
Wilson Fencing (Havelock North) Brendon Wilson 06 877 9844 027 657 4588 b.m.wilson@xtra.co.nz
FCANZ board members Simon Fuller President 021 376 805
fullerfencing@ihug.co.nz
Mike Billinghurst 06 323 6466 0272 695 662 glentuifencing@xtra.co.nz
John Noakes 03 528 6388 027 446 4413
noakesjc@gmail.com
Paul Fitzsimmons
Brad Joines
Jane Butterick
03 374 3510 027 432 9381
027 4955 693 04 905 1013
Business Development Manager 027 432 2033
paul@kcfencesystems.co.nz
qe2farms@xtra.co.nz
Darryn Astill
Lindsay Hayman
07 552 0238 027 586 9227
021 201 3391 03 308 7394
darryn@groundupservices.co.nz
lindsayjane@clear.net.nz
operations@fencingcontractors.co.nz
Chad Van Zyl Wiremark, Auckland 021 687 696
chad.vanzyl@pacificsteel.co.nz
AFFILIATES, TRUSTS & TRAINING INSTITUTES
New Zealand Fencing Competitions
Annual Membership from 1st April 2015 – includes Wired Subscription: General Member $150 inc GST Employee Member $57.50 inc. GST Wired Only: $57.50 inc GST If you are interested in joining you can either email Jane at operations@fencingcontractors.co.nz Or visit our website www.fencingcontractors.co.nz
FCANZ PO Box 69-107, Lincoln 7640 email: operations@fencingcontractors.co.nz www.fencingcontractors.co.nz
The benefits of being an FCANZ Member Networking • Annual FCANZ Conference • Active Facebook page • Annual Regional Association Days • Meet other members who work in your industry
Ongoing Training and Upskilling • Access new products and training provided by our business partners • FCANZ works alongside NZQA to ensure fencing is represented with both rural and industrial qualifications.
Visibility • Your Fencing Business listed on our website: www.fencingcontractors.co.nz
Advocacy • FCANZ Board liaises with Industry and Government Organisations to ensure Fencing Contractors have a voice and are heard.
FCANZ Logo • Your business can use the FCANZ Logo on quotes, business cards and other marketing material • Bumper stickers for your vehicles • Corflute signs for your worksite
Peace of mind • Give your clients peace of mind that you are supported by the Industry Body • Help & support with dispute resolution for you and your clients Information • Quarterly Wired Magazine mailed to your home • Monthly e-newsletter • Boundary Fencing Template and Terms of Trade • Fence-it calculator to assist in pricing jobs accurately
Industry Specific Knowledge & Support • FCANZ partners with key industry suppliers & manufacturers to offers support, knowledge, and special offers to you. • Support and help from other members during busy or difficult times
OUR MISSION: To increase the profile of fencing as a recognised profession and encourage a high level of workmanship through knowledge and standards. www.fencingcontractors.co.nz Phone 0508 432 269
Discounts • FCANZ membership gives you Federated Farmers Membership allowing access to their member rates with discounts from key suppliers such as Vodafone, FMG, Westpac & Bunnings • Site Safe Affiliation and 10% discount • Special offers from FCANZ Business Partners during the year
Contracts and Agreements • Federated Farmers offers a wide range of contracts and agreements designed to remove risk by providing legal security at an affordable price Become an Accredited Fencing Contractor (AFC) • Differentiate your business from your competitors by becoming Accredited • The AFC qualification gives your clients the confidence that your business and fencing are of a high standard
Please support our FCANZ Partners
FOUNDING STRATEGIC PARTNER
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