WIRED March 2021

WIRED ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand

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In this issue

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

10

Business, Safety & Environment 8

Preparing for the new minimum wage

10

Wildfires in rural working environments

12

Should you hire more staff?

Industry & Innovation 14

Global Steel Update: Steel and wire prices are set to rise

16

From sand to post

18

Working sharper in the field

21

Stockade colouring competition winners

Training & Events 23

Fencing Contractors NZ AGM & Conference 4-7 August 2021

24

Educating through engagement at North Island Trade Days

29

Quality workmanship key focus for trainees

31

South Island Fencing Best Practice Days

32

Future of Primary Industries the focus of new Rural Games sector

37

Central Districts Field Days Power Fencing Competition

37

NZFC Doubles Fencing Competition at SIAFD

Our People 38

Down to the wire

40

Skills, luck and innovative product use required for notorious Takaka Hill

43

Remembering the Kaikoura earthquake

44

Shane on the Wire

16

24

38

Front cover: Fencing wire in production for Summit Steel & Wire. Image courtesy of © InfraBuild Wire Pty Limited Disclaimer: WIRED takes all due care in the preparation of this magazine but is not responsible or liable for any mistakes or omissions.

Articles that appear in WIRED do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Fencing Contractors NZ. WIRED welcomes contributions but reserves the right to edit.

WIRED MAGAZINE

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

3

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President's Report Happy New Year to everyone, hope you all had a good and productive festive season. Welcome to the latest edition of WIRED magazine. We have had quite a few new members join recently, so welcome to you and our first time readers.

2021 has kicked off to a hectic start, with the NorthTec courses in full swing around the country. The tutors have been out and about checking off workmanship quality and working on the next block course requirements.

Most of you will be full steam ahead, having ticked off your start ups for the year, most contractors round the country I have spoken to are well booked up with work. Staff is an ongoing issue for most businesses, trying to get workers is proving quite tough across the board.

The FCNZ board had a Strategy meeting in February to set some goals for the mid to long term national focus and we look forward to sharing these with you in due course.

We are looking forward to catching up with Contractors and Partners at the Field Days around the Country and also the Rural Games to see who will be our 2021 Speed Fencing Champion.

Remember all Board members welcome feedback and ideas. So please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Phil

Phil Cornelius

Our Mission To increase the profile of fencing as a recognised profession and encourage a high level of workmanship through knowledge and standards.

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ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

5

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The Board Blog The Board of Fencing Contractors NZ are busy working on various projects all year-round, but we’re also conscious that members of the Association are not necessarily aware of the good work going on behind the scenes. Here’s what we’ve been up to over the last three months; feedback is always welcome!

With the Christmas / New Year break, including Heather and Jeanette taking some well-deserved holidays we, like everyone, have had a bit of a slow-down over the holiday season.

MEETINGS The Board have had several Board meetings, both in person and via video conference. In February the Board enjoyed a two-day strategy workshop in Hamilton covering a range of topics including mid-

long term goal setting for the Association, and reviewing various areas across the organisation including our communications strategy, revenue opportunities and training development.

MEMBER SURVEY In early February an industry survey was sent to our members to help gather invaluable statistics and feedback to help with our planning, lobbying and partnership strategies. It was an opportunity for our members to directly engage and have a say in the future direction of FCNZ. Thank you to all those members who took the time to complete the survey.

BEST PRACTICE DAYS We have returned to running ‘Best Practice’ days, rather than using the term Trade Days. Following on from the Huntly, Reporoa and Halcombe events the Board carried out an informal phone survey to members that did not attend who were in reasonable proximity to these locations.

The survey seemed well received by those we reached and the Board enjoyed the one on one opportunity for feedback.

PARTNERS We had some fantastic feedback from our Partners following the November Trade Days, and are following up on some of the opportunities we have discussed. We’ve also had meetings with several organisations who are keen to join the Fencing Contractors NZ partner community, so keep an eye out for future announcements.

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WIRED MAGAZINE Following a review and tender process for WIRED, we have selected a new designer and printer, which we anticipate will result in a cost savings to the Association. We hope you enjoy the new format – we like it!

PLANNING FOR 2021 The Board are well into our planning for 2021/2022, which includes both our own events and having representation at regional and national events such as the Northland Field Days, NZ Rural Games (where we are co-sponsors for the Speed Fencing Championship) and National Fieldays. We have also been invited to exhibit at the inaugural Westpac Agri Futures day – preceeding the NZ Rural Games – where hundreds of year 12 and 13 students from the Manawatu region are expected to attend to learn more about possible careers in agriculture.

RURAL CONTRACTORS Roger Parton from Rural Contractors came to our December Board meeting where we discussed the two organisations, our membership composition and lobbying opportunities.

We were encouraged to utilise our Federated Farmers membership better to raise the profile of FCNZ, promote Certified Fencers, to have Fencing recognised as a professional trade and to encourage farmers to use fencing contractors.

This is a priority for the Board and we intend to maximise the opportunities that our affiliation with Federated Farmers offers.

We also discussed impending changes to the education infrastructure, employment issues, labour shortages, the Fencing Act and the fencing footprint.

It was a good discussion and we thank Roger for attending.

FCNZ Board Members 2020/21 (Absent Shaun Davies)

2021 Events Where you’ll find Fencing Contractors NZ and/or our amazing partner companies around the country in the coming months…

MARCH 4-6

Northland Field Days 33 Awakino Point East Rd, Dargaville, Kaipara northlandfielddays.co.nz

11

WestPac Agri Futures Expo The Square, Palmerston ruralgames.co.nz

12-13 Speed Fencing Competition, Rural Games NZ The Square, Palmerston North www.ruralgames.co.nz/event/ speed-fencing-championship 18-20 Central Districts Field Days Fielding, Manawatu cdfielddays.co.nz 24-26 South Island Agricultural Field Days Kirwee siafd.co.nz

APRIL 12

FCNZ Fencing Best Practice Day Benmore, Southland

14

FCNZ Fencing Best Practice Day Palmerston, Waitaki

JUNE 16-19

National Fieldays Mystery Creek, Waikato fieldays.co.nz

AUGUST 4-7

FCNZ 2021 AGM & Conference Bay of Islands

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

7

Preparing for the new minimum wage New Zealand already has one of the highest minimum wages in the world; and from April 2021, more than 175,000 Kiwi workers will benefit from an extra $44.00 a week.

The cost of doing business becomes more challenging as wage increases are introduced. Small business owners will be pressured into reconsidering their staffing needs.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE Effective 1 April 2021, the minimum wage is mandatory to be paid to an employee irrespective of the hours worked or job responsibilities.

Adult Minimum Wage: $20p/h

This wage is the most commonly used

by Kiwi businesses and applies to all the employees who are 16 years of age or older, provided they do not qualify for the starting out or training wages.

Starting-Out Wage: $16p/h

Workers aged 16-19 who are entering the workforce for the first time.

• this only applies to 16 and 17 year olds during the first 6 months of their employment. Or 18 or 19 year olds who have been on a benefit for 6 months or more prior to their employment and only for their first 6 months of continuous employment following them being on a benefit • it also applies to 16-19 year olds if they are doing at least 40 credits in a training programme just like the training minimum wage

8

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

Training Minimum Wage: $16p/h

This category of wage applies to employees aged 20 years or over who are completing recognised/accepted industry training involving at least 60 credits in order to become qualified.

WHY HAVE A MINIMUM WAGE? New Zealand was the first country in the world to establish a Minimum Wage Policy in 1894, although the idea of a minimum wage has been around a lot longer.

Minimum wage laws have been modified over time to provide equal pay and fairness in the workplace, while aiming to increase the standard of living and reduce poverty. The argument for and against the minimum wage, and what rate it should be set at is still heavily debated to this day.

If employers pay at the current minimum wage rates, they should start forecasting the increase to their wages bill, and increase in pay from 1 April 2021.

HOW OFTEN DOES THE MINIMUM WAGE CHANGE? Each year the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety fulfills their obligation under the Minimum Wage Act 1983 to submit an annual review of the minimum wage by 31 December. Since 2000, the New Zealand minimum wage has increased on a yearly basis for each type of minimum pay including adults, new entrants and trainees.

WHO DOES THE MINIMUM WAGE APPLY TO? Minimum wage rates apply to all employees aged 16 years and older who are full-time, part-time, fixed-term, casual, and work from home. The minimum wage standard applies to employees who are paid an hourly wage and salary, and most employees who earn a commission or piece rates.

There are employees who are exempt from the standards of the Minimum Wage Act 1983. They include: • employees under 16 years (but they are still entitled to other minimum employment rights)

• some disabled employees who hold an exemption permit from the minimum wage • inmates of a charitable institution

• prisoners working in custody under the Corrections

• apprentices who are under: the Maori Housing Amendment Act 1938, the New Zealand Railways Corporation Act 1981, the Defence Act 1971, the Post Office Act 1959, the State Services Act 1962, or under any other Act.

RETAINING & MOTIVATING STAFF UNDER FINANCIAL PRESSURE The recent minimum wage increase to $20.00 an hour is effective from April 1 2021. Small business owners who

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to increase wages accordingly. This

may prove to be a bit of a dilemma for

employers as they may have less financial resources to reward their best staff.

This places additional strain on the

budgets of many employers, making it near impossible to promote their

best staff. With promotions out of the

equation, how can employers retain their best staff?

POCKET-FRIENDLY METHODS Employee reward and recognition is a

powerful tool in retaining employees. It

moves employees from being pay check motivated, to finding purpose and drive in becoming active contributors to the growth of your business.

In a recent survey, Employsure clients

were invited to share their views on the best methods to retain employees.

Below are the most common and

successful methods of retaining employees according to Employsure clients:

• Flexible working arrangements 38% • Pay increases and bonuses 20% • Training 16%

• Social events 2% • Promotions 2%

• Improving health and safety 1%

Almost 40% of employers surveyed

suggested that providing flexible working arrangements was the best approach to retain staff.

In fact, flexible working arrangements was surveyed to be nearly twice as successful in retaining staff when compared to

offering pay increases and bonuses.

Employers can also choose to combine the methods above to create a

wholesome work environment, which will

lead to an increase in staff retention. They could perhaps provide flexible working arrangements, as well as occasional training and organise social events.

OTHER METHODS TO EXPLORE According to recruiting experts Hays,

voluntary staff turnover has risen in 23% of organisations in New Zealand within a year. The evidence suggests that it

is getting increasingly challenging for employers to retain staff.

• Ensure work is challenging: Set goals for employees – when people know

that they have a purpose at work and

goals to achieve, they not only tend to stay longer, they also try their hardest at work.

• Invest in professional development: Keep your staff engaged and

motivate them to achieve personal

development goals. Guide them and learn about their journey and make

sure that they know that there is a path and direction for them.

• Promote internally: Internal promotions will maintain a high performer’s desire and need to succeed continually,

which ultimately benefits the business.

• Progress and performance reviews:

Regular catch ups are a helpful tool in

letting your employees know that they are cared for and appreciated. It also provides a chance for employers to provide feedback and learn about

the challenges that your employees are facing.

• Rewarding a job well done: A basic

human need. Everyone likes to feel

appreciated and have their hard work

acknowledged. So a simple thank you, for a job well done, can go a long way.

ENGAGING THE DISENGAGED

Below is a more thorough checklist that employers can use to drive staff engagement.

• Do your staff feel challenged?

• Do your employees feel like they have a purpose?

• Are there achievable goals that you have set for your employees?

• Do you invest in employees’ professional development?

• Are you aware of your employees’ aspirations?

• Do you promote internally?

successful business. But how do you

step would be to assess your current work

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

achieve employee engagement? The first environment and culture to identify any areas for improvement.

A great way to start improving employee engagement is to speak with your

employees themselves. Have an honest

conversation to understand their needs.

Some fundamental questions to consider asking:

• Are you challenged by your current role and the work performed?

• What are your career plans?

• Are you aware of how your work contributes to the business?

• What do you most enjoy about working for the company?

• If you could identify one major area you would like to improve, what would it be?

• What can I do to assist you in your role?

STAFF HAPPINESS This element cannot be reiterated

these 5 handy tips can help.

employers value their staff and realise

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Even little gestures can go a long way towards boosting staff morale, such as providing occasional food and drinks.

Most importantly, employers should keep in mind that a happy team will be motivated to play their part in pushing a business forward.

• Do you conduct regular performance reviews?

Employee engagement is key to a

If you’re looking to retain and engage

staff beyond the typical retention rates,

that the business cannot grow with an unhappy team. There are many ways to ensure staff happiness. For starters, ensure that your staff is comfortable in their place of work. This includes both tangible and intangible comfort. From peace of mind (knowing that they have the right support) to physical comfort (like a conducive, safe and comfortable work environment).

Business, Safety & Environment

employ staff on minimum wage will have

• Do you reward a job well done?

There have been many instances where employers are disinterested or reluctant to upskill their employees. This is usually brought on by their apprehension of the employee leaving the company. If the employee does leave, it would result in an extra and unnecessary cost for the employer.

However, having a team of employees who are not developing and growing with the industry is a much greater risk.

This will not only hold the business back and make it less competitive in its field, but employees who are not constantly developing and improving have a far greater likelihood of becoming jaded and disengaged.

Reproduced with thanks to Employsure employsure.co.nz | 0800 568 012)

enough. It is absolutely essential that

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

9

Wildfires in rural working environments She’s a cracker day in the sunshine, no rain for a few weeks or more and it’s drying off. It’s gonna be a ripper hot day. The summers are getting hotter and dryer. Early starts and the beach for the arvo with a cold one. OR IS IT? HEALTH & SAFETY Fire fighter and stakeholder safety takes priority over other fire response considerations. Rural business operators such as farmers and forest owners - as well as FENZ - are Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) and must comply with their duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

They must, as far as reasonably practicable, consult, co-operate with, and co-ordinateactivities with each other. They have a duty of care that people working on their land have the skills and level of training for their tasks.

FENZ must make sure the health and safety requirements of owners and fire fighters are met.

If you are trained, FENZ may ask for your help to fight the fire

Auckland. However, this can be much greater in very dry years.

Wildfire is a killer – it can injure and cause huge economic loss. We have had unfortunate deaths with

The areas at the greatest risk from wildfires are the drier regions of the east coasts of both islands (Marlborough, Canterbury, Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay, and the East Coast), Waikato and Northland. Slightly more than half the area burned each year is grassland, scrubland makes up most of the rest, with forests accounting for just 6% (Scion 2015)

• farmers caught in burn offs when clearing land,

• fires set alight by machinery working and getting out of control, or • fire starter ratbags.

• Virtually all of the more than 3000 wildfires reported each year are started accidentally or deliberately by people.

Natural causes like lightning account for less than 1% of wildfires.

A review of 15 years of New Zealand wildfire statistics by Scion fire researchers found 30% of wildfires are the result of land clearing burns getting out of control, a further 6% are started by vehicles, 5% by fireworks and firearms, and 25% by recreational campfires.

The actual number of fires started by these causes is likely to be higher, as the cause of roughly half of all wildfires is classified as unknown or miscellaneous.

Wildfires burn close to 6000 ha of land each year on average, an area the size of greater

Wildfire causes 1% spontaneous combustion 5% fireworks 6% machinery & equipment

4% powerlines 10% cigarettes

25% campfires 19% suspicious

30% land-clearing

10

1% spontaneous combustion 5% fireworks 6% machinery & equipment

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

ARE YOU PREPARED TO CONTROL THE FIRE OR GET AWAY SAFELY? What can I do to be aware of the risk in my Contracting and/or Fencing Business?

Assess the day – my Prestart:

• Will I be working with plant or tools that have the potential to spark and catch fire to dry grass?

• What’s the area I am working in – Forestry boundary, Hay paddock, Roadside?

• Have I got the correct fire extinguisher if required?

• The emergency plan: Who to call – 111 • An escape route in case

GUIDELINES TO FIRE RISK • Check the weather

• Look at the weather for your district, information can be gathered about the safety of different activities with operating machines or hot works. Wind can play an important part in the risk level also. Do you need a permit for the activities you are undertaking? Is it a closed fire season?

• Don’t park vehicles on dry flammable material like long grass. One in every six wildfires is started by a vehicle.

• Be careful with cigarettes, matches and lighters.

• Remember, if you are found to be responsible for starting a wildfire, you could have to pay the cost of putting it out and for any damage incurred.

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• Clean all machinery regularly, especially belly pans and spaces around motors, so they are free of oil, dust, grease, grass, and straw

OPERATE MACHINERY SAFELY

• It’s also a very good idea to carry a fire extinguisher in your Ute, Tractor, and/or Excavator.

If you see or start a wildfire, call 111 immediately, and make sure you and others are safe. Wildfires can spread very quickly, sometimes faster than people can run.

ACTION ON SPOTTING A FIRE If you are a forest owner, rural contractor, or witness to a fire.

• Call 111 immediately – not a local forest company. Give clear information to the FENZ communication centre so the right fire resources are despatched • Clearly state your address, road name and RAPID number, approximate area burnt, what is burning, what is at risk, the wind direction and strength

• Only attempt to fight the fire if it is safe to do so and you are confident you can contain it • Once you have provided this information.

• Let your neighbours know

• Move people and livestock at risk of fire or smoke

• Someone should wait at the road gate to unlock the gate if necessary and give further information and local knowledge to fire fighters • Training Yourself and Staff

• Learn how to control a fire and what type of extinguisher should be used

Be particularly careful when using machinery during extreme fire danger periods. Make sure to check the fire weather and fire season status in advance.

Confine tractor operations to mornings when it’s cooler.

CHAINSAWS CAN CAUSE WILDFIRES

INSURANCES

Consider the tools you are using and how you place them after use, have you fitted a spark arrestor?

• Let chainsaws cool down before refuelling

• Fire: Insure yourself against fire that

originates on your property and passes onto and damages someone else’s property or Forestry Block

• Sit them on a clean stump or patch of dirt and not on the grass or pine needles

• General /Public Liability: Make sure you are covered for damage you cause.

• Start the chainsaw away from the refuelling site

• Carry fuel in an approved fuel container.

These are less likely to leak or spill fuel • Have emergency items close by Other things you can do include:

• Install spark-arrester shields on diesel trucks with exhausts higher than the cab, especially when carting hay

Consult your insurance broker for the correct insurances to be held by the business

• Outbuildings: Ensure your buildings, including sheds and hay barns, are covered.

• Vehicles and equipment: Protect the things that help you enjoy and profit from your lifestyle block.

Stay safe out there team!

• If your Ute has a diesel particulate filter park it where there is less risk when you regenerate the fuel

Deb | RuralSafe | ruralsafe.co.nz

• Inform machine operators of the conditions outside their airconditioned cabs

HIGH You can still carry out the work but you need to be ready with a fire extinguisher, water, a shovel and a radio or working phone to call it in if there is a fire.

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• Carry fire extinguishers, shovels, and knapsack sprayers during high fire danger periods

It is a good idea in extreme fire danger times to stop using welders, chainsaw’s, and slashers.

b dy ish nd uc Yo ork rea ingu el a g w be xt in ov sh ork in ee fir er, a or w ll it . t a e wa adio to c a fir a r one re is ph the if

You can wor still car ry o k bu u t be re you nee t the d to a d y wi fire th e wate xtinguis a he r, a rad a shove r, l and io or w pho ne to orking ca if th ere i ll it in saf ire.

• Check your machinery’s bearings and moving parts

Fires can start from slashers, graders, mower’s, or discs hitting stones, or from vehicle exhausts over stubble or long, dry grass.

ATE e R E th ut OD ill carruy noeed tao M an st ut yo with er,

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• Get rid of birds’ nests in or around motors. It takes a starling only 15 minutes to make a nest!

H

Graphics credit: Forest Owners Association

• Check your fire extinguishers regularly to ensure they are still ok to use and ensure you have the bigger size

One less spark is one less wildfire you can cause, whether you are driving large industrial vehicles, such as bulldozers, excavator’s, or trucks, or you are using handheld tools, such as chainsaws, disc grinders and welding equipment.

Business, Safety & Environment

Follow Fire and Emergency NZ’s Facebook page to keep up to date with local conditions and the fire restrictions in your area.

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

11

Should you hire more staff?

Business coach Daniel Fitzpatrick walks you through what to consider before you take on more staff.

LET’S FIND OUT IF IT’S TIME TO EXPAND YOUR TEAM You’re busy as. You don’t have the manpower to handle the current workload.

Lead time is stretching out. And the work keeps coming. Many tradies find it hard to say ‘No’ to customers. Or feel they can’t knock back jobs as it will impact growth. So end up working longer and longer hours.

• Is the answer to expand and try to do more?

• Or stick it out and do as much as you can with the team you’ve got?

You may have been down this road before.

Taken on extra staff, or seen others do it and be worse off. You don’t want to repeat those mistakes.

And isn’t there a downturn coming?!

It’s hard to predict.

That’s why I’d recommend building your war chest while things are good. Create a cash cushion and increase efficiency now. So you can easily adapt – whatever happens next.

If you’re getting geared up to take as much work as you can, great. Nothing worse than feeling like you’re missing out on opportunities.

Want to know how you can tell if it’s likely to work out well? It depends on your own situation.

“

Hiring will free you up to hunt for more work. Put the time in and you’ll find it. You can’t grow a business with a scarcity mindset

Ask yourself these questions: 1. How many months confirmed work do you have right now?

2. Are clients prepared to wait or are you losing jobs through long wait times?

3. How much money could you make off increased capacity? Is the work profitable or is it work that has low margin?

Being busy doesn’t mean you’re profitable. You might make more money picking and choosing the best jobs, and turning the others away.

When taking on more work and a bigger crew, ensure there’s margins in the jobs.

Otherwise it’s just endless stress and bad cashflow.

Also assess whether the work best suits you or if it’s slowing you up. If jobs are taking longer than they should, that’s affecting your margin too.

Do you see where I’m going with this?

Let me say it straight:

THE REAL ANSWER IS IN YOUR NUMBERS, NOT IN YOUR WORKLOAD You’re in business to make money. So business decisions should (mostly) be based on the numbers. Numbers make things very black and white. So you can make smarter decisions.

CAN YOU MAKE MONEY OFF ANOTHER WORKER? Consider how much it would cost you, and what you would need to get back.

A rough guide: If you pay your new tradie on the tools $65,000 per year ($1,250 per week) then billable hours (not including materials) for them needs to be around 2-3 times that (ie $2,500-$3,750 per week).

To get a more exact picture we’d also look at overhead costs and gross margins.* Generally, if you get this right, you can aim to make $40,000-$80,000+ off each of your employees on the tools depending on your trade.

“

Being busy doesn’t mean you’re profitable. You might make more money picking and choosing the best jobs, and turning the others away

If you can’t afford to put on another full-timer, it’s likely your rates are too low, especially if you have minimal overheads.*

DOES CASHFLOW SUPPORT IT? They’ll be an initial dip in your bank account for at least a month or two, while you get them up to speed + pay their wages (before you can bill for the work they’re putting out and get that money back). Look for any subsidies to help with initial costs.

The trick is to do a simple cashflow forecast to see what’s going to be in your bank account over the next few months.

Then you can make sure cashflow won’t be stretched too far.

Warning: Many tradies have lost the ability to pay their staff when customers didn’t pay. Ensure you have robust systems for minimising late/bad payers.

WHAT IF YOU GET A BAD APPLE? This can happen. It will cost you money. It’s a risk.

What can you do? You gotta bite the bullet. Invest into finding the right person.

Play at 100%. Advertise the job right.

Do due diligence. Interview well. Check references properly.

12

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

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Make sure you include a 90-day trial in

their employment contract (if you have less than 20 staff).

During this time, you want to watch them

closely on the job, check in regularly. Test and push them a bit, to see how they

respond, if they’ll be a good long-term employee.

Remember that quality staff requires a

quality leader. Train your crew properly.

Give them structure. Build team culture.

Grow the business this way and it will pay

In the meantime you’ll find things for them to do: Use your downtime to train them.

Get them in the office quoting, clean the van, fill it up, go get this or that.

Know your worst case scenario numbers.

How long could you go with no work for

them? With 90 day trial you can always let them go if you don’t have the work. Not ideal, but keep in mind.

More things to check: • How will the new hire fit into the

current team? Don’t want to upset the apple cart.

huge dividends down the track.

• Can you speed up the office? A

WHAT HAPPENS IF WORK DRIES UP?

far more efficient than you.

Finding a steady supply of the most profitable work takes effort.

Hiring will free you up to hunt for more work.

Put the time in and you’ll find it. You can’t grow a business with a scarcity mindset.

Overwhelmed with work only some of

the time? Make a decision to grow or stay small. You can’t have it both ways.

Sure – you don’t want to pay someone to

do nothing. But in this environment – you’ll only be slow if you allow yourself to be.

bookkeeper or office manager may be

• Someone with experience costs more and gets more done. Someone who needs training costs less. Both can work. Return takes longer if less skilled.

• Would a foreman to manage the team

be a better option than an extra pair of

0800 577 233

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• Conversely, more staff and more work won’t make your life easier unless the numbers stack up.

• Employees should make you money.

If increasing your team makes sense – then go for it.

*If you need help – or just want someone to talk strategy with – hit me up for a free 45-minute coaching session here: nextleveltradie.co.nz/nextstep

first? An existing crew member with a

Written by: Daniel Fitzpatrick

bad attitude creates ripples seen and

unseen. That’s something you need to take care of right away.

When was the last time you reviewed them to ensure they are appropriate?

ruralsafe.co.nz

• If you’re busy, more workers will help.

After all, there’s a limit to how much work your current team can get out, even if you improve your productivity.

• Does anyone need to get off the bus

Your health and Safety management system is a living document that needs to change and grow with your business.

There are no silly questions.

• Well, quality people are employed somewhere. A few may be looking for change. Do it right, and you can become the employer they desire.

More on that another time.

hands on the tools?

Proud to support Fencing Contractors Nationwide

Remember, we are happy to answer any queries you may have.

• What if there’s no shortage of work, but a massive shortage of skilled workers? What if you just can’t find good qualified people?

Business, Safety & Environment

Get the right help, not just ‘help’

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www.fencemyfarm.co.nz ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

13

Global Steel Update

Steel and wire prices are set to rise but what is driving the increase?

In recent months steel commodity pricing, like other consumer products and manufacturing inputs, has been on a steady rise without showing signs of slowing down.

These increases are expected to

Their government policy encouraging

manufacturers from March, with impacts

has generated high demand on steel.

be heavily felt by wholesalers and

flowing through to end users in the months following.

Let’s dig a little deeper into what is causing these increases.

Firstly, it is important to understand the key cost inputs that go into

manufacturing, the supply chain of steel wire, and external market forces that

influence world pricing. Ultimately supply vs demand is the main driver - when

demand exceeds supply, we see prices rise. Dominant increases in the steel

making world are iron ore and scrap metal prices, shipping and freight costs, and labour – all key cost inputs.

SO WHERE IS THE DEMAND COMING FROM? China, the world’s largest steel

producer and consumer has continued infrastructure development largely

unaffected in a post Covid environment.

14

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

the upgrade of housing and infrastructure This demand has led to a surge in raw

material needs, moving China ahead of

the rest of the world market combined, in consumption of raw iron ore and scrap metals.

This demand is increasing pressure on

normally consistent global supply chains.

The increase in freight demand combined with the Covid-19 related limited

availability and positioning of shipping equipment has dramatically increased

freight pricing. Whilst impacts are global,

the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) demonstrates the increase into

Australasia with shipping container prices raising over three times the cost – a 177% increase on year prior.

International indices show iron ore and scrap metal have seen a surge in the

world market. Iron Ore, the key ingredient

IMPORT COSTS New Zealand is not immune from these global trends. When prices go up it costs importers more, allowing domestic suppliers to increase pricing.

Whilst this can be driven by domestic costs also increasing, New Zealand ultimately follows these global trends.

It is important to note here that while China has the largest impact on a Global scale, it is the impacts felt in Australia that influence the local market as well. NZ’s only wire mill is Australian owned, and our imports of wire are largely dominated by Australian supply.

“

New Zealand is not immune from these global trends.

When prices go up it costs importers more, allowing domestic suppliers to increase pricing

in wire manufacturing, has risen 40% in December alone.

WIRED MAGAZINE

Importers from other countries are also getting hit by import duties which are applied to wire. Just recently Malaysian supply has been reviewed with duties being imposed. There is also an active investigation into wire supply from Indonesia and China, with the preliminary findings indicating further duties are likely to be imposed on China as well.

SUMMARY

There is also an active investigation into wire supply from Indonesia and China, with the preliminary findings indicating further duties are likely to be imposed on China as well

GOLD PAR

ADVICE Advice to FCNZ members would be to ensure you secure any steel fencing now for committed contracts which include the steel supply component, and not to commit to any steel prices beyond one month of quoting the job.

Article supplied by:

SILVER PA

Industry & Innovation

“

In summary, global demand is exceeding supply, steel prices are going up, New Zealand is not immune, and our supply chain is being impacted by increasing costs. Unfortunately, these factors all point in one direction – unavoidable price increases. The question no one can really

answer is what does the future look like?

Crystal ball gazing is the best bet, and with such volatility not seen in the market since 2008, it is really anyone’s guess.

C T H Canterbury Timber & Hardware

BRONZE PA

Exclusive to FCANZ members

Buy any Summit, Profence or X™fence product in the months of March or April, and not only beat the increasing prices but you can enter the draw to win one of two Drifta-Kart’s valued at $1495 each.

Simply email driftakartentry@summitsteel.co.nz with your name, phone number, what you purchased and where you purchased it.

Terms & Conditions Apply:

All valid entries will go into the draw to be made on 3rd May 2021. You must be a current FCANZ member at the time of purchase to be eligible to enter. One entry is permitted per invoice/receipt. Should your entry be drawn, proof of purchase will be required to claim your Drifta-kart.

WIRED MAGAZINE

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

15

From sand to post Summit Steel & Wire’s fencing products are world renowned for their durability and marketleading quality.

Made in Christchurch, using only the highest quality raw materials in their state-of-the-art production facility,

Summit has tried and proven its XFence,

Pro Fence and Summit product ranges in

In the Newcastle processing plant, the billet is rolled into its final wire form. Then it is sent through for its two gas wipe layer coatings of zinc/aluminium. The gas wipe coating differs from other ways of manufacturing, as it allows the wire an even spread of the zinc/aluminium layer.

Other methods can leave an uneven coating which promotes patchy wear and the potential for rust to appear sooner.

LEADING THE WAY InfraBuild Wire are also a leader in galvanised wire production technology operating a number of galvanising lines with a significant portion of their capacity reserved for production of the corrosion resistant Zinc/Aluminium coated wires. This is the zinc/aluminium wire that Summit uses in its Xtralife™ fencing products.

the harshest conditions and most testing applications across the globe.

“

But what is it that separates their products from the rest?

Steel is sourced from the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia’s Middleback Ranges, 400km North-West of Adelaide where 1.2 million tonnes of iron-ore is produced every year and turned into commercial grade billet feed

Summit Steel & Wire’s primary

wire supplier, InfraBuild Wire, has a

long and proud year history in wire production – over 100 years– and

has been manufacturing high quality

fencing products for the Australian and international markets.

InfraBuild is a fully integrated steel

manufacturer with control of its upstream raw material inputs thereby maintaining strict control over the quality of the steel rod that is its key input to wire manufacturing.

Steel is sourced from the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia’s

Middleback Ranges, 400km North-West of Adelaide where 1.2 million tonnes

of iron-ore is produced every year and

turned into commercial grade billet feed.

The billet is then sent to a processing plant, in the New South Wales beach town of Newcastle where the billet is

turned into the class leading wire used in Summit’s products.

Raw materials sourced from the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia’s Middleback Ranges

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ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

Summit wire being drawn into coils

Close up view of production site

Red hot billet on the production line

WIRED MAGAZINE

“

From sand to steel, Summit have the utmost confidence in their products

Each parcel of wire destined for use by Summit Steel & Wire is tested for tensile strength, diameter, coating adherence and coating weights

RETAIL PA

GOLD PA Summit Steel & Wire coils in production

the lifespan from equivalent zinc coating on wire. The separate coatings provide both galvanic and barrier protection by creating an oxidising electrolytic cell, with the steel wire protecting it from any harsh environment. More common processes only use a zinc alloy coating for the wire which doesn’t provide as much protection, as well as being less ductile and more prone to cracking, all of which reduces the overall lifespan of the wire.

CERTIFICATION InfraBuild Wire has held ISO9001 Quality Management Systems certification for many years and closely monitors the quality of its wire products via its NATA accredited testing laboratories. Each parcel of wire destined for use by Summit Steel & Wire is tested for tensile strength, diameter, coating adherence and coating weights.

state-of-the-art fencing machines that operate 24 hours a day manufacturing thousands of tonnes a year of coiled

wire, fabricated netting, fencing staples, and barbed wire for the domestic and international markets. Strict traceability processes are achieved from the procurement of raw feed and right through its manufacturing processes assisting Summit to provide world-class levels of quality assurance and control.

All the above ensure’s that both Summit Steel & Wire and its customers can have the utmost confidence in the quality of the fencing products they are working with.

Article supplied by:

SILVER PA

If you would like to learn more about our products and services get in touch with your local Summit territory manager to help you with your next project.

C T H Canterbury Timber & Hardware

The wire is shipped to Summit Steel & Wire’s manufacturing plant in Christchurch. This plant is home to many

WIRED MAGAZINE

Industry & Innovation

Between the two even coatings an intermetallic barrier layer forms around the wire, this can lead to up to three times

BRONZE PA

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

17

Working sharper in the field Brothers Frank and Joel Bishop literally live and breathe wire.

for average, and finally celebrating

Based in Tauranga, Bayonet formerly

designed manufacturing and warehousing

known as ‘Paul Industries’ changed

ownership in 2020 when brothers Frank and Joel purchased the operation from company founders (and their parents)

Paul and Rosemarie Bishop. This is the

third generation of family owners in the company’s near 50 year history.

From humble beginnings in 1972

Bayonet has always focussed on quality

manufacturing here in New Zealand, and today through continual innovation the

company produces an extensive range of market leading fencing and construction products.

While technology has changed the way products are made radically over the

sustainable relationships built on trust.

Bayonet’s large-scale 4500 sqm purpose facility in Tauranga is home to 30+ staff,

significant leadership experience in New

machine has changed the game for

fabrication and the company’s passionate and capable sales and technical support

teams understand how to help contractors

“

Over the past 18 months we’ve invested significantly in new machinery and key people to lift our capability to better meet the needs of the fast growing

joined by industry expert and new General

delivering the best by never settling

the company as General Manager, adding

team is highly experienced in wire

for decades. Bayonet’s manufacturing

NZ manufacturing, care for staff and

always finding a better way to do things,

Marketing role. Damien Sauni heads up

Zealand’s rural sector to the mix.

and farmers maximise their precious

customers, challenging the status quo by

is Dean Ormrod in the National Sales and

many who have been with the company

years, the company fiercely guards its

founding principles – a passion for quality

Bayonet’s sales and service experience

A new $2.4m fabricated farm fence

Bayonet’s customers. This machine has been built in New Zealand and is on the

cutting edge of technology. This exciting

new technology gives Bayonet the ability to produce roll lengths of up to a mile long in a

vast range of configurations, it can produce two different knot types (Kiwi Knot and the

traditional Fixed Knot), improving flexibility and efficiency in the field. The investment

clearly signals the company’s core focus on quality steel wire manufactured products.

INVESTMENT

time. This experienced team has been

“Over the past 18 months we’ve invested

Manager of Sales and Marketing Andrew

people to lift our capability to better meet

Thoms who has just returned from

Australia after running Cyclone. Adding to

significantly in new machinery and key

the needs of the fast growing rural and construction sectors.” Joel says

Bayonet directors (right) Frank and Joel Bishop put their brand new fabricated farm fence machine through its paces for company GM Damien Sauni (left)

18

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

WIRED MAGAZINE

“

“We know that little gains here and there soon add up for contractors and farmers, time is money in their game. That’s why anything we can do to speed things up for them is our main priority here at Bayonet” says Frank.

“Given our commitment to, and expertise around steel wire products, it just made sense that our existing trusted Bayonet brand was chosen as the main brand to build the business around moving forwards”.

To underpin the company’s new ownership and the clear focus on steel and wire manufacturing the product brand portfolio has been consolidated under one strong brand – Bayonet.

BRAND STRATEGY

RET

“Given our commitment to, and expertise around steel wire products, it just made sense that our existing trusted Bayonet brand was chosen as the main brand to build the business around moving forwards”.

The company welcomes fellow FCNZ

members to visit their NZ manufacturing facility by appointment.

Article supplied by: Impressive raw material stockpile ready for machining

Industry & Innovation

Bayonet provides excellent product technical data and resources via its website bayonet.co.nz

GO

Wired to go the distance, right here.

SILV

Bayonet’s innovative fencing products are made by kiwis for kiwis.

C T H Canterbu Timber & Hardw

GOLD PARTNER

Our beefed-up wire coatings last longer in New Zealand’s harsh climate and challenging terrain.

Let’s talk about your next project.

0800 330 320

| bayonet.co.nz BRO

WIRED MAGAZINE

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

19

Supplying the

FENCING INDUSTRY Across New Zealand D IST R IB U TO R S O F C O M ME R C I A L A ND RE S I D E N T I A L F E N C I N G, FEN C E A N D G AT E H A R DWA RE , G AT E AUTO M AT I O N

0800 377 766

www.edgesmith.co.nz

colouring competition winners 12+ YEARS DIVISION

CHILD DIVISION (UNDER 12)

HIGHLY COMMENDED

The winner is Juwairiyah Sahib, the Stockade team loved the striking black and white design with great attention to detail with all of the pattens.

The winner is Ashton Leung, the Stockade team loved the Stockade orange ute, and the patterns on Claus’ boots!

The joint winners Chloe Woodney and Melissa Pritchard, both for their great use of Christmas Colours on their entries.

Juwairiyah Sahib | 12+ years division

MORE MORE A DAY’S IN AINDAY’S WORK! WORK! 01 1400I ADV FCANZ Farm Trader Feb 2020 275x210 LS DRAFT.indd 3

01 1400I ADV FCANZ Farm Trader Feb 2020 275x210 LS DRAFT.indd 3

WIRED MAGAZINE

Ashton Leung | (under 12) division

Industry & Innovation

Stockade would like to thank everyone for the fantastic entries received for the Stockade Christmas Colouring Competition.

Whether you’ve got other jobs to get on

Whether you’ve got other jobs to get on with or you just want to get it done fast, with or you just want to get it done fast, STOCKade is the world’s best wire fence STOCKade is the world’s best wire fence stapling system, delivering a Better, Faster staplingand system, Better, Faster Safer delivering result than ahand hammering. and Safer result than hand hammering.

www.stockade.com

www.stockade.com 20/05/2020 11:58:10 AM

20/05/2020 11:58:10 AM

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

21

Revolution Telescopic Post Drivers

1100 KG

Telescopic 180 rotational

1350 KG

Telescopic SS sidemount

SEE US ON OUR SITE IN THE FENCING COMP AREA AT ‘SIAFD’

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1000 KG

New model release in March “Under Canopy” See our videos on Facebook... and check out our NEW website

Revolution Postdrivers NZ

Rearmounts · Sidemounts · Rotationals · Planetary Drive Auger & Rock Spike Kits

www.revolutionpostdrivers.co.nz ph 0800 957 868 mob 0274 957 868

2021 Annual General Meeting and Conference Leadership in the Industry | Wednesday 4 - Saturday 7 August 2021

The way we define leadership is changing. Findings from the O.C. Tanner Institute’s 2020 Global Culture Report boldly proclaims that ‘traditional leadership is dead. Today’s leaders must learn to mentor, inspire, and connect people to things that matter’.* CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER Sue Pickering Founder & Director Develop Ltd Helping leaders, managers and businesses be the best they can be

The answer? Good leadership.

The 2021 Fencing Contractors NZ Conference and AGM ‘Leadership in the Fencing Industry’ will investigate how fencing contractors can become better leaders; reaping the reward of an engaged and motivated team and being able to confidently step away from the fence line to focus on building a stronger business. Prepare to come away from Conference 2021 with changed mindsets, new approaches and ready-to-use business/personal skills and tools.

Conference 2021 will also explore the industry’s need for and opportunities available for business and industry leadership. *O.C. Tanner Institute’s 2020 Global Culture Report: www.octanner.com/global-culture-report.html

WIRED MAGAZINE

Conference 2021, to be held at the

Copthorne Hotel Resort Bay of Islands

from 4-7 August 2021, offers a fantastic platform for members to create

valuable connections and new business

opportunities with suppliers, stakeholders and leading industry experts.

REGISTRATION & ACCOMMODATION Registrations for Conference 2021 will

open shortly on the Fencing Contractors

NZ website (fcanz.co.nz). Accommodation

can now be booked at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands, using the online booking code FENCING21.

We look forward to seeing you there!

• Go to millenniumhotels.com

• Choose Copthorne Bay of Islands • Select dates

• Select ‘Advance search’

• Add Group Code: FENCING 21

Sue is strongly connected across the horticulture and agribusiness industry and been a long-term champion for developing the industry and its people – achieving the best from people, fostering high performance and healthy organisations.

She has spearheaded and delivered several groundbreaking initiatives from scratch, including the HortNZ Leadership Programme and Young Grower of the Year.

Training & Events

The fencing industry is traditional in its nature – fence construction and the materials used to build fences are basically the same now as they were 50 years ago. How then, does a fencing business owner in 2021 balance the traditional trade of building fences with a constantly changing commercial, regulatory and technological environment, in order to ensure his or her business’s longevity?

After 25 years of executive and senior roles in the horticulture industry Sue founded Develop Ltd: a niche professional development practice that focuses on leadership and management development for time-crunched / big-dream businesses, leaders and managers.

Sue takes a “big picture” and analytical approach, aims for pragmatic solutions and has a strong focus on the so-called “soft skills”. Key themes throughout her career have been delivering on promise, strong working relationships and mutually beneficial partnership.

2021 FENCING CONTRACTORS NZ CONFERENCE PROGRAMME: Wednesday 4 August

Thursday 5 August

Friday 6 August

• Welcome Dinner & Drinks

• AGM & Conference

• Fencing Trade & Best Practice Day

• Conference Fieldtrips

• Dinner & Charity Auction

• Gala Dinner

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

23

Educating through engagement at North Island Trade Days

The third week of November 2020 saw Fencing Contractors NZ tour the North Island with a series of Fencing Trade Days (now to be called Best Practice Days), which saw high attendance levels and plenty of interest from the wider fencing community.

Our North Island based Board members turned out in force – their presence really strengthens the engagement between FCNZ and its members (and potential members) but also between FCNZ and our corporate partners as well, so we are grateful to Debbie White, Shaun Davies, Shane Beets, Phil Cornelius and Donna Upton for the time and effort invested in attending.

HEALTH & SAFETY Health and Safety was at the forefront of all activities, with Matt Andrews from Rural Safe attending all three days.

We were also lucky to have Debbie Robertson and the full Rural Safe team join us at the Reporoa day. It was great to have Rural Safe instigating conversations about incorporating good health & safety practice into daily habits, from Toolbox

meetings with staff, to Start Up checks on tractors and post drivers.

Another theme to the days was the benefit and availability of NZQA

qualifications to the fencing industry.

FCNZ and NorthTec are working hard to get a pathway for qualification

implemented and commenced in 2021 and it was a good opportunity to share with those in attendance the plans for NZQA Certificate in Fencing Level 3

and Level 4 and discuss why and how

having an education pathway will raise the professionalism of the trade and

ultimately benefit the fencing industry

as a whole. We are grateful to NorthTec for attending (especially Melissa

Bayley who was suffering horrendous toothache!).

Special thanks go to our host John

Noakes, who always does an excellent job keeping these events flowing and

engaging, and to our Demonstrators for each day, who have donated their time (and often several members of their John Noakes in demonstration mode, Huntly

24

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

team’s time) to co-ordinate and deliver each of these successful days.

WIRED MAGAZINE

Piebenga and Warwick Clark for making this possible.

It was great to have a wider selection of partners joining us at these days – being able to develop a one-to-one relationship with a manufacturer/supplier is of huge benefit to both fencing contractors and the partner company so we are keen for more partners to join our future Best Practice Days.

Craig Shortall in action, Halcombe

Trying out the Stockade tools, Reporoa Huntly Pre-Start discussion led by Tony White, Matt Andrews and John Noakes

Thank you to Gallagher, Stockade, Summit Steel & Wire, Waratah, Beattie Insulators, Rural Safe, Delfast and Kyne Equipment for exhibiting and contributing to our days and Kinghitter and Strainrite for your attendance and support. Thanks also go to Farmlands for providing the BBQ at all three events and catering for Huntly and Halcombe, and to Stockade and Waratah for sponsoring the coffee cart at Reporoa and Halcombe.

Our next Fencing Best Practice Days will be in Southland and Palmerston in April. See page 31 for more information – we look forward to seeing you there.

former FCNZ President Mike Billinghurst also did a great job demonstrating the

installation of a netting fence to a hillside

Tony White and the team from White

Fencing put on a fantastic demonstration

line and the challenges that can create,

with plenty of collaboration from partners and attendees at Halcombe.

of the various issues to consider

PERMAPINE TOUR

Robertson of Fensin (with assistance from

opportunity to tour the PermaPine site,

when fencing to contour in Huntly. Neil

In Reporoa attendees also had the

Board member Shaun Davies) created a

and hear about the challenges and

wonderfully interactive day in Reporoa (in

between sheltering from the downpours),

with plenty of engagement with attendees on the fence line and testing out tools.

Craig Shortall from Shortall Fencing and

Training & Events

CONTOUR FENCING

opportunities the business faces in its

every-day business, and the initiatives being undertaken to improve the

production and environmental impact of the business. Our thanks to Ian

Practicing the art of wire tying, Reporoa

John Noakes welcomes attendees in Reporoa

WIRED MAGAZINE

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

25

LONGLIFE LONGLIFE BLUE BLUE

® ®

ZALCOTE ZALCOTE®®COATING COATING The Thezinc zincaluminium aluminiumcoating coating provides providesbarrier barrierand andgalvanic galvanic protection protectionofofthethesteel steelthat that does doesnotnotfracture fractureororflake flake when whentying tyingoff. off.

PERMASEAL PERMASEAL®®BLUE BLUE COATING COATING The Theorganic organicpolymer polymerlayer layer ofofthethePermaseal Permasealnotnotonly only gives givesLonglife LonglifeBlue Bluecolour colouritsits unique uniquelook, look,butbutalso alsoadds adds further furtherprotection. protection.

WARATAH WARATAHWIRE WIRE

The Thewire wirecore coreisismade madewith withthethe finest finestquality qualitysteel. steel.

TERNARY TERNARYLAYER LAYER

A Acoating coatinglayer layerclosest closesttotothethe wire wirecore corecomprising comprisingofofzinc/ zinc/ aluminium/iron. aluminium/iron.This Thislayer layer isisenriched enrichedininaluminium aluminium- enhancing enhancingboth bothductility ductilityand and corrosion corrosionprotection. protection.This Thisisis thethemost mostimportant importantlayer layerforfor thethecoating coatingperformance performanceand and isisensured ensuredtotobebe“intact” “intact”and and complete completeallallaround aroundthethewire. wire.

LONGLIFE LONGLIFEBLUE BLUE®®WIRE WIREPRODUCTS PRODUCTSINCLUDE INCLUDE

Stockgrip Stockgrip®®, Hexagonal , Hexagonalnetting, netting,Stocksafe-T Stocksafe-T®®, Barbed , Barbedwire. wire.

IF IF IT’S IT’S NOT NOT BLUE. BLUE. IT’S IT’S NOT NOT WARATAH. WARATAH.

CUSTOMER CUSTOMERSOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS AtAtWaratah Waratahwewedon’t don’tjust justsellsellproducts, products, wewehelp helpfind findsolutions! solutions!Follow Followususonon Facebook Facebookorordrop dropbybyourourwebsite websitetoto read readcustomer customerstories. stories.

Waratah’s Waratah’sLonglife LonglifeBlue Blue11/90/15 11/90/15 Stocksafe-T Stocksafe-Twith withapron apronbeing beinginstalled installed bybyDBL DBLContractors Contractorstotokeep keeppredators predators outoutofofa aKiwi Kiwihabitat habitatininNorthland.

Northland.

Brendon BrendonCrequer Crequer Phone: Phone:021 021393 393010 010 Email: Email:brendon.crequer@waratahfencing.co.nz brendon.crequer@waratahfencing.co.nz

www.waratahfencing.co.nz www.waratahfencing.co.nz

JIO®. CLEVER DESIGN. SUPERIOR STRENGTH.

JiO® MAXY®

JiO® STAR® GALVANIZED COATING The best HDG corrosion protection on the market.

WE COME TO YOU! GIVE US A CALL OR EMAIL TODAY TO TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR NEXT FENCING PROJECT.

Brendon Crequer

SIMPLE INSTALLATION Drive using a hand post driver, petrol/pneumatic or machinery.

Phone: 021 393 010

STRENGTH, DUCTILITY & TOUGHNESS Uses the right steel grade, to deliver reliable & consistent performance.

FLEXIBLE DESIGN More holes for better wire attachment using Jio clips.

Email: brendon.crequer@waratahfencing.co.nz

www.waratahfencing.co.nz

BLACK STAR® POSTS • • • •

Economical Australian made steel post Consistent steel grade NZ original 7 round holes Sizes: 150, 165, 180cm

Ph:021 393 010 E: Brendon.Crequer@waratahfencing.co.nz

Part# BSG401

For ALL your fencing supplies including poles, posts, strainers & fencing hardware.

Also residential fencing including posts, palings, rails & landscapping timber.

0800 POKAKA (765252) | sales@mtpokaka.co.nz

www.mtpokaka.co.nz

Quality workmanship key focus for trainees Training has resumed across the country after a short summer break, many of the fencing contractors are facing what seems like a never-ending amount of work.

As an industry, this is a good position to be in - it certainly beats trying to drum up where next week’s job will be! But comes with another set of issues – should I reinvest in more equipment? Should I take on another staff member, is our pricing right, are we taking too long on a job, how does our job compare to others, and so on.

At level 3 we don’t formally cover all of these issues, but they certainly get discussed. One of the things we have noticed is how much people enjoy discussing current issues with other like-minded people. Even though opinion may vary, people are generally keen to offer their advice or suggestion which has proven to be really useful - especially for some of our younger contractors starting out. It’s always comforting when people realize they are not the only one, and there is often more than one answer or solution.

Discussion around minimum standards is constant, and while a job may be “just

as good” our aim is to have every trainee complete to a higher than minimum standard. The fact we are an industry that charges for a professional service implies the finished product should not only be functional and long lasting, but look good as well. We have probably all had an electrician or plumber at some point install a pipe or conduit that was not quite straight – did the job but never quite looks right!

The Marlborough course is due to start shortly, based at the Awatere Rugby Club. We are still taking enquiries for the Tauranga course due to start soon, and planning for Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Geraldine.

As always please feel free to contact FCNZ or NorthTec on the below numbers to register your interest.

James Smith (Pathway Manager) 027 539 5813 jalsmith@northtec.ac.nz

Training & Events

Office: 0508 432 269 admin@fencingcontractors.co.nz

Where will your fencing qualificati take you?

Melissa Bayley (Course Co-ordinator) 027 210 3599 mbayley@northtec.ac.nz

NZ Certificate in Fencing Level 3

NorthTec are once again delighted to be partnering with Fencing Con in 2021 to deliver the New Zealand Certificate in Fencing Level 3, a na recognised qualification designed specifically for the fencing industry programme itself will be a combination of in-work, site visit, online, an course learning, designed with the hands-on workers of the industry

Graduates of this qualification will be able to: • Maintain health and safety in a fencing workplace

• Operate and maintain machinery and/or equipment for a fencing w • Use vehicles to access rural fence lines and transport fencing equipment safely

WIRED MAGAZINE

• Construct electric and non-electric fences

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

29

• Identify and perform routine repairs and maintenance on rural electric and non-electric fences

The Ultra G2-S with the Ultraglide System sets a new standard in smooth operation!

There are many benefits that owners like about FENCEPRO Post Drivers

The new Ultraglide System in the new Ultra G2-S mast shift and SM1000 sidemount both have nylon slides for silky smooth ● Proven to give trouble free operation year after year, even in the most demanding conditions movement. The SM1000 has one meter of travel. ● FENCEPRO has a modular build system so you can adapt your post driver to suit your local conditions and budget.

● FENCEPRO Post drivers have incredible resale value - they are very sought after secondPrice hand Retail

for the Ultra G2-S with SM1000 Sidemount (also with nylon slides) as shown is $30,650 + GST

● Sold through a Nationwide dealer network so you have local knowledge and local after sales support Ultraglide ● Manufactured in New Zealand to world class engineering standards. Meticulous attention to every detail.

Special deal for purchases before 31 March 2021

● Designed to be user-friendly and versatile so you build your fences faster and easier.

ONLY $28,500 + GST

Phone us today 0800 362 776 CALL US TODAY ON 0800 36 27 76 www.farmgear.co.nz www.farmgear.co.nz

FENCEPRO Tough • User-Friendly • Versatile

MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK Ask instore for more details on Pro fence

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2.5HT coiled wire.

WHILE STOCKS LAST

SOUTH ISLAND

Fencing Best Practice Days Increasing the profile of fencing as a recognised profession and encouraging high levels of workmanship through knowledge and standards.

WHEN & WHERE

Palmerston

12 April: Central Southland 9am-4pm Mathews Road, Benmore / Kauana

Benmore / Kauana

14 April: Palmerston 9am-4pm 39 Taieri Peak Road, Palmerston

RETAIL PARTNER

HOST: John Noakes

Enjoy a day out with Fencing Contractors NZ and see best practice fencing techniques showcased in practical demonstrations throughout the day. Fencing Best Practice Trade Days are a great opportunity to learn new skills, see the latest fencing gear and meet like-minded fencing contractors in your region.

DEMONSTRATIONS INCLUDE: Fencing on Contour Best Practice • Setting strainers on an incline • Hanging gates on an incline • Panel railing • Tie downs / footings

GOLD PARTNERS

Health & Safety in the field • Practical development of a site-specific plan • Tools & equipment pre-start check • Hazard identification for employees Delivered by Fencing Contractors NZ Silver Partner Rural Safe

Working to local conditions Plus other best practise fencing fundamentals

MEET: Industry Partners, Fencing Contractors NZ Board members, Health & Safety advisors; Tertiary Education providers and Fencing Contractors from across the region.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Fencing Contractors, Fencer Generals, Horticulture

workers, Farmers and those starting or interested in a career in a fast-growing industry.

RSVP BY 7 APRIL:

Text: 027 432 2033 | Call: 0508 432 269 | Email: info@fencingcontractors.co.nz | fencingcontractors.co.nz

Future of Primary Industries the focus of new Rural Games sector

“

The importance of our primary industries has been recognised with a new sector to be included in the 2021 Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games.

Introducing a Level 4 Certificate in Fencing together with a (Level 5) NZ Diploma in Primary Industries Business Management in 2021 will create a qualification route for fencing contractors which has not been available to the fencing industry for nearly a decade

The Rural Games will now include Westpac Agri Futures in association with Property Brokers and this is to be held on Friday 12th March in Palmerston North.

Fencing Contractors NZ (FCNZ) is proud to be participating in this initiative, which seeks to encourage the next generation into agriculture sector careers.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES “There is a wide breadth of career opportunities available right now,” said Westpac New Zealand General Manager Institutional & Business Banking Simon Power. “From dairy, horticulture, fencing, shepherding and shearing, through to arboriculture, apiculture, finance, science and increasingly Agri-tech which is particularly strong in the Manawatu.”

Property Brokers Chairman Tim Mordaunt said the rural economy is more buoyant now than it has been in decades.

“For those wanting to experience the ultimate Kiwi outdoor lifestyle, a career in the rural sector is unbeatable.”

FCNZ President Phil Cornelius believes the event will provide an excellent platform to show off the fencing industry, which has always struggled with labour shortages.

“

The demand for staff across the fencing industry continues to grow in New Zealand and FCNZ is keen to demonstrate to young people that fencing can provide excellent career opportunities for those who are keen to work hard

32

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

“The demand for staff across the fencing

“The NZQA Level 3 Certificate in Fencing

Zealand and FCNZ is keen to demonstrate

registrations in the last six months than

industry continues to grow in New

to young people that fencing can provide excellent career opportunities for those who are keen to work hard” said Phil.

EDUCATION PATHWAY FCNZ has been working with NorthTec over the last six months to develop an education pathway for fencing

qualification has had more interest and

ever before,” Phil said. “Introducing a Level 4 Certificate in Fencing together with a

(Level 5) NZ Diploma in Primary Industries

Business Management in 2021 will create a qualification route for fencing contractors

which has not been available to the fencing industry for nearly a decade.”

contractors and it is anticipated that a

While fencing is very much a practical

NorthTec by August 2021.

the qualifications are an excellent tool

full pathway will be available through

learn-on-the-job industry, FCNZ believe

WIRED MAGAZINE

for attracting the next generation of contractors. “Showing that fencing has nationally recognised qualifications will be a great selling point for many school leavers, who are looking for a genuine career, not just a job” said Phil.

New Zealand Rural Games Trust Chair, Margaret Kouvelis MNZM, said Westpac Agri Futures would have a heavy focus

Speed Fencing Championship 13 March 2021 Fencing Contractors NZ are delighted to be co-sponsoring the Future Post NZ Speed Fencing Championship in association with Summit Steel & Wire at the Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games in Palmerston North on 13 March.

It’ll be noisy, fast and furious, but who will be crowned champion?

We’ll see you in Palmy to find out!

Image courtesy Ford Ranger Rural Games

12–14 MARCH 2021

The Square | Pal m e rston North

Westpac

Training & Events

AGRI FUTURES

in association with Property Brokers

9AM-1PM | FRIDAY 12 MARCH

Te Marae o Hine | Palmerston North

on industry bodies and those institutions

Explore thousands of jobs across Aotearoa in the great outdoors!

careers.

b rou gh t t o you b y

that specialise in preparing youth for rural “In recent decades there has been a

strong focus on careers in cities, and

this has been to the detriment of rural New Zealand. It is time we brought

some balance to the conversation, so

young people understand the well-paid opportunities that are there right now.”

Westpac Agri Futures will run from 9 am to 1 pm on Friday 12 March 2021 in The Square, Palmerston North.

WIRED MAGAZINE

PLUS

STIHL TIMBERSPORTS ® Ladies & Rookies NZ Championships AND The Allflex Clash of the Colleges! v isit t oda y

ruralgames.co.nz

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

33

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FENCING COMPETITIONS Brought Brought to to you you by

by NZFC NZFC

16 16 -- 18 18 JUNE JUNE 2021 2021

FENCIN

Who will win the Golden Pliers™ by WIREMARK®?

Will it be YOU?

Br

MYSTERY CREEK HAMILTON 14 14 JUNE JUNE Monday Monday

8 8 am am 8:30 8:30 am am 16 16 JUNE JUNE Wednesday Wednesday 11:30 am 11:30 am 17 17 JUNE JUNE Thursday Thursday

8:15 8:15 am am

18 18 JUNE JUNE Friday Friday

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4 4 pm pm From From 5 5 pm pm

Friday Friday Friday Friday

Qualifying Qualifying heats heats Bill Bill Schuler Schuler Final Final Fieldays® Silver Fieldays® Silver Staples Staples Golden Golden Pliers™ Pliers™ Singles Singles Championship by Championship by WIREMARK® WIREMARK® Fieldays® Fieldays® Silver Silver Spades Spades Doubles Championship Doubles Championship Prize Prize giving giving in in the the Village Village Green Green Fencers/Sponsors Fencers/Sponsors Dinner Dinner

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Entry forms out mid-March -- National National Championship Championship Sponsors Sponsors --

New New Zealand Zealand Fencing Fencing Competitions Competitions

Please check check on on FB FB for for the the Fieldays Fieldays Please Fencing Competitions entry forms or email email Fencing Competitions entry forms or office@nzfencingcompetitions.co.nz office@nzfencingcompetitions.co.nz

With local competitions held in Gisborne and West Otago and the Regional at Cambridge we are about to enter a busy phase of competitions.

LOCAL RESULTS

REGIONAL RESULTS

NZFC Farmlands Doubles Power Fencing Competition at the Gisborne A&P Show 1st Tony Bouskill / Mathew Harvey 2nd Tim Garrick / Cory Twigley 3rd Haydon Walton / Craig Smith

NZFC Cambridge Doubles Competition: organised by Sam Burton 1st Tony Bouskill & Shane Bouskill 2nd Mark Lambert & Jeff Joines 3rd Tim Garrick & Cory Twigley 4th Tom Dingle & Murray Graham 5th Mike Billinghurst & Darryn Astill 6th Martin Leveridge & Jason McIntyre 7th Troy Brooky & Cory Hutchinson 8th Sean O”Halloran & Nathaniel Hoskin 9th Nick Herries & Micheal Trott 10th Lomu Paikea & Cubby Small

Cadets 1st Luke Jamieson & Cole 2nd Hamish Mackenzie & Jed Gollam 3rd Smedley Josh Black & Michael Pierson West Otago Fencing Competition: organised by Isaac Johnston 1st Brandon Ward 2nd Craig Sinclair 3rd Nick Terry 4th Nick Stanger

5th Isaac Johnston 6th Lyndon Wallace 7th Aidan Brown

UPCOMING COMPETITIONS 2021 Regional

King Country

Sat 13 Feb

Wayne & Kathy Newdick | 07 8956899

NZ Speed Fencing

Palmerston North Sq

office@nzfencingcompetitions.co.nz

Regional

Central Districts

Sat 13 Mar 10am-12pm

Regional Boot camp

Local

National Championship

Pukekohe

Sat 20 Feb

Nick Liefting | 0274941846

Fri 19 Mar

Jeff Joines | 0274844481

Kirwee

Thu 25 Mar

Debbie White | 0274957033

Kirwee

Wed 24 Mar

Debbie White | 0274957033

Fieldays Fencing Competitions

Heats: Sat Jun 12 Finals: Sat Jun 12

office@nzfencingcompetitions.co.nz

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195

The Manfield site is mainly fill so the area where the competition is held earthworks at each end of the competition lines. This was to remove the conditions to place strainer assemblies into, even though there is still th Central Districts Field Days Power Fencing Competition

This year’s event will consist of a five wire electric fence with two straine

Another year has rolled around and NZFC are set to host the CD Field Days Power Fencing Competition at and section of rail fence. We will see the first competitors finish off their Fielding on Friday 19th March 9.30am start.

Central Districts Field Days Power Fencing Competition n New Zealand Fencing

Z:

mark.

Though the competition has been running for many years, NZFC has been running this competition since its conception in 2013, with Kapiti coast based fencingBeing competitor contractor Jeff Joines, Mark andsupport of our Sponsors w able and to run this event relies on Lambeth the great Tom Stafford running the competition over these years for NZFC.

competition and many others for many years - WIREMARK®, Goldpine, G

Revolution andout Fencequip.

The Manfield site is mainly fill so the area where the competitionPostdrivers, is held has hadFarmlands volunteers carry earthworks at each end of the competition lines. This was to remove the stone and rock to allow even ground conditions to place strainer assemblies into, even though there is still theat odd stone pulled most years.

Competition lines the local andupregional competitions have been fillin

competitions from new competitors which have enjoyed the competitive

This year’s event will consist of a five wire electric fence with two strainer assemblies, tape and steel bar gate skills, knowledge up, not tothemention and section of rail fence. We will see the first competitors finish off theirthey line atpick approximately two hour some of the prizes up for mark. staple gun as a spot prize).

able the to run this eventField relies on the great support of our Sponsors which have Competition been behind this Another year has rolled around and NZFC are set to Being host CD Days Power So if you or Fencing one of your mates is interested keep an eye out for the entry competition and many others for many years - WIREMARK®, Goldpine, Gallagher, Stock-ade, Strainrite, at Fielding on Friday 19th March 9:30am start.

Revolution Postdrivers, Farmlands and Fencequip. Competitions Facebook page to get one of the ten available competition

The Manfield site is mainly fill so the area where the competition is held has had volunteers carry out earthworks at each end of the competition lines. This was

to remove the stone and rock to allow even ground conditions to place strainer assemblies into, even though there is still the odd stone pulled up most years.

This year’s event will consist of a five wire electric fence with two strainer assemblies, tape and steel bar gate and section of rail fence. We will see the first competitors finish off their line at approximately the two hour mark.

Being able to run great support of our Sponsors which So if you or one of your mates is interested keep an eye out for the entry form on New Zealand Fencing have been behind this competition Competitions Facebook page to get one of the ten available competition lines. and many others for many years – WIREMARK®, Goldpine, Gallagher, Stockade, Strainrite, Revolution NZFC have nominated with an endorsement from Fencing Contrac Postdrivers, Farmlands and Fencequip.

Tony Bouskill for New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year Awa

Competition lines at the local and Nick Liefting for Lifetime Legacy Award NZFChave have nominated with an endorsement from Fencing Contractors NZ: regional competitions been filling Weofwish both nominees every success. fast, with a lot of interest in fencing Tony Bouskill for New Zealand Rural Sportsman the Year Award NZFC have nominated competitions from new competitors Nick Liefting for Lifetime Legacy Award with an endorsement which have enjoyed the competitiveness We wish both nominees every success.

of the competition as well as the skills, knowledge they pick up, not to mention some of the prizes up for grabs (i.e.

Stockade 315i pulse batten staple gun as a spot prize).

So if you or one of your mates is interested keep an eye out for the entry form on New Zealand Fencing Competitions Facebook page to get one of the ten available competition lines.

NZ RURAL GAMES SPEED FENCING CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION

from Fencing Contractors NZ: Tony Bouskill

for New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year Award

Nick Liefting

for Lifetime Legacy Award

We wish both nominees every success.

Entries are now being taken for the NZ Speed Fencing Competition, to be held on Saturday 13 March at 10am in Palmerston North.

Training & Events

Though the competition has been running for many years, NZFC has been running this competition since its conception in 2013, with Kapiti coast based fencing competitor and contractor Jeff Joines, Mark Lambeth and Tom Stafford running the competition over these years for NZFC.

Competition lines at the local and regional competitions have been filling fast, with a lot of interest in fencing competitions from new competitors which have enjoyed the competitiveness of the competition as well as the skills, knowledge they pick not to mention some of the prizes up for grabs (i.e. Stockade 315i pulse batten this event relies onup,the staple gun as a spot prize).

To receive an entry form contact office@nzfencingcompetitions.co.nz

NZFC Doubles Fencing Competition at SIAFD NZFC is again running the Fencing competitions at the South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD).

WIRED MAGAZINE

With a good location inside of Gate D the Wednesday is spent setting up for the competition, with Nick Liefting and Tony White laying out and driving in the roundwood with a Revolution Postdriver.

Wednesday will also see a training “Bootcamp”, which is open to those interested in competing and the concept of industry best practice.

Thursdays competitions will consist of WIREMARK® 2.5 mm NZ made wire, Goldpine roundwood, genuine Waratah® product, Hurricane branded netting and fasteners, Stockade posting guns and Strainrite electrics. The following sponsors have sites and a demo area on one of the

fencing competition frontages – Waratah®, Strainrite, Stockade and Revolution Postdrivers. Come along and have a look if you haven’t entered the competition.

FCNZ will have membership information and a Board member in the area.

The winners of the Doubles competition will be recipients for a year of a trophy made and donated by Richard Broughton, along with courtesy of our sponsors an all-expenses paid trip to the Fieldays Fencing Competitions® in June, where they gain automatic entry into the Fieldays Silver Spades Doubles Championship. With this kudos on the line the competition will be fierce.

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

37

The Stockade team enjoy meeting fencers from up and down the country… When Stockade Market Manager, Christie Stanton, crossed paths with Gregg Holmes and Max Walton, she was captivated and jumped at the chance to share their story with WIRED. It’s a tale of travel, adventure, and the saving grace of great fencing skills.

Down to the wire ADVENTURE BEGINS, 1984 Gregg Holmes caught the travel bug

as a young trainee from Ashhurst on a

seven-month international agricultural

exchange to Canada. Alberta seemed like ‘tractor heaven’ and with a few weeks off to explore Canada, the US and Mexico,

he awakened his wandering spirit. On his return home he picked up a fencing job

to finance his next adventure – Denmark.

He fenced some more before falling into

sheep shearing with nil experience - plenty of enthusiasm and credentials as a Kiwi enough to satisfy the Danes.

FAST TRACK TO 2020

the Southernmost city in the world, 45,000 kms from Alaska and ready for his next leg.

72 HOURS AND DOWN TO THE WIRE In Argentina there is talk of “Italy.” That’s not Gregg’s intended destination. “Talk of ‘COVID’.”

Within 12 hours, national parks are closing. A notice comes from the hostel.

“Argentinian borders close in 72 hours”. It’s a heart-stopping 3000 km ride to Buenos Aires. Gregg must transit through a small section of Chile, then back into Argentina on the same day. The government issues an edict requiring any person entering the

some fast talking Gregg is on his way and locks in a flight with LATAM Airlines.

Things change rapidly: Flight cancelled.

Rescheduled. On, off. No airport entry without a valid ticket. No valid ticket.

Starting to panic. No commercial flights.

Last hope: a government-sanctioned flight to San Diego, Chile. Full lockdown, curfew, military – everywhere. And a flight!

TIME TO REFLECT Auckland, 25 March. It is Level 4 lockdown.

Gregg arrives, holds up in an RV and recalls how earlier life plans had sent him on a different course.

The Kiwi fencer and, now, international

man of the land, is heading South across continental America. With cracked ribs,

doped up on pain killers and fighting an onset of hypothermia from the chilling blast of an incoming Artic storm, he is living the dream!

Gregg is crossing the globe top-down from the Artic Circle to Sub Antarctic

South America, and then beyond, on his

Honda Africa Twin, 1000cc dual-purpose adventure bike. He rides from Alaska

arriving in Alberta 30 years after his first stint there. He is back on the combine

harvesters. This time they are the latest high-tech million dollar, GPS auto-steer machines. Then it’s onward to Utah in subzero temperatures followed by a relaxed trip to Panama.

In Panama, Gregg connects with an

engineer, an Indian National, who he’d

met in Alaska for 10 minutes. The pair

have arranged to ride together and cross the water to Columbia on a 113-year old,

Gregg Holmes Honda Africa Twin, 1000cc dual-purpose adventure bike, Artic Circle

steel-hulled ketch to avoid the Darien

Gap – a mosquito-infested jungle, almost impenetrable and notorious for its

poisonous snakes, escaped murderers and drug barons. Then it’s a four-day stomach-churning sail to safety.

Finally, it’s smooth. It is land. Dust, gravel, and roads less travelled from Columbia to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile. Finally,

Gregg is standing in Ushuaia, Argentina,

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ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

country to be quarantined for 14 days. This

“Returning from Denmark 30 years

checks. Gregg is detained. He is issued with

agricultural pilot. I took a job at Lochiniver

instigates a series of roadblocks and police

travel papers to move through checkpoints.

No, there’s a misunderstanding. They

are not travel papers at all but notice of

quarantine. Leaving the hotel means risking arrest. The embassy is no help. The police, doctor, and interpreter return and with

ago I had a grand plan of becoming an

Station to set up two big tractors they had brought over from the States and ended

up staying for 6 ½ years, getting married and having our first child… Flying went out the window and I moved North, to

rural South Auckland, where I invested in a WIRED MAGAZINE

helicopter business. The guy turned out to be a conman, took all we had saved.”

It was a big life lesson for Gregg and time to dig deep and build back up using the

skills and resources Gregg had on hand.

I can trust he will do a great job.” Max likens fencing to riding a bike. “Once you know what you are doing and have the basic knowledge about how a fence is constructed, you have a skill for life.”

coming back to fencing. I started up my

And Gregg is happy to be on the job too.

He has a boss he has handpicked. Still, a couple of things have changed. Work isn’t quite as hard as when he left since Max won a Stockade ST315 batten stapler from last year’s FCNZ AGM, then quickly invested in the ST400i post stapler for the team.

Fencing brought Gregg a stable, reliable

Max says there’s that much work to do, and he knows efficiency is key.

STARTING ANEW “I put a flyer out around Ardmore and

Brookby. ‘I will fence, relief milk, paint, a

few other things’. Then the phone never stopped ringing. More and more it kept own company in 1995.”

income for 25 years. “I fenced alone for a

while, built up a team and a reputation. It’s been a great business in a unique area.

Through all the economic downturns,

fencing, for me anyway, has never waned.”

“I am adapting, bringing some modern technology and equipment into the business to make our lives as fencers so much easier. Since getting the gas-

Max Walton being presented with his Stockade ST315 batten stapler by Stockade’s Mike Billinghurst and Warren McSkimming

THE NEXT LEG “Then came Max Walton. A young guy

looking for work. He had an aptitude for

fencing. I showed him a few things and he picked them up straight away. I knew I’d better hold on to him.”

RETAIL PARTNER

Two or three years in, Gregg recalls Max

thinking about going out on his own and Max recalls Gregg seeding thoughts of transition for ownership and promising day’s work.

“We did the transition over a couple of

years to make sure the clients were happy.

Max had good skills there – but a few

things to learn in a business sense. The clients were in agreeance of staying on

and over those years Max took on more responsibility. We agreed on a price.”

Gregg knows identifying and fostering

Max’s young talent and mentoring him to

become a business owner opened up his

Max Walton on the fence line

operated tool, it’s opened up a whole lot of uses. We always struggled to get a compressor down some of those steep hills. NowGOLD with thePARTNERS ST315i batten stapler you don’t even think about it. You just grab it and head off. Repair work or new work, the ST400i post stapler is really useful, definitely speeds things up and saves the arm from stapling away.”

lifetime dream of riding around the world

LOOKING AHEAD

He didn’t know that planning ahead

As for the future – Gregg is enjoying the beautiful New Zealand outdoors while he waits to reconnect with his bike and saves

on a motorcycle.

and investing in Max was about to pay dividends in other ways.

COMING FULL CIRCLE – 2020 LOCKDOWN, NEW ZEALAND Under Level 4 lockdown Max is working on his own. Stock containment is essential

up for his next adventure. This time, Africa.

Max is already thinking about the next generation of fencers. He has brought on an 18-year old who is already showing talent.

“He’s keen, reliable and turns up every day and proving a valuable part of the team already.”

Our People

plenty of opportunity if he put in a hard

Article supplied by:

Contact your local Stockade representative for a demonstration of the ST400i or ST315i and learn how to build efficiency into your business. See how they can help you futureproof and improve your business productivity.

work. His two staff have been unable to join him. Where could he find a reliable

experienced new hire in this environment?

SILVER PARTNERS

Walk in Gregg.

“It’s been great having Gregg’s experience back on board. Everything I learnt about

C T H Canterbury Timber & Hardware

fencing, I learnt from Gregg himself – so WIRED MAGAZINE

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

39

Skills, luck and innovative product use required for notorious Takaka Hill

When Nelson contractor David Jacobsen tackled a job on the notorious Takaka Hill, fencing off goats, pigs, lambs and horses, he needed something more than tradition fencing gear.

The on-going, large-scale job fencing

in young goats, pigs, lambs and ponies

covers 25 hectares, and when they arrived two years ago, they got straight to work

clearing the lines with a digger, rolling up old fences, and smashing a line through

the infamous rock-hard Takaka Hill marble.

“This was the main challenge involved in this job,” Dave said.

“In places the line had to be shifted to

find a spot to make it through the rock.

It’s a bloody hard place to build a fence.”

He reckons you need “good skills and a

lot of good luck” to meet the challenge.

A good auger was also essential.

“The auger was pretty worn down by the end of it.”

Despite the challenge it was a “cool job”.

The team at Waratah provided the team

with a long-life blue netting, used on the

40

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

“

“In places the line had to be shifted to find a spot to make it through the rock.

It’s a bloody hard place to build a fence

internal side of the fenceline enclosure, which was perfect for the job, keeping in or out baby lambs, goats and pigs and other animals that had been taken in by the owner.

“It was good wire. Easy to tie off.”

Waratah regional sales manager Brendon Crequer was pleased to provide the right gear for the job.

“A special line of 15/150/50 LongLife Blue netting was brought in for job and provided a good value solution for the customer.”

Dave is used to doing all types of fencing having spent the majority of his life in the industry.

“Yards, sports grounds and electric

fencing, driving house piles you name it.”

Dave has been in business for 15 years as Golden Bay Fencing, having started fencing when he was 14, while also farming in the area.

He reckons his most memorable job was voluntary fencing down the Clarence

Valley after the 7.8 Magnitude Kaikoura earthquake. He was part of a crew of

volunteers that dropped what they were doing and headed to the devastated region to urgently check and repair

kilometres of damaged fences to get them stock proof and back to functionality.

“To see the damage from the quake was horrifying. The tears in people’s eyes –

they were just left to it as everyone else

was on Christmas holidays. They had no

yards etc. Sheep needed shearing, stags needed velveting... Some places uplifted 8 to 10 metres.

WIRED MAGAZINE

Dealing with the infamous Takaka Hill marble required some innovative fencing

“We did 1.6 kilometres of new netting fence on one farm, heaps of repairs on another, plus new cattle yards and a woolshed on another. They were so grateful for our help.

“

A special line of 15/150/50 LongLife Blue netting was brought in for job and provided a good value solution for the customer

Dave has also spent a memorable time fencing on Durville Island, and more recently in the Marlborough Sounds.

Constructing the fence around the marble proved challenging

Our People

“There were lots of other volunteers – it was helping those people that made it memorable.”

The LongLife Blue netting drew plenty of attention

A special line of 15/150/50 LongLife Blue netting was brought in for job

WIRED MAGAZINE

Clearing the fenceline, marble and all

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

41

Remembering the Kaikoura earthquake It’s been four years since the massive 7.8M earthquake hit Kaikoura in November 2016. Dave Jacobsen (Golden Bay Fencing) and a few mates wanted to help those farmers whose properties and livelihoods had been devastated by the damage, so they packed up their swag and their tools and went to help out.

1.6km of new netting fence, repairs, new cattle yards and a wood shed were just some of the projects required to get the Millton and Clarence Farms (and other properties) back to working form.

The following poem was written by Jane Millton (of ‘Moo and Moo and Little Calf Too’ fame) for Dave Jacobsen and those mates, who volunteered selflessly and tirelessly to mend her broken property.

TO THE TAKAKA FENCERS 12.02 that earthquake hit Fences gone and tracks all slipped A team of fencers of notable fame All the way from Takaka generously came Those fencing men travelled in style Swags packed, here to stay for a while They came with enthusiasm, a smile and good cheer They came to help us... that earthquake hit here November fourteen, twenty sixteen Violent shaking, never before seen The Seafront slumped ... water lines stuffed The cleanup job had us all puffed The work began; we’ll do what we can With alkathene pipe, kilometres ran Water connected, and the cattle now calm The next job was fences, to dig up and down There was Dave and Sandy, Luke and Mitch A team working together and never a hitch Fence lines dozed, and the posts now driven That generous help was graciously given Posts and battens and tiebacks too Those men pulled wires with one eye on the view The coastline had changed, and that seabed lifted Those Takaka men, they were certainly gifted They camped in the whare Cooking roast beef and curry!

Mashed spuds, peas and stew And Fissy stayed too Some beers and some laughter And much poetry after Fizzy and Sandy had stories to tell Of their travels and antics way back from hell!

Our People

And now and again dined with Derrick and Jane

The banter of stories of common places With recognition of so many old faces Back home to Takaka for a weekend Do all their washing and catch up with a friend Then back they came to that old comfy shack With a brand new picnic table tied on the back Thank you all for being so kind People like you are pretty hard to find!

WIRED MAGAZINE

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

43

Shane on the Wire So, late last year it was the Wife’s birthday.

Apparently, I get a whole years notice so every year, a few days out I get reminded of that fact when I ask, “what do you want for your birthday?”.

I try to get creative and this one was no different.

Her favourite colours are black and pink. She has a black Captiva and I think pin stripes look cool, so pink stripes it is.

As it happens, she was taking my work Ute for a service and I was home, as was the Captiva. A few phone calls later and I was heading off to a signwriter. So, I rocked up and went through the plan with the chap. Once sorted, I said “right, you look free at the moment, I can wait…”

Well, his look was priceless, like a possum in the headlights. He started stuttering about a big job that afternoon. I could see he did not want to lose the sale and at the same time could not be late for his next job.

I knew how he was feeling, as customers used to do the same to me and I just took it, blow after blow like a boxer in the ring.

I thought to myself as he was standing there trying to figure out how not to lose the sale and not get me upset, I thought maybe for some fun I could pull the “it’s the wife’s birthday” card. Most married men understand that one. He was sweating quite heavily at this stage and waiting for my response, which I was taking my sweet time with.

So, I did the nice thing and said, “it’s all good, I can buy her some flowers and pop your card in them, explain what it’s about and she can come in next week. Besides, I want you to do a good job of it”.

Again, a photo would have been worth it. The poor guy, I guess he had no idea what I had just done for him, but he looked so grateful. The heat was now off him.

Anyway, off I went to get the flowers, smiling to myself as I drove off. I could have easily pushed the bloke into a mindless state, blubbering like a school kid with a bully towering over him, threatening every holy Mary until he fully complied. I wonder how often that happens. After all it’s human nature to push until you get what you want. Like a child on a supermarket floor, throwing a tantrum over a lolly in front of an embarrassed parent and a shop full of onlookers...

I passed the birthday test; Wife was happy, and the Captiva looked great a week later. Besides, blokes can never lose with a bunch of flowers…

I used to get hammered by pushy clients until I learnt how to deal with them properly. Its something you learn on the job and is part of customer service.

I still get the occasional one that will try it on, but for you guys out there that are new to dealing with customers, be strong and be assertive. Make them realise that you are in charge.

Remember, it’s your business. You make the rules. And if you lose the odd one, there is always the next. Fencers are never short of work.

Shane Beets co-owns Call A Farmer and builds fences in ‘Northland’.

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And that is it for me!

Until next time – straight posts and tight wires Shane

WIRED MAGAZINE

* EEing FRTrain

Where will your fencing qualifications take you?

NZ Certificate in Fencing Level 3 NorthTec are once again delighted to be partnering with Fencing Contractors NZ in 2021 to deliver the New Zealand Certificate in Fencing Level 3, a nationally recognised qualification designed specifically for the fencing industry. The programme itself will be a combination of in-work, site visit, online, and block course learning, designed with the hands-on Manawatu workers of the industry in mind.

Tauranga

Hawke’s Bay

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

• Maintain health and safety in a fencing workplace

• Operate and maintain machinery and/or equipment for a fencing workplace • Use vehicles to access rural fence lines and transport fencing equipment safely

Geraldine

• Construct electric and non-electric fences

• Identify and perform routine repairs and maintenance on rural electric and non-electric fences

2021 Training Programme Locations: Tauranga | Gisborne | Hawke’s Bay | Manawatu | Geraldine

Starts: Cost:

Duration:

(Programme availability in other regions subject to minimum student numbers)

Throughout 2021 FREE* (*Under the Free Trades Training Initiative, the Government will cover training fees until 31 December 2022)

35 weeks (four two-day block courses bi-monthly)

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW! • See northtec.ac.nz/programmes/agriculture • Email Course Co-ordinator Melissa Bayley: mbayley@northtec.ac.nz or 027 210 3599 • Contact Programme Manager Jim Smith: jalsmith@northtec.ac.nz or 027 539 5813

Gisborne

Fencing Contractors NZ Board

PHIL CORNELIUS

DEBBIE WHITE

SHAUN DAVIES

(PRESIDENT)

(VICE-PRESIDENT)

(TREASURER)

m. 027 274 4188 e. phil@fencingcontractors.co.nz

m. 027 495 7033 e. debbie@fencingcontractors.co.nz

m. 021 944 996 e. shaun@fencingcontractors.co.nz

SHANE BEETS

MIKE RENNER

m. 027 625 5383 e. shane@fencingcontractors.co.nz

m. 021 416 798 e. mike@fencingcontractors.co.nz

DONNA UPTON

STEPHEN MEE

m. 021 761 022 e. donna@fencingcontractors.co.nz

m. 027 606 2603 e. stephen@fencingcontractors.co.nz

Fencing Contractors NZ Team

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HEATHER KAWAN

JEANETTE MILLER

Operations Manager t. 0508 432 269 m. 027 432 2033 e: heather@fencingcontractors.co.nz

Administration Manager t. 0508 432 269 m. 021 767 759 e: admin@fencingcontractors.co.nz

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

WIRED MAGAZINE

Fencing Contractors NZ Certified Fencers Barakat Contractors Ltd (Te Kauwhata) Dale & Raewyn Barakat t. 07 826 4461 m. 027 473 5513 e. dale@barakatcontractors.co.nz w. barakatcontractors.co.nz

Fencing Solutions Waikato (Morrinsville) Todd Sherburd t. 07 887 5549 m. 0274 927 337 e. todd@fsw.co.nz w. fsw.co.nz

Ground Up Solutions (New Plymouth) Clayton & Sue Horton t. 06 758 2217 m. 021 710 712 e. info@groundupsolutions.co.nz w. groundupsolutions.co.nz

Ben Haugh Fencing (Geraldine) Ben Haugh t. 03 693 8088 m. 021 523 291 e. benhaughfencing@farmside.co.nz

Fencetec 2015 Ltd (Te Anau / Northern Southland) Steve Daley m. 027 2497852 e. stevendaley@xtra.co.nz

Higgins Fencing Contractors (Wakefield) Philip Higgins t. 03 541 9292 m. 021 222 5033 e. info@higginsfencing.co.nz w. higginsfencing.co.nz

Burton Fencing (Cambridge) Sam Burton burts@live.com t. 027 501 7180

Fensin Neil & Raymond Roberston (Taupo) Neil & Raymond Robertson t. 07 825 5747 m. 027 474 6335 e. robertson.nd@xtra.co.nz

Call A Farmer (Wellsford) Shane Beets t: 09 423 7585 m. 027 625 5383 e: info@callafarmer.co.nz w: callafarmer.kiwi

Glentui Fencing (Feilding) Mike Billinghurst t. 06 323 6466 m. 0272 695 662 e. glentuifencing@xtra.co.nz w. glentuifencing.co.nz

Central Fencing (Canterbury) Nigel Broadbridge t. 021 433 623 e. nigel@centralfencing.co.nz w. centralfencing.co.nz

Golden Bay Fencing (Takaka) David Jacobson m. 027 266 7335 e. fourjake1@gmail.com

CPC Fencing Ltd (Northland) Phil Cornelius t. 09 4332644 m. 027 274 4188 e. cpc.fencing@yahoo.co.nz Custom Fencing Ltd (Waikouaiti) Nick Terry t. 03 465 7212 m. 021 614 100 e. nickterryfencing@xtra.co.nz Ewing Fencing Contractors (Oamaru) Mark Ewing t. 03 431 3864 m. 027 498 4049 e. mark@ewingfencing.co.nz

WIRED MAGAZINE

Grant Macdonald Fencing Service (Tauranga) Grant Macdonald t. 07 543 3486 m. 027 494 2251 e. grantmacdonald@mclarenfalls.co.nz Grant Scott Fencing Ltd (Te Awamutu) Grant Scott t. 07 870 6541 e. g.scottfencing@gmail.com Greg Burton Fencing (Cambridge) Greg Burton t. 07 827 8765 m. 027 427 8765 e. mazgreg@xtra.co.nz Ground Up Services Ltd (Tauranga) Darryn Astill m. 027 586 9227 e: darryn@groundupservices.co.nz

High Country Fencing Ltd (Darfield) Geoff Rogers t. 03 317 8028 m. 021 640 748 e. info@highcountryfencing.co.nz w. highcountryfencing.co.nz Jeff Joines Fencing Contractor Ltd (Kapiti) Jeff Joines t. 06 364 2510 m. 027 484 4481 w. jeffjoinesfencing@gmail.com John Baldock Fencing Ltd (Katikati) John Baldock t. 07 552 0763 m. 021 176 4719 e. john@johnbaldockfencing.co.nz w. johnbaldockfencing.co.nz Lake Contracting (Omakau) Ken Lake t. 03 447 4031 m. 027 224 0302 e. kenthomaslake@icloud.com Landwork Solutions (Otaki) Brad Joines m. 0274955693 e. office@landworksolutions.co.nz McCorkindale Contracting Ltd (Darfield) Jeremy McCorkindale t. 03 318 0680 m. 027 333 7383

e. mccorkindalecontracting@yahoo.co.nz

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

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Meersbrooke Fencing (Palmerston North) Alan Rennie m. 027 450 6420 e. meersbrooke@hotmail.com Noksee Fencing (Motueka) John Noakes t. 03 5286388 m. 027 446 4413 e. noakesjc@gmail.com Phillips Contracting 2016 Ltd, (Edgecumbe) Josh Phillips t. 07 304 8443 m. 027 587 3551 e. phillipscontracting@xtra.co.nz Renner Contracting Ltd (Seddon) Mike & Brad Renner t. 03 577 6615 m. 021 416 798 e. rennerfencing@hotmail.com w. rennerfencing.co.nz Samuel Fencing Ltd (Alexandra) Mike Samuel t. 03 448 6949 m. 0275 2454090 e. mikesamuel@xtra.co.nz Steve Locke Fencing Ltd (Blenheim) Steve Locke t. 03 578 1927 m. 021 37 1971 e. steve@stevelockefencing.co.nz w. stevelockefencing.co.nz

Steve Williamson Fencing (Timaru) Steve Williamson t. 03 686 4779 m. 027 455 3385 e. shwilliamson@actrix.co.nz

Affiliates, Trusts and Training Institutes

Tight Wire Fencing Ltd (Taupo) Rex Graham t. 07 378 5572 m. 027 318 8665 e. tightwirefencing@xtra.co.nz West Otago Fencing Ltd (Tapanui) Grant & Wendy Harris t. 03 204 8285 m. 0272 866 576 e. harris29@xtra.co.nz White Fencing Ltd (Papakura) Tony White t. 09 292 8064 m. 027 495 7868 e. admin@whitefencing.co.nz w. whitefencing.co.nz Wilson Fencing (Havelock North) Brendon Wilson t. 06 877 9844 m. 027 657 4588 e. b.m.wilson@xtra.co.nz

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES WIRED SUBSCRIPTION: General Member $195.00 inc. GST Employee Member $57.50 inc. GST WIRED Only $57.50 inc. GST If you are interested in joining you can either email Jeanette at admin@fencingcontractors.co.nz or visit our website fencingcontractors.co.nz 0508 4 FCNZ (0508 4 32269) | PO Box 3232, Greerton, 3142

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ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

WIRED MAGAZINE

Membership Form Fencing Contractors Association offers a range of benefits and services to members in the fencing

industry, whether you are looking for individual membership or a place for your company to prosper and grow. Becoming a member means you are supporting the industry and helping lift the profile of fencing as a recognised profession.

BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER INCLUDE: •

Your company name on the Find a Fencing Contractor section on the website

•

Members receive Group membership with New Zealand Federated Farmers

• • • • • • •

Four free issues of WIRED per year

Opportunity to network and communicate with like-minded people in the industry Access to NZQA qualifications National Certificate in Fencing Regional Association Days

Support from industry providers Annual Conference

Trade Association of Site Safe giving a 10% discount

APPLICANT DETAILS Name of person or company ______________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Business Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Postcode _________________________________________________

Telephone No _____________________________________

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Email ____________________________________________

Website ___________________________________________________

Date Business Established _________________________

Number of Staff ____________________________________________

Number of Directors _______________________________

Age of Directors (for statistical purposes) _____________________

Annual Subscriptions

Pricing

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$195.00 inc. GST $57.50 inc. GST $57.50 inc. GST

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We will invoice you electronically on receipt of this completed form or you can enclose a cheque.

Please send to PO Box 3232, Greerton, 3142 or email to admin@fencingcontactors.co.nz

WIRED MAGAZINE

ISSUE 60 / MARCH 2021

49

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