WIRED June 2025

WIRED ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand

|

fcanz.org.nz

JOIN & WIN!

JOIN FCANZ AS A GENERAL MEMBER IN JUNE AND BE IN TO WIN

$1000 OF BUNNINGS VOUCHERS THANKS TO BUNNINGS TRADE

Sign up at the FCANZ trailer at Mystery Creek Fieldays for THREE chances to win!

*The prize winner will be randomly drawn from General memberships purchased between 1 June 2025 and 30 June 2025 | Prize cannot be redeemed for cash | Judges decision is final

In this issue

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

FCANZ News 5

President’s Report

8

Executive Director update

6 11 13 17 19 20 23

The Board blog

First Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsements awarded under new system Conference25

Board nominations sought

Wires, wisdom, and winning connections

Fencing, feasting, and a whole lot of know-how Wiggy’s World

19

29

Industry & Innovation 24

The cost of not checking beneath the surface

27

Introducing Cowstile – the ultimate automated farm gate solution

25

29

The contractor’s choice – Waratah® Longlife Blue® 25kg wire coils

Precision and innovation – PermaPine’s Machine Round Poles

FEATURE: Women in Fencing 30

Breaking stereotypes one fence at a time

35

Building more than just fences

33 36 37 39 40 43

Shifting the posts, shaping the industry

30

A female legend in fencing products Building success in Central Otago Pulled to the land

The fence line classroom – building skills, grit, and legends in Geraldine Applying agricultural insight to quality fencing

48

Training & Events 46 48

King Country shines

PIA fencers nail it at Field Days

Business, Health & Safety and Environment 50 52 54

Balancing family and business – employment issues in family businesses Three simple ways to free up your time

54

Using quad bikes and SxS in fencing: risks and controls in rural New Zealand

Our People 57 58

A Wife’s Tale

Snap & Win! Facebook Competition photos and results

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 FCANZ. WIRED welcomes contributions but reserves the right to edit.

WIRED MAGAZINE

Editor Heather Kawan wired@fcanz.org.nz 0226 308 533

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Subscriptions & Advertising Jeanette Miller admin@fcanz.org.nz 027 432 2033

Graphic Design dkdesignstudio.nz 027 405 7646

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

3

DON’T LET SUCCESS OR FAILURE COME DOWN TO THE WIRE.

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President's Report Welcome to the latest edition of WIRED magazine.

In the North in April, we went from

re-election, which creates a fantastic

so that has made for a sharp change in

join the Board to support and challenge

drought to flood in a couple of weeks, onsite hazards being reviewed at the toolbox meetings.

I encourage you all to come along to

opportunity for two new members to the direction of the industry. If you’re

interested in learning more, please give me a call to have a chat.

Conference in Taupō, August 6 to 8. The

I’d like to thank our members and

will kick start the event, and attendees

to welcome our new members. We are

ever-popular National Fencing Field Day from last year will be pleased to see

the return of the Secondary Schools

Fencing Competition – will anyone be

able to knock Geraldine High School off the top podium spot? Taupō is a great

spot to visit at any time of the year, and

I look forward to catching up with many of you there.

Two of our current Board members

will be retiring at the AGM and have indicated they will not be seeking

FCANZ News

I hope everyone had a successful hunting season through the roar and managed to bag a few ducks through the opening in May; the year is flying by yet again.

partners for their continued support, and seeing excellent feedback from new and long-standing partners and members –

and good honest feedback is what helps us do what we do better. With that, as

always, if you want to have a yarn, don’t

hesitate to give me, Jaime or any of the Board a call.

Cheers, Phil

Phil Cornelius President

The FCANZ Mission THE FCANZ MISSION: To raise the profile of fencing as a recognised trade that embraces best practice, adherence to quality standards and ongoing professional development.

WIRED MAGAZINE

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

5

The Board blog Best Practice Days The Association saw three great Best

Practice Days delivered in April. The first, in Hawke’s Bay at the Bouskill’s property in Tikokino had an excellent turnout

and some keen interest in the demos.

Whakatāne followed suit; not as many attendees but still a really successful, interactive day. Our first combined

BPD was held alongside the NZ Fencing Competitions comp in Cambridge at the end of that week. Again, it had a

successful turnout, good demos and

partners showcasing their products. I’d like to thank everyone who organised

these days and the demonstrators for their excellent handiwork.

Mystery Creek National Fieldays The lead up to the Mystery Creek

National Fieldays sees us planning and preparing for a new initiative called

Fencing Central. This is a follow-on from

the Northland Field Days’ fencing hub. At Fencing Central, visitors will be able to

talk to four of our industry Partners who offer a spread of fencing products for

rural fences. It will be interesting to see

how this ‘hub’ is received and to obtain feedback from Partners who exhibited and members who visit the site. Come and visit Fencing Central at site F58 – next to Strainrite.

Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsements In the past months, we have seen

the Accredited Fencing Contractor

endorsements progress, with our first set of Audits taking place around the North Island in March, followed by the South Island in April. Thanks to Jason Van

Beers, our auditor, for conducting these

and helping to progress the execution of these long-awaited endorsements.

Training On the training front, NorthTec is

currently restructuring, following the

regionally. Watch this space as it will make completion even easier. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback in our recent survey about both courses.

Conference25 Jaime, Jay and the Board are working hard to finalise the details for our 2025 Conference, held in Taupō on 6-8 August.

This year delegates are able to book their own accommodation. There are plenty of options in Taupō at all budget levels, and we hope that this additional flexibility encourages members to take the opportunity to join us for three days of networking, sharing and learning. Make sure you book your tickets now, so you don’t miss out.

Happy fencing, The FCANZ Board

change back from Te Pukenga to a

standalone entity, however, the Level 3 and 4 courses are still on offer. Level 4 has recently started and is taking

late enrolments. Get onto this if you’re wanting to participate. The Level 3

course is being looked at presently, to

change the way it is run, with a national

view and compartmentalising site visits

Out and about with FCANZ JUN 9-13

Mystery Creek Fieldays® Hamilton

AUG 6-8

National Fencing Field Day & Conference25 Taupō

SEP 16

South Island Best Practice Day (Details TBC)

18

South Island Best Practice Day (Details TBC)

OCT 14

North Island Best Practice Day (Details TBC)

16

North Island Best Practice Day (Details TBC)

Disclaimer: This schedule is subject to change. See the website for the latest information.

6

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

WIRED MAGAZINE

FENCING CENTRAL Come along and talk all things fencing at Fencing Central.

See fencing demonstrations and best-practice tips and tricks, have a play with some of the tools and pick up a Fieldays-only specials!

Site F58

(next to Strainrite)

FCANZ News

AT MYSTERY CREEK FIELDAYS | 11-14 JUNE

Become an ber at FCANZ mem score tral and Fencing Cen s to win ce THREE chan unnings B f o 0 $100 ouchers. v

WWW.FCANZ.ORG.NZ WIRED MAGAZINE

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

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Executive Director update As I write this update, I’m sat in Whangamatā on Easter Monday, dodging torrential rain, while on leave for 10 days (like most of the country).

We’re here to build my mother-in-law a new deck for her 70th birthday present, and it’s a family affair. My husband is leading the build, our nephew is the labourer for the first 3 days, our daughter is the labourer for the remainder, and I’m labourer and gopher for the duration.

often get asked “what’s in it for me?”

$1,000 of Bunnings vouchers up for grabs

interesting one to answer because what

While working together as a family can have its challenges, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the satisfaction and immediate gratification that comes from building a deck or a residential fence.

Even more satisfying is seeing the skills and confidence our daughter gains from

is one of the most valuable member

Anyone who signs up as a General Member in June will automatically go in the draw to win $1,000 worth of vouchers, thanks to the Bunnings Trade team. The prize is worth more than 3x the cost of membership, and we’re not talking huge numbers of entrants, so if you have mates who have been ‘getting around to it’, now is the time! Sign up at the FCANZ trailer at Mystery Creek for THREE chances to win!

doing this type of work. She’s a hands-on person and is likely to head into a trade when she finishes school next year, so talking with her about the ‘Women in Fencing’ articles in this edition of WIRED has been timely – and a great reminder that she really can do pretty much anything she decides to.

It’s a reasonable question, but it’s an

is valuable to one person is often valueless to another.

We hear time and time again about

how ‘having a chat’ at any of our events benefits – even though it doesn’t directly impact your business bottom-line.

The networking at FCANZ events is

unlike anything I have seen elsewhere, and the willingness of those who have ‘been around the block’ to share their

knowledge (often learned the hard way!) with others is so refreshing.

For those who are more interested in

tangible benefits, there are some great discounts from our Partners which

can make a HUGE difference to your

T&Cs: The prize winner will be randomly drawn from General Memberships purchased between 1st June 2025 and 30th June 2025. The prize cannot be redeemed for cash. The judge’s decision is final.

JOIN & WIN!

pocket. For example, Bunnings Trade

offers a sizeable discount on the entire landscaping category through the

PowerPass app – you just need to do a

tiny bit of work to set up an account. (To put this in context, we saved just over a third of our decking materials cost).

JOIN FCANZ AS A GENERAL MEMBER IN JUNE AND BE IN TO WIN

$1000 OF BUNNINGS VOUCHERS THANKS TO BUNNINGS TRADE

Sign up at the FCANZ trailer at Mystery Creek Fieldays for THREE chances to win!

PGG Wrightson has a really favourable FCANZ rate for PGG account holders,

Beattie Insulators launched member-only pricing in June, and our other Partners

are always working on FCANZ member offers and pricing.

Look at it this way – a membership is cheaper than the cost of registering your Ute each year, or less than one

large 4-shot cappuccino per week. I’d

argue that you get more from an FCANZ

membership than your crazy caffeine hit – it’s up to you to make sure you’re tapping into the benefits!

What’s in it for me? Lots!

I come from a marketing background, and one of the phrases used a lot is WIIFM – “what’s in it for me”. The premise is that people generally won’t do anything unless there is something in it for them.

One of the things I really enjoy about the fencing industry is how fencers say what they think – which means when talking about FCANZ membership I

8

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

Come and see us at Fencing Central For the first time ever, we have our own

site at Mystery Creek Fieldays, where we’ll

be joined by PermaPine, Stockade, Beattie and Summit. Fencing Central at site F58 (next to Strainrite) is a place for you to

come along and talk all things fencing, with the industry body and some of the key industry suppliers – all in one place!

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

First Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsements awarded Congratulations to our first Accredited Fencing Contractors, who have put in the hard work to complete their Level 4 Certificate in Fencing and undertake the rigorous auditing process to prove they are not only excellent fencers but top-notch business owners. We’re looking forward to actively promoting them to construction specifiers around the country, including Government organisations such as local and regional councils, DOC and NZTA. Have a great winter, and I look forward to seeing you out and about!

Jaime Bigwood Executive Director 021 284 8223 | exec@fcanz.org.nz WIRED MAGAZINE

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First Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsements awarded under new system Three fencing contractors from around New Zealand have recently become the country’s new Accredited Fencing Contractors. These contractors have proven that they not only know how to build a great fence but they also run a safe and ethical business.

There are also important benefits to your business of becoming an endorsed fencing business. Accredited Fencing Contractors are listed at the top of their relevant “Find a Fencing Contractor” web directory page. And, when they become

an Accredited Fencing Contractor, their business gets a shoutout across our social channels and e-news.

Certified Fencers also enjoy some perks from achieving an endorsement, with the Certified Fencer logo on their “Find a Fencing Contractor” web directory listing.

The business details for members who hold either endorsement are listed in a specially created section within WIRED magazine, which is widely distributed – and particularly popular at the events we attend. They are also sent a bumper sticker and cap relevant to the endorsement level achieved. We encourage those who achieve either endorsement to shout about it through their own channels, using the logo whenever and wherever they can.

But the endorsements aren’t just about the benefit to the individual contractor. Not only do the Accredited Fencing Contractor and Certified Fencer endorsements raise the profile of an individual business, they also go a long way to continue to prove that fencing is a skilled trade.

In the coming months, FCANZ will be launching a campaign whereby we reach out to each territorial authority to ensure they know that Accredited Fencing Contractors are the fencers they should be looking to engage with for any fencing project.

Additionally, a series of technical drawings that are currently being finalised will be made available so that it is simple for any party to understand what industry minimum standards are. This will assist with fairly judging both tender submissions and the quality of any work that has been completed.

FCANZ News

“Fencing is still relatively unregulated, and this means that there aren’t any simple ways for a potential customer to easily identify a quality fencing contractor. These endorsements go a long way towards addressing that,” says FCANZ President Phil Cornelius.

“We’re working to educate the large organisations who contract out the fencing component of their work or project, as well as the wider public,

about what the industry minimums should be. We want them to be thinking about not only the cost, but whether they will actually get a fence that is built to last. It’s time for quality fencers to really shine, and for the cowboys to be concerned,” says Phil.

In addition, FCANZ is also able to offer a fencing inspection service to territorial authorities. A suitably qualified FCANZ member will visit any areas of concern, and will use a pre-formatted inspection template, their knowledge of industry best practice and the technical drawings that are soon to be released, to provide guidance on the quality of the work. This service is not for the purpose of finger-pointing but rather to reinforce the Association’s goal of ensuring fencing is recognised as a trade, and to raise the profile of quality fencers.

Emile de Greeuw of Omata Fencing in Pahiatua posted this on their business page: “We are the FIRST Lower North Island Fencing Contractor to be Accredited

by FCANZ – Fencing Contractors New Zealand, under their new strict requirements. A credit to the team at FCANZ for raising the professionalism of our industry – it was a pretty rigorous process and took us a few runs at it. This

has been a goal for the business for a long time, so it feels pretty good to finally tick it off!”

Meanwhile, Scott Graham from Specialist Rural Services in Rotorua said, “I’ve been fencing for nearly 20 years and just became Accredited. We know we run a good business, but now everyone else does too. It’s great to have a way for the industry to recognise best practice.

Phil wrapped up with, “Let’s face it – in this market any advantage is one worth taking.”

Find out more about FCANZ endorsements at https://fcanz.org.nz/training/

Written by Jaime Bigwood

The Association would like to formally congratulate all businesses who have achieved the Certified Fencer or Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsement, and acknowledge those who are currently going through the process.

WIRED MAGAZINE

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

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National Fencing Field Day Best Practice Fencing Techniques | Practical Demonstrations | Competitions Tools, Machinery & Vehicles | Activities for all

gust 2025 u A 6 y a d s Wedne 3.00pm 10.00am Taupō – Free delegates e c n re fe on FCANZ C 10 embers $ FCANZ m yrs) $5 ents (5-18 d tu S | 0 Public: $2 – Free Under 5s

• Fencing technique demonstrations and discussions • Fencing and machinery exhibitions – come along and talk to their reps • New product releases • Compete for great prizes in the FCANZ Games • Be in to WIN the Best Ute Toolbox competition!

Taupō

CONFERENCE25

FCANZ Conference25 FCANZ News

OW N K O BO

ACE L P R YOU E R U C TO SE

6-8 AUGUST | TAUPŌ

With just two months to go until Conference25, preparations are ramping up for what promises to be another standout FCANZ event this August.

Open to all current FCANZ members and their partners, this three-day event is set to deliver a dynamic mix of networking (and plenty of socialising), industry insights, and practical business takeaways. Attendees will also have the opportunity to contribute to the future direction of the Association, connect with leading suppliers, and explore the latest innovations in fencing tools and techniques.

WEDNESDAY 6 AUGUST National Fencing Field Day (NFFD)

Join us at the 5th annual NFFD to see the latest fencing gear, watch best practice demos, talk with exhibitors and challenge fellow fencing contractors to win great prizes in the FCANZ Games. If you are driving, enter your vehicle in the “Show Us Your Toolbox” competition and be in to win, thanks to the Milwaukee team.

This competition is open to both FCANZ members and non-members, with prizes for each category.

Last year, we introduced the Secondary Schools Fencing Competition, and we’re delighted to confirm that it is returning this year. Watch the students duke it out WIRED MAGAZINE

against each other and see if the girls can outperform the boys for the quality awards – and whether anyone can knock Geraldine High School off the overall top spot! Travel to and from, and entry into the NFFD are complimentary with your Conference25 ticket.

Ladies Who Lunch

For the long-suffering partners who aren’t keen on spending the day in the field with their other half, we’ll once again be running the popular Ladies Who Lunch outing. Your FCANZ ‘hostess with the mostest’ will take you on a fabulous day filled with delicious food, interesting activities, and wonderful company. Book early though, as spaces are limited!

Mix & Mingle Dinner*

Our ever-popular Mix & Mingle dinner is being held this year at Finn’s Bistro & Beer Garden, right in the middle of town. Come along, enjoy a casual catch-up with old acquaintances, and meet new people.

We’ve got a space reserved just for us, so feel free to head down once you’re back from the National Fencing Field Day. *Food and drinks at this event are not included in your Conference25 ticket.

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Finn’s Bistro & Beer Garden, Taupō

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Conference25 & AGM – Lake Taupō Yacht Club

The National Fencing Field Day and the activities day on Friday have all come about out of the need for us as an Incorporated Society to hold an Annual General Meeting every year, which means that Thursday is our “serious business” day. You’ll hear a report on what the Board has achieved in the previous 12 months and an update on what is planned for the next 12 months.

This is followed by the AGM, during which the Board will be decided, and any Association rule changes will be voted

upon. Three of the seven Board positions will be up for renewal this year due to our retirement-by-rotation policy. If you have been considering being involved in the direction of the Association, then now is your chance. While the incumbents may look to stand again, this doesn’t stop others from standing. If there are more nominations than positions, it will go to a confidential vote, with the results announced later in the day. Nomination forms and role descriptions are on our website.

Gala Dinner & FCANZ Awards – Lake Taupō Yacht Club

FRIDAY 8 AUGUST Activities Day

We love planning the activities day for our delegates – and this year is no exception!

Once again, we’ve decided to keep the plans for the activities on the down-low until much closer to the day. Check out our Facebook page and keep an eye on your emails for more info about what we’ll be doing.

Dinner on the Lake

A stay in Taupō isn’t complete without some form of water activity. For the final dinner of our 2025 Conference programme, we’re heading out on the lake for a 3-hour charter cruise with the team from Chris Jolly Outdoors. We’ll raft up at the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings and enjoy a tasty BBQ dinner before returning to shore.

(If the weather isn’t great, we’ll head to a sheltered bay instead.)

INDUSTRY

AWARDS

Once the Conference sessions have finished for the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to change into your glad rags and meet us in town for a well-earned beverage before heading back to the Yacht Club for our semi-formal dinner and awards ceremony. There will be prizes for the best dressed, so make sure you put in a good effort!

GETTING THERE

WHERE TO STAY

Taupō is a relatively easy drive from most cities in the North Island, and boasts a reasonably well-serviced airport. If you decide to fly, let us know when your flight lands, and we’ll see if we can arrange transport for you.

There are hundreds of accommodation options in and around Taupō to suit every budget, from backpackers and B&Bs to motels, hotels, and lodges.

Choose the option that works best for you. The Board will be staying at the Acacia Lake View Motel, right in the middle of town, so feel free to join us there.

BOOK! NOW

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The learning part of the Conference programme follows the AGM. Infometrics Chief Forecaster and Director, Gareth Kiernan, is coming along to talk about the state of the economy, particularly in the sectors that most affect our members, and what trends they are seeing. The day will also include our Member Feedback Forum, when you, as a member, are invited to comment on Association activities and contribute to the forward direction of FCANZ.

2025

THURSDAY 7 AUGUST

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

We’ll let delegates know where the Board will meet each day for breakfast or evening beverages (when there isn’t a planned location), and you are more than welcome to join us.

Book your ticket now and lock in your spot – numbers are strictly limited!

$450+GST per person

www.fcanz.org.nz/conference

Learn more about Taupō at www.loveTaupō.com *Conference programme subject to change

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

WIRED MAGAZINE

Join us for Conference25 A rewarding experience awaits you!

Whether you’re a fencing contractor or a corporate partner, Conference25 is the perfect opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share knowledge, and explore the latest trends and innovations.

Don’t miss out on the chance to network, learn, and grow your business.

Conference25 promises to be our best yet! Based on the incredible feedback we’ve received (shared below), we believe this event will provide you with a truly positive and rewarding experience.

Why attend National Fencing Field Day?

Why attend “Ladies Who Lunch”?

Corporate Partners’ Feedback

• “It’s a great way to connect in a lowpressure way with a lot of activity and easy time together.”

• “Steady flow of contractors throughout the day, so it was worth it.”

• “The company is great!”

• “Connecting with contractors and being able to display a range of products and discuss our product point of difference and channel-to-market strategies.”

Members’ Feedback

• “Field Day was very good, great targeted marketing. Fantastic social networking at all functions.“

• “Meeting people, both members and reps. Having something ‘fencing’ to see. It was great to see the schools’ involvement and that FCANZ recognises that sector.”

• “Getting to see the young fencers coming through – it shows that there are young people still willing to work coming through, which is positive for the industry.”

• “The layout, the weather, the range of products on display, the relaxed nature of the day, the live demonstrations of the post drivers being explained and then shown working.”

Why attend Conference?

Corporate Partners’ Feedback • “Meeting local contractors and understanding what’s happening in the industry.”

• “Guest speakers were great and very relevant to the current market. Venue was good and food excellent.“

• “I enjoyed all of it, especially Rodney Lonneker’s inspirational rags to riches speech. I equally enjoyed Brad Olsen and his update on our economics.”

• “Enhancing current connections and making new ones.”

• “Getting to meet FCANZ members and the FCANZ board.“

Members’ Feedback

• “I enjoy how many opportunities there are to get to know people in easy, fun ways, like on the tours and with the activities you set up.”

• “It flowed really well this year, all the speakers were very interesting, and the races were a lot of fun. It didn’t seem rushed and was well organised.

Food was great, every meal.”

• “For me, it was networking and meeting new members and reconnecting with others. The opportunity to have plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle is great.”

• “The positive open vibe, the Thursday was well structured and ran very well.”

WIRED MAGAZINE

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ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

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Board nominations sought The FCANZ Board plays a critical role in the governance of the Association with a focus on the ‘bigger picture’ areas of organisational purpose and strategic direction.

Three of our seven Board members reach the end of their two-year term at the AGM in August this year. Two of these Board

members have confirmed that they will not be standing for re-election, therefore we are seeking nominations to fill their positions.

Being on the Board offers an attractive opportunity to grow personally and professionally. You’ll develop skills and gain irreplaceable experience while having the chance to drive and influence the decisions and direction of the Association.

As part of the team, you’ll be happy to commit for two years to make improvements for the industry and our members. You’ll not only be aware of the ins and outs of the industry, you’ll be passionate about making it better for professional fencers. Being reasonably tech-savvy is a plus, as much of the Board’s work is carried out online.

Board members contribute to regular meetings, attend events as FCANZ representatives, and always demonstrate organisational and industry best practice.

The application process Nominations for the FCANZ Board need to be completed online (www.fcanz.org.nz/boardnomination) and submitted by 5pm Monday 30th June 2025. Nominees will be sent information about being on the Board and be asked to complete a short form providing some information about themselves.

Both the Nominee and the Nominator must be paid up members of FCANZ.

The election process

The FCANZ Board has a maximum of seven elected officers and, in the event that the Association receives more nominations than there are positions available, a Board Officer Election will be held at the AGM (Thursday 7th August 2025) at which time the members in attendance will vote for the nominees they wish to represent them on the Board.

Head to www.fcanz.org.nz/boardnomination to read about what is involved in being on the Board and to submit a nomination. If you have any questions regarding the nomination process, or the role of a Board member, please get in touch with Jeanette Miller (027 432 2033) or FCANZ President Phil Cornelius (027 274 4188).

Notice of 2025 Annual General Meeting Members are advised that the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand will be held at the Lake Taupō Yacht Club, 9 Ferry Road, Taupō, on Thursday 7th August 2025 at 9.00am as part of the Annual Conference programme.

The purpose of the AGM is for members to:

1. approve the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting; 2. receive the Annual Report;

3. receive and approve the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025;

4. receive a report from the President on the previous years’ activities and plans for the coming year; 5. approve and adopt changes to the Constitution (if any) 6. appoint the Board members for the ensuing term; 7. consider any other business not on the agenda.

Members and interested parties who wish to attend the AGM only (not the full Conference programme) are asked to register by emailing admin@fcanz.org.nz The Agenda for the AGM and supporting documentation will be made available via the FCANZ website – www.fcanz.org.nz – in due course.

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Wires, wisdom, and winning connections FCANZ News

The South Island FCANZ promo trailer was on-site for the full three days of the biennial South Island Agricultural Field Days at Kirwee in Canterbury this March.

Board Member Nick Terry and FCANZ Executive Director Jaime Bigwood were onsite and available to talk about everything fencing related, from the benefits of membership to the Certificates in Fencing and how to find a fencing contractor.

The numbers attending this event seemed to be much better than at some of the other regional events so far this year. The trailer was placed between the Cowboy Challenge and the fencing competitions, and near Association Partners Waratah, Strainrite and Beattie, making for an excellent, unofficial “hub”.

There was a lot to talk about over the three days, including the Join & Win triple-entry promotion that was being run on-site and the very old fencing that was brought along by Doug Taylor and parked up near us. Many conversations were held about what the benefits are of FCANZ membership, with the realisation that it costs less than a pie per week being something that caught the ear of many.

Attending these large events is an important part of our strategy of raising the profile of the Association and, in turn, making people aware that fencing is a skilled trade. While we might not talk to everyone, more often than not, those who we do speak to (who aren’t fencers) are looking for someone to do their fencing

WIRED MAGAZINE

for them. Quite a few FCANZ branded builders pencils were given away, mainly to those people looking for contractors’ as it was the easiest way to ensure they had the FCANZ web address. They were all referred to the “Find a Fencing Contractor” directory and hopefully have been in touch.

The media opportunities that can come with these events are also key, and we were able to leverage two of these to highlight that fencing is a skilled trade.

On the Wednesday, PGG ran a termination knot “fencing challenge” for the Rural Roundup lads Andy & Lashes. A very quick coaching session from Nick and Rathgen Fencing’s Tom Rathgen, and the competition was on. “It ain’t for the faint hearted or the people with office hands that’s for sure”, said Lashes. This session resulted in a great live on-air interview with Nick and a very funny (cringeworthy) video, both of which appeared on the Rural Roundup’s Facebook page. Pop on over if you want to see them in action (spoiler alert: the office-based Aucklander won by a long way!) Big thanks to Tom Rathgen for helping out with the Fencing Challenge and putting up a cracker post & rail fence around the PGG site.

Thursday gave us a slightly different opportunity when Labour Leader Chris Hipkins and his team stopped by. While I

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins with FCANZ Board Member Nick Terry

chatted with the team about fencing and the need for it to be recognised as a trade, Chris had a lesson in tying termination knots from Nick, who was quite impressed with the Minister’s abilities.

“For what I understand was a first attempt, he did well. He might need to wear gloves next time though,” Nick said. Mr Hipkins and his team also spent time leaning on the gate talking about the Lean on a Gate programme and rural mental health, which provided valuable exposure for the work Wiggy & his team do. It was great to see that team photo show up on the Minister’s Facebook page.

It was great to see several new members sign up over the course of the event, and we look forward to seeing them at events and hearing their thoughts on how the Association can help their business. Come along and say hi to the team at Mystery Creek in June, and then Southern Field Days in Waimumu next February.

Written by Jaime Bigwood

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

19

Fencing, feasting, and a whole lot of know-how

Tikokino

Cracking weather made for three excellent Best Practice Days in April. Spread around the eastern side of the North Island, the days provided attendees with an opportunity to see fencing best practice techniques in action – and watch some fencing industry legends at work.

Tikokino 8 April 2025

Shane and Tony Bouskill kick off the Tikokino event

Well-known competition fencers Shane and Tony Bouskill put on a great event at their Tikokino property in the Hawke’s Bay. The Bouskill team talked a captivated audience through best practice for various aspects of rural fencing and answered any questions that curious onlookers had. They can’t have given too much info away, as they still took out the win at the NZ Fencing Competitions’ Cambridge event.

A huge thanks to Joelene for the spectacular food. It’s going to be hard to beat at any future events!

Whakatāne 10 April 2025 This Best Practice Day was held in possibly one of the coolest converted shearing sheds we’ve ever seen – complete with a bar and super comfy couches! Outstanding views of Whakaari (White Island) and Whale Island, our thanks to Shaun Davies from Davies Fencing in Te Puke for organising this location. Accredited Fencing Contractor Neil Robertson from Fensin in the mighty Waikato, demonstrated rail installation in

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ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

Whakatāne

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

WIRED MAGAZINE

Whakatāne

The afternoon saw the team move to the nearby hillside, with spectacular views across the coast, to hear about best practice wire fence installation. Big thanks to Ben Fisher for arranging the venison for the BBQ.

Cambridge 11 April 2025 Normally, we only hold two Best Practice Days in a week. However, an NZFC competition in Cambridge provided us with the chance to run a combined BPD/competition day. It’s an interesting concept with lots to see, but it can also be quite noisy – especially at the start of the competitions with 8 borers running!

“

Cambridge

Wayne Newdick at the Cambridge BPD

FCANZ News

the shade of the orchard. The discussions around overlapping 45-degree cuts at the ends of rails versus straight ends were certainly interesting and showed the differences in techniques, with none of them being inherently ‘wrong’.

A massive thanks to all the Partners that attended these events – their products, technical expertise and participation are what make these events what they are

Our programme started a little later than planned because of this, but it still provided all the goods expected of a Best Practice Day. Long-time fencer and fount of all fencing knowledge, Wayne Newdick, talked through the intricacies of augers, different setups, and how crucial it is to have the correct setup to make the job easier. Good bugger Greg Burton demonstrated recessing timber into posts and various timber joins. Bryan Henry demonstrated horse rail. It was great to see students and teachers from local schools there to learn more about the world of fencing – and fencing as a career. Thanks to Thomsons ITM for supplying the excellent BBQ for attendees and competitors alike. The sausages from Wholey Cow were excellent! (IYKYK).

As always, the feedback from these events is invaluable and provides us with areas in which to improve. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come and provide feedback.

Do you have an idea for an event or a webinar? Let us know! info@fcanz.org.nz WIRED MAGAZINE

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Written by Jaime Bigwood & Phil Cornelius

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

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Wiggy’s World As I sit and write this, Ashburton is lining up for over 100mm of rain in the next 3 days. I think, “Geez, we have had enough rain this summer,” and then I gave myself a face-palm slap, realising that places like the Waikato and Taranaki, even summer-safe Raetihi (my old home town), have been desperate for rain!

It reminds me that cycles in life come and go, and how we ride through the storm and then enjoy the warmth of the sun reminds us not much in life is in our control, but how we make the most of each situation is paramount to our success and wellbeing.

My life has had many changes, from the ole hometown days of driving a tractor in the market gardens, working in the woolsheds, and trying to impress a very busy father who didn’t need to be impressed, as the work ethic he had instilled in me was his legacy. Kindness, compassion and community spirit were also imprinted into me in those early years, along with frustrations and temper at the challenges I face.

I do my best to feed the good and not empower the bad, but we all have failings, and not being too tough on oneself is the best thing we can practice as we try our best to succeed and be resourceful for those who rely on us!

We have sold up and downsized to allow the Lean on a Gate campaign, the Rural Health and Wellness work to be the places I direct my workload, and to ensure this fast growing-up family of mine becomes more of a focus than it has been.

I feel an amazing amount of privilege to be in all of these spaces. Some days I wake up to messages of thanks from people we have helped. The people we meet that really have no idea their health is in need of further medical analysis. The cowboy coming out in me on track. The already-better family engagement since selling means life is in a good space.

For those of you who are struggling

with one or more parts of your life or workload, please look for advice, develop an understanding of the cycle you may be in and what you can control. There are people out there who love and rely on

WIRED MAGAZINE

you. You also rely on yourself to be the best you can be, to allow success, and to enjoy the sun when it shines, or the rain when it’s needed!

Changing tack here, I’ve watched with interest the online debate the American Fencing Association (AFA) is going through at the moment, as they question the relevance of how their organisation is run and what it does for the industry.

We here in New Zealand face the same grumblings occasionally, but here is where we are lucky…

We are a small country where reputation is King. Social media has recently showcased some really poor work, and FCANZ members have righted some wrongs. We don’t have 52 states with 52 governance bodies controlling what’s used and where. Up until recently we all had more than enough work, so we recommended others to customers when we were too busy.

We have ONE ORGANISATION looking after the industry, run by volunteers as Kaitiaki, wanting only the best for those who make a living out of the occupation and those who engage in their services.

work they do, the beautiful places they work, and the passion they have for the occupation they chose. But also share the information FCANZ put out to raise awareness of what’s happening, where it’s happening, and why. But today, I scrolled through the FCANZ pages to see one post with 62 likes and only 3 shares, and that was to do with an industry day.

FCANZ News

Focusing on what you can control

If I get 100 plus shares on a post, I normally get over 100k of views and engagement; less than 10 shares, it goes nowhere and is deemed a fail. Rather than just liking something good about the industry, share the shit out of it! The sponsors love the increased traffic, FCANZ gets in front of more people, and it also encourages more involvement from peers and customers.

How do we ensure success and wellbeing? Control what we can.

Let’s take control of our good reputation and share it with those who may not know just how good an FCANZ fencer can be!

What can we as members do to support this organisation? The members of the AFA feel frustrated that no customers ask if they are members of the AFA, and in fact have no idea that there is a governing body. I hear you all say, “It’s a bit like that here!” That’s possibly our fault!

I challenged members at last year’s conference to share on social media the

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

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The cost of not checking beneath the surface They say the customer is always right, but when it comes to digging safely, it’s wise to double-check what’s beneath the surface, regardless of what you’re told.

Here’s a practical example from a

cable to be installed from the power pole

why it’s always best to follow safe

The cost? An eye-watering estimate of

CERTLOC certified utility locator showing digging practices – even if someone suggests otherwise.

A fencing contractor was engaged by a

customer to install fencing and had been assured by a property owner that there

were no underground utility services in the area. The owner, confident after 50 years on the property, was certain that nothing lay beneath the surface. What he didn’t

realise was that a power cable installed

long ago still ran through the site – serving the neighbour’s property.

The contractor reused an existing fence

post hole, but this time dug slightly deeper,

and hit the cable. The consequence? Power was lost, and the repair required a new

all the way down the neighbour’s driveway. $75,000 due to the long distance involved.

Let this be a reminder: 1. Don’t rely on a property owner’s

memory. Things change. Infrastructure gets added, rerouted or forgotten.

2. Just because something was there

before (like a fence post) doesn’t mean

it’s safe to assume there are no services underneath.

At beforeUdig, we see these kinds of

preventable incidents too often. Always

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

– it’s about protecting people, property and essential infrastructure.

For utility network maps and to find details of certified locators available in your area of work, lodge your FREE beforeUdig enquiry or look one up on our website here www. beforeudig.co.nz/locator/certified-locators/ map-of-certified-locating-companies Thanks to Chris Chassiotis, CERTLOC certified locator of SA Cable & Pipe Locating, for supplying the photo and details of this incident.

lodge a beforeUdig request and get a

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are any underground utility cables or pipes

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ground. It’s not just about avoiding damage

1.

24

Fencing cable damage

2.

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WIRED MAGAZINE

Industry & Innovation

The contractor’s choice – Waratah® Longlife Blue® 25kg wire coils

Waratah® Fencing has officially launched Longlife Blue® 25kg fence wire coils. These new coils are designed to make fencing projects easier, faster, and more efficient, giving you the perfect solution for your next fencing job.

25kg roll in hand, it’s perfect for contractors

Contractors and farmers alike know that

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work with, especially in more mountainous terrain. New Zealand has had 25kg coils in

the fencing landscape for a while now and Waratah has been working hard to meet this demand with its own 25kg Longlife Blue coils.

We recently spoke to Dan Douglass from

Dan Douglass Fencing, about his thoughts

on the new coils. “We will use a bunch of the

Longlife Blue wire is a consistent product for me, and it stays a consistent price.”

Dan Douglass continued to share his

thoughts on why Waratah is his go-to fencing product:

“Our main product is Waratah now. I

is always the same, we don’t have any

issues with individual wires breaking. And

it contours well on the steeper, undulating terrain. Waratah is easier to work with,

doesn’t break, and we use quite a few of the JiOs. It’s good being able to get the

whole fence as an actual system with the clips and the whole lot. It is easy and fast

to build. It is an easy system to use, that’s quick and easy to put up. It is quick to

strain up and clip on, and not a lot of tools are really needed for the job.

Longlife Blue coils, and they will be a good

Waratah’s Longlife Blue wire coils are

New Zealand, as a lot of hill fences get wire

contractors and farmers with a reliable

seller. The 25kg rolls are a good point for carried in by hand. So, if you can carry a

WIRED MAGAZINE

Dan Douglass

who are set up for 25kg rolls. Waratah

now available for purchase, providing

needs. The 25kg coils make handling easier, especially in rugged terrain, and with the consistency of Waratah’s products, you can rest assured that you’re getting a highquality, long-lasting wire.

For more information and to place an order, visit www.waratahfencing.co.nz or contact Brendon on 021 393 010 Supplied by:

and easy-to-use solution for their fencing

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ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

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Industry & Innovation

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Farmers, contractors, and rural landowners can witness Cowstile firsthand at the Fieldays Innovation Tent, Mystery Creek, from June 11–14, 2025. Edgesmith invites attendees to experience live demonstrations showcasing Cowstile’s groundbreaking capabilities.

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components out of harm’s way, drastically minimizing damage from livestock. Plus, its flexible installation allows gates to swing in either direction and open to any angle, providing unmatched versatility.

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Addressing a common rural headache – curious animals damaging gate automation -Cowstile’s innovative mounting solution positions the mechanism safely atop the gate post. This design keeps critical

The development of Cowstile is a testament to Edgesmith’s deep-rooted expertise in fencing, automation, and security solutions.

Created through the collaborative efforts of a highly skilled local engineering team, Cowstile addresses key pain points faced by farmers: high costs, reliability concerns, and inadequate functionality of existing gate automation options.

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Come See Cowstile in action Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Cowstile firsthand at Fieldays 2025. Visit Edgesmith at the Innovation Tent from June 11-14 for live demonstrations, expert advice, and insights into how Cowstile can revolutionise your farming operations.

Edgesmith welcomes all FCANZ members, rural contractors, and enthusiasts to explore Cowstile – New Zealand’s next step toward smarter, more efficient, and hasslefree farming.

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ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

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This enhancement ensures that PermaPine can offer its customers and contractors one of the most extensive product ranges in the country. Making PermaPine’s Machine Rounded Poles the perfect choice for your next project.

Superior quality: Each pole is selected, graded, and treated to comply with New Zealand standards (NZS3605 & NZS3640), ensuring exceptional performance and longevity.

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ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

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FEATURE WOMEN IN FENCING

FEATURE

Breaking stereotypes one fence at a time

From high heels and retail counters to boots and post drivers – it’s safe to say I never saw this life coming.

My name is Anne Madden, and I’m a female fencer, proudly working alongside my husband.

I grew up in the vibrant environment of Auckland City, which contrasts significantly with my current work involving muddy paddocks, wire strainers, and long days in the sun.

30

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

The turning point came in 2020, when

proudly been running for over 30 years.

At the time, I never imagined that our

with that kind of legacy and work ethic is

I met my husband, Wairata Madden.

connection would not only bring love into my life, but also lead me into an entirely new world – the world of fencing.

Wairata started Madden Fencing in 2020, and his skills and leadership on-site are nothing short of impressive. His

family – the Maddens – are some of the

hardest-working people I’ve ever met. His father, Peter Madden, founded Madden Holdings Limited, a company that has FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Being welcomed into a family business something I’m incredibly proud of.

When I first stepped into this industry, I’ll be honest – I didn’t think I was cut

out for it. Fencing is no small task. It’s

physically demanding, mentally tough,

and completely outside anything I’d ever

done before. I doubted myself constantly.

And let’s be real – I never thought I’d drive a tractor in my lifetime!

WIRED MAGAZINE

WOMEN IN FENCING FEATURE One of my earliest experiences out on the fence line was… let’s just say, unforgettable. It was one of my first times battening with my husband, and I was still figuring out the gear and technique.

In a moment that still haunts me, I accidentally fired a batten off the wire – and hit him directly in the nether regions. I was absolutely horrified. I thought he’d be furious. But no – he burst out laughing. He thought it was the funniest thing ever and now loves retelling the story to everyone.

And believe me – to this day, I still don’t hear the end of it!

Every experience, awkward or amazing, has helped shape who I’m becoming in this new life. There’s something deeply empowering about doing work that leaves a visible mark at the end of each day.

Whether it’s marking along the guideline for where the posts will be placed, or tightening the wires after stapling them onto each post, every project is a reminder of what can be achieved with your own two hands. It’s challenging, yes – but incredibly rewarding.

“

Every experience, awkward or amazing, has helped shape who I’m becoming in this new life. There’s something deeply empowering about doing work that leaves a visible mark at the end of each day

Being part of this world has also given me access to some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever witnessed. It’s one thing to look at mountains from afar – but being on the mountains, working amongst them, is something else entirely.

The peace, the vastness, the stillness – it’s humbling. And the connection with animals has been just as special. Being surrounded by dogs, cows, sheep, and even the occasional turkey has been incredibly healing to my well-being.

There’s something grounding about being alongside animals and nature. I’m so grateful that my husband introduced me to this life.

Being a woman in this field can raise eyebrows. I’ve had my fair share of sceptical looks and underestimating comments. But every time I swing that hammer, dig that posthole, or load gear for a big day, I’m changing perceptions – one fence at a time.

One of the most beautiful and unexpected parts of this journey has been the lifestyle it’s created for our family. We’re now raising our three children in a rural environment that’s rich with freedom, nature, and hands-on learning. Our kids are growing up with the values of hard work, responsibility, and self-reliance. They’re not just observing this lifestyle – they’re part of it. And that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.

WIRED MAGAZINE

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

I still have so much to learn. Every job teaches me something new, and every challenge stretches me in a different way. But being part of this industry is a privilege. It’s an honour to be trusted with work that supports the land, the people, and the livelihoods of others.

FEATURE

After that particular incident, I honestly can’t believe my husband still trusts me out at work – but here we are. We live, and we learn.

To any woman reading this who’s feeling stuck, restless, or curious about trying something outside of the box – I see you.

It’s okay to be afraid. It’s okay to doubt yourself. But trust me when I say: you might just surprise yourself. Whether it’s fencing, farming, building, or something else entirely – you can do hard things.

You’re more capable than you know.

I’ve been documenting this journey through my platforms on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, under the name “A Fencer’s Wife.” It’s a real and honest look at what life is like from my perspective – a woman in a maledominated trade, a wife, a mum, and someone who’s figuring it all out in real time. If you’re interested in following along, I’d love to have you.

This life is rugged, real, and full of heart.

And if I can inspire even one other woman to step outside her comfort zone and try something new – then I’m doing something right.

Written by Anne K Madden

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

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WOMEN IN FENCING FEATURE

Shifting the posts, shaping the industry With a degree in History and Education, a career in fashion buying and merchandising, and self employment in export cut flower – it might not have seemed obvious that Debbie White would help shape New Zealand’s fencing industry.

I don’t view being a woman in the industry as a barrier, and over the years, I have seen women who have added much value to the industry. Whilst I appreciate the physicality and skills of fencing within a male-dominated industry, being female didn’t mean that I couldn’t contribute and get involved. I believe when you know your stuff and show an interest, most people respect that. In fact, at FCANZ Conferences, I am always interested to hear what role the females in the team play; some are heavily involved in their husband’s/partner’s business, and others have their own career path.

Background Getting a university degree in History and Education doesn’t always scream great career choice, but it has set me up well. It taught me to write in a structured manner, helped me develop analytical thinking, research techniques, and problem-solving skills, with an emphasis on multiple perspectives, and a focus on outcomes.

“

Establishing a company from the ground up, I found that success lay in product knowledge, an interest in marketing and developing a company on a shoestring budget

FEATURE

But over two decades, she’s done just that: championing inclusion, leading industry events, and proving that contribution isn’t measured by strength alone. The winner of the FCANZ 2024 Women in Industry award shares her story with WIRED.

All of my previous roles were far removed from the fencing industry but definitely assisted with my industry involvement.

The key skills and lessons learned, and applied into my work in the fencing

industry have been the importance of

strategies and thinking 3-4 steps ahead; working within a lean budget; factoring

budgeting into all activities; the value of knowing what you’re talking about; and

company on a shoestring budget.

These days, our daughter Ashley is

also a great asset on a fence line, often outperforming some of our other

workers. She’s great with operating

machinery, and she demonstrates the

value and capabilities that women have in a physical role such as fencing.

recognising that everything has a value.

Industry Involvement

White Fencing and Revolution Post Drivers

Personal highs for me within my time in

In the late 1980s, my husband, Tony,

was building his fencing business, White Fencing. I became more involved in

White Fencing and in 2002, we decided to commercialise Tony’s design of a

rotational post driver. I gave up my part-

time role as a merchandiser for Westfield

to focus on the new business. Establishing a company from the ground up, I found

that success lay in product knowledge, WIRED MAGAZINE

an interest in marketing and developing a

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

the industry would be organising ‘All about

Fencing’ and ‘Fencing in Action’. I brought the industry together, which required

considerable buy-in and perseverance, convincing the organisers of the larger events these fencing events were run within, to support what I was trying

to achieve. I created a formula of top

demonstrators, areas of different fence line types, and a cross-section of exhibitors within each of these individual areas.

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FEATURE WOMEN IN FENCING interest and experience – of a 4WD trip.

The Heasley’s were in, Mike and Terry Renner jumped onboard boots and all, Jay did her magic behind the scenes and of course Noksee, with Carol closing gates, was in, along with a great group of FCANZ members and Partners, some who had never come along to a prior FCANZ event before. It was a prime example of people contributing their expertise and interests, creating great teamwork.

Tony and Debbie at Cabelas

FEATURE

I’ve organised small fencing tours of overseas fencers under ‘All about Fencing’, which has been an experience in planning and logistics; visiting with NZ fencing contractors, factory tours and sightseeing.

I enjoyed conceptualising the FCANZ 4WD trip through the Molesworth and MacDonald Stations in November 2023.

What started as a general conversation with Scott and Anna Heasley down at the Dunedin Conference, perked an idea – based on Tony’s 4WD competition

Working within NZFC has been another highlight. Good genuine people who work well together. It’s impressive how welcoming and supportive competitors are, sharing information and mentoring new competitors. On behalf of NZFC, Nick Liefting and I have been working on a World Fencing Competition at Fieldays, and an overseas fencing competition exchange program.

Final thoughts I’ve worked within the industry for over 20 years at an organisational level. It shouldn’t matter what sex or age anyone is. It’s about what we give and learn, and indeed earn in exchange. I believe the greatest challenge we face in the fencing industry is the self-perception and attitudes within the industry. WE need to recognise fencing as a skilled trade, for

“

I’ve organised small fencing tours of overseas fencers under ‘All about Fencing’, which has been an experience in planning and logistics visiting with NZ fencing contractors, factory tours and sightseeing

it to be recognised as a skilled trade by those outside the industry. We all need to stop thinking “what’s in it for “ME” as that thinking helps no one, especially “ME”.

Instead, we need to realise that being involved in the industry at any level helps with personal growth and knowledge.

We all need to advocate for fencing to be recognised as a skilled trade because it benefits “ME” as an individual, “MY” business and everyone in the industry.

I’d like to thank Tony. There have been many times when he has walked into our office and seen me working on industry stuff that brings no real benefit to us (and in actual terms costs our business). While frustrating for him, my involvement has in fact been actively supported by him.

Article by Debbie White

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WIRED MAGAZINE

WOMEN IN FENCING FEATURE

Building more than just fences “If you had told me back in high school that I’d grow up to be a fencer, I would have laughed – not because it sounded crazy, but because honestly, I wouldn’t have even known what that was!”

But 13 years after setting up DKH Contracting with partner Daniel Holmes, she hasn’t looked back.

Kim was born and raised in Rotorua and met Daniel at high school, and like many women in the agriculture industry, she became a ‘farmer’s wife’.

But being ‘barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen’ was never going to be the life for her, she told WIRED Magazine. She was looking for a more active role.

The couple has five kids, aged between six and 12, and having a young family gave her perspective on what kind of lifestyle she wanted for her and her family.

“It made me realise how important it was to be in control of my own time. I wanted flexibility, the ability to be there for my kids, and a balance between work and life that suited us, and being self-employed ticked all those boxes.

“It’s also been a great way to show our kids that no matter what the job is, anyone can do it if they put their mind to it.”

She said Dan often jokes that if the machines are at home, he has to hide the keys.

“There have been plenty of times he’s come home to find me halfway through a new project! I love being pushed out of my comfort zone, and there’s no better place to do it than in your own business.”

When DKH Contracting was started, Kim took on more of a behind-the-scenes role while spending time with the children.

WIRED MAGAZINE

“

I knew that to run a successful business and be a good employer, I had to truly understand what fencing involved, and that meant being able to lead from the front, knowing the ins and outs of a quality product

“While I spent a lot of that time at home with the kids and working behind the scenes, I never imagined how much I’d enjoy the physical side of the job too. I knew that to run a successful business and be a good employer, I had to truly understand what fencing involved, and that meant being able to lead from the front, knowing the ins and outs of a quality product.

Having previously been sharemilkers, the couple bring plenty of experience with stock and a good understanding of what works and what doesn’t, and can pass on sound advice to clients on their rural jobs.

DKH Contracting provides all types of fencing; Rural, Lifestyle and Residential, with its main service area across the Central Bay of Plenty. They employ anywhere from two to five fencers working alongside Kim and Dan. They have been involved in farm conversions, rural and lifestyle development projects, and subdivisions.

Kim said being a woman in the fencing industry was not without its challenges.

“I still get a laugh out of the looks I get from male tradies when I turn up on-site and start backing a trailer or unloading the truck.”

But she said attitudes are changing.

“Female tradies are becoming more and more common, and it’s only a matter of FCANZ.ORG.NZ

FEATURE

For Rotorua fencing contractor Kim Costello, fencing wasn’t the industry she thought she would end up in.

time before women are fully recognised and respected across all trades, including fencing.”

Kim’s passion for the industry is obvious, and she is keen to see more women join.

“The message I want to share with any woman thinking about entering this industry is this: fencing is seriously underrated. It’s not just building a fence; it’s learning a huge range of skills. It’s the satisfaction of seeing what you’ve achieved at the end of the day, it’s the people you meet, the suppliers you work with, and the clients who trust you to bring their projects to life.

“It all adds up to a pretty great day – and a career that’s well worth considering.”

Article by Rosa Watson

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FEATURE WOMEN IN FENCING

A female legend in fencing products RETAIL GOLD PARTNERS

Mitchpine has been supplying quality outdoor wood products since 1975, and while a maledominated workplace, Mitchpine has had more and more females joining the team.

“

The first female out on the yard was Karen Greig. Karen produces Mitchpine’s own Domeloc fencing and bollard range.

FEATURE

Domeloc is a range of fencing and bollards which complements a wide range of areas from car parks, road edging, school grounds, parks, council grounds, rural and urban properties.

Karen recently took some time away from the workshop to tell WIRED a bit more about her role.

“I have been doing the Domeloc fences and bollards since Mitchpine started producing the products over 20 years ago. This sees me getting each custom order ready as they come in. Domeloc is made to order, so each order is completely different. I round or square each post and customise as needed, as there are a number of different finishes – no order is the same.

Since we started doing our own saw sharpening in-house, I have also been involved in sharpening straight-edge knives that are used for the production of post wood and sawmilling. I find this very interesting, and it definitely changes up the work day.”

Favourite part of your role?

There are lots! Driving the loader, the relationships and banter with fellow staff.

In my area, I am my own boss, so I decide how my day looks.

I have been with Mitchpine for over 28 years. In that time I have had a lot of roles, but I love that each day is different, and as the years have passed my roles have changed

Check out Karen’s beautiful work here: https://www.mitchpine.co.nz/ domeloc

Supplied by:

What training have you completed?

In the last five years I have completed a Timber Machinist apprenticeship.

Most interesting fact about the industry: That it takes more than one person to produce a length of timber, or a round post, teamwork is a big factor.

How long have you been with Mitchpine?

I have been with Mitchpine for over 28 years. In that time I have had a lot of roles, but I love that each day is different, and as the years have passed my roles have changed.

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WIRED MAGAZINE

WOMEN IN FENCING FEATURE

Tash Biemond (centre) with her team

FEATURE

Building success in Central Otago

Whether a quirk of the business or just good planning, when you step into Farmlands Cromwell for some wire or netting, you’ll notice the full-time retail team are all women – under the strong leadership of Branch Manager Tash Biemond.

Born and bred in Central Otago, Tash started her Ag career working in her parent’s market garden, getting to know her way around packing spuds and brussel sprouts. Then she got to know more about the building game, working as a labourer for her brother. By her admission she got all the crappy jobs no-one else wanted. Testament to Tash’s determination, she always got the job done.

Tash’s familiarity with the wide range of products available through Farmlands has enabled her to successfully quote for some pretty important projects. “Price is a big one when we’re trying to get jobs over the line for customers. We’ll quote different suppliers for them and if they want a particular item, I’ll always give them the low down on which product is better quality and why” says Tash.

The future, however, was destined to be back in the primary sector, not as a gardener but learning the ropes at Farmlands Alexandra in the Inwards Goods / Bulk Store, building relationships with all the fencing contractors coming through. Over time Tash’s knowledge of what goes into making a good fence and associated infrastructure grew, with trips out into the field to see her local contractors in action.

This ability to manage the big jobs with successful outcomes for customers has led Tash all over Central Otago with Farmlands. From Balclutha to Dunedin and now to Cromwell, where her relationship skills and organisational abilities have helped make Farmlands one of the biggest and most depended upon rural retailers in the region. “There’s no one else really in our area that has the room or the size of operation, with the variety of products that can measure up to

WIRED MAGAZINE

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

what we’re doing” says Tash. If you needed any more evidence of Tash’s hard work and Farmlands being on the up, just wait for an increased Farmlands Horticulture presence at the Cromwell store.

Outside of Farmlands, Tash’s business sense and people skills are also being put to good use, as she builds a house in the area – and she still finds time for a bit of hunting and fishing. What do they say? If you need a job done, give it to a busy person.

Make sure you drop into Farmlands Cromwell and say hi to Tash and the wonderful women on her team, helping RETAIL GOLD PARTNERS fencing contractors get a better deal and better results for their customers.

Supplied by:

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

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WOMEN IN FENCING FEATURE

Pulled to the land Taylor Finlayson grew up on a dairy farm near Whangārei, where early mornings, calf rearing, and break feeding were a way of life. Watching her parents work hard every day, Taylor absorbed that same work ethic – she never shied away from the physical side of farm life, and she still doesn’t.

After three years in dairy farming, Taylor made the move into fencing at 23, drawn by the outdoors and the satisfaction of hands-on work. “I don’t need a gym – this job keeps me fit,” she laughs.

“

Taylor spent her first three years in fencing with a company in Wellsford before joining CPC Fencing in Northland, where she’s now been for four years.

Over that time, she’s worked her way up from pulling wires and stapling to now handling everything from battening to post bangers and railing.

There is something very satisfying about seeing a fence come together, no two days are the same, that’s what I love most

FEATURE

She’s currently working towards her Level Four Certificate in Fencing, aiming to become the first female in New Zealand to earn the qualification after its relaunch in 2023. “I wanted to broaden my knowledge and keep challenging myself.”

Working between two crews at CPC, Taylor floats wherever she’s needed. She appreciates the camaraderie. “The team was welcoming from the start. I enjoy the banter, and the variety of our work keeps things interesting.”

Her job takes her across the region – from steep hill country to coastal farms.

One highlight was a job on the Purerua Peninsula. “The outlook across the ocean was incredible. And on that terrain, you’ve got to stay sharp – it keeps you thinking.”

Outside of work, Taylor runs a small equestrian business, giving lessons and schooling horses. She also competes in show jumping on her two horses. Her family recently bought a new farm, and she’s taking the lead in setting up the horse paddocks and stables. “It’s exciting – I love building something from the ground up.”

For Taylor, fencing is more than a job – it’s about solving problems and doing meaningful work in the great outdoors.

“There is something very satisfying about seeing a fence come together, no two days are the same, that’s what I love most,” she said.

Written by Alice Scott

WIRED MAGAZINE

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FEATURE

FEATURE WOMEN IN FENCING

The fence line classroom – building skills, grit, and legends in Geraldine

From classroom to fence line, Sarah Foley-Smith and the Primary Industry Academy are rewriting the rules on education, hard work, and what it means to build something that lasts.

Sarah Foley-Smith (AKA Team Leader), winner of the FCANZ 2024 Industry Contribution Award, runs the Primary Industry Academy at Geraldine High School, where she’s been for the last 13 years. Sarah shares with WIRED the joys of working with teenagers and fencing royalty.

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I have the best job in the world! Every day

years we have worked hard to build our

with awesome teenagers. There’s nothing

ITO Trade Academy School – the extra

is different, mostly spent outside and quite like a gorgeous Geraldine day,

having a mean yarn at the fence line while the rest of the school sits at their desks.

So what’s our class goal? To set the

world on fire. And my goal? To make a

difference. If Geraldine can’t do it, then it can’t be done.

What do we do?

We run a hands-on practical NCEA

course at Geraldine High School as a

normal timetabled class. Over the last 13

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

programme and are lucky to be a Primary funding we receive has enabled us to be very well resourced. This is topped up

via fundraising. I reckon we have raised around $250K over this time, which

sounds like a lot of hard work, but we have been very lucky to be part of an amazing community. Around 10% has been

sponsorship, with the students raising

the rest via apple picking, tree planting, firewood, selling potatoes, quiz nights

etc. Nothing in this world is free, and if you want the treats then do the Mahi!

WIRED MAGAZINE

FEATURE

WOMEN IN FENCING FEATURE

Quinn and Sarah Foley-Smith

The treats Oh, and the treats are pretty cool. We are dressed top-to-toe in Stoney Creek, hop away each year up to Mystery Creek, have an annual class tour of a region and stay away, plus heaps of other trips and a sizeable contribution to Team Leader’s shoe budget!

Fencing is our thing Fencing has become our ‘thing’. My Level 2 students are all out on the farm, and back in the day, on quizzing our farmer trainers, the skill they thought was missing from the workforce was fencing. So we thought, “Sweet, let’s fence up a storm.”

We popped a set of 15 lines of posts in at school, 3 posts deep, 2 students per set sharing the middle post. Each student has their post for the year. Our fundraising dollars have largely been spent in this area, and we have been fortunate to bat our eyelashes and make some posh friends in the form of Struan Moore from Strainrite, and Andy at Point Lumber, who have provided some sharp deals.

WIRED MAGAZINE

“

Douglass, Toby How and Eli Palmer, ex-

Over the last 13 years we have worked hard to build our programme and are lucky to be a Primary ITO Trade Academy School – the extra funding we receive has enabled us to be very well resourced

students Quinn Foley-Smith and Aidan

Christie – the latter two both miss us so much they drop in regularly to help out.

We pretty much hang out at the fenceline having a yarn, solving the world’s

problems (teenager style), popping up a

few sneaky wee fences along the way. But wait, there’s more.

The light-bulb moment Every student has their own fencing

bucket containing ‘the works’: hammer,

cutters, pliers, tensioner handle, tool belt, Ezepulls, tape measures etc. This is the

sum total of my classroom management!

No students waiting to borrow gear, getting bored, and running amok.

Although I have worked long and hard to instil a respectable amount of fear in the teens, and it is widely known that when Sarah GOES OFF – stand back!

We got the fencing basics sorted via a

mix of local contractors – thank you Dan FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Practically minded teenagers are super awesome, but rarely make the stage at

school assemblies. Team Leader thought, “We’ll fix this,” and set about entering fencing competitions. Our first gigs

were in the adult Young Farmer Fencing

competition, where we met all the fabulous people to help climb the ladder. It’s always who you know. We discovered FCANZ,

and this was the light bulb moment for us, and everything snowballed. Apparently,

teenagers with the right attitude and work

ethic are a novelty, and we were more than happy to provide the entertainment.

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FEATURE

FEATURE WOMEN IN FENCING

Team Leader likes posh friends, the more famous the better, and the fencing world literally drips with celebrities. Her students watch in awe as, on arrival at various events, she joyfully skips off to reacquaint herself with her heroes, leaving the teenagers to see hobnobbing in action… and unload the trailer.

Changing the game In the South Island, all the fencing competitions were for contractors or under-31s (young Farmers) – nothing for schools. So we set about getting ourselves signed up to FCANZ, and wow, did the doors open. We hopped along to a few field days, resulting in an invitation to pop up to Mystery Creek and have a crack at the Silver Staples. It was certainly a baptism of fire, but in a good way! Not disgracing ourselves with a 5th placing and following it up with 2nd and 3rd the following year.

But wait, there’s more!

Picture this: it’s Golden Pliers Finals time – the pinnacle event in the National fencing calendar. It doesn’t disappoint. Not long in and students are heard to say, “I’ve learnt more here in one hour than I have in 11 years at school.”

PIA is universally known as being very, very good at making sh!t happen, and this particular day produces a storm. “Why not run a South Island Cadet Fencing Competition?” our esteemed leader muses as we watch the Bouskill fencing royalty compete.

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“

We are so pumped that FCANZ & NZ Fencing Competitions trusted us to get this competition off the ground and are so grateful for their support and expertise

The answer to this question is quickly resolved; Team Leader finds another gear and spends the next two hours storming the Fieldays site forcefully making friends.

So, what did we achieve?

Not only a venue, criteria, specifications, and official go-ahead… we even got a trophy, with all the key people lined up!

The inaugural NZ Fencing South Island Cadet fencing competition was launched in 2024, morphing into Secondary Schools competition in 2025. Go us. Not just pretty faces.

We are so pumped that FCANZ & NZ Fencing Competitions trusted us to get this competition off the ground and are so grateful for their support and expertise. Particularly Nick Terry, Owen Peterson, Paul Van Beers, Debbie White and Nick Leifting for all their technical expertise; Jeanette Miller, Phil Cornelious, Donna Upton and Jaime Bigwood for keeping us on track and providing fantastic support; our inspiration FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Tim Garrick, Craig Sinclair and Tom Rathgen who took the time to take us under their wing at various events; Noksee and Struan Moore for all your mentoring over the years; and Wiggy for taking every chance to promote us.

The thing we love about the fencing industry is that all the posh people are so nice; nothing ever seems to be too much trouble, no question too silly.

Lastly, to students Aidan Christie & Quinn Foley-Smith – the all-time GOATs of PIA – without your outstanding work ethic, attitude, sense of humor, plus a complete inability to decline Team Leader’s frequent requests, this whole fencing gig would never have got off the ground. Bloody well done! “We’ve got this” has become “We did this”.

This whole gig has come about by being in the right place at the right time – and making a few posh friends along the way.

Written by Sarah Foley-Smith

Team Leader’s golden rules Every teenager has superstar potential.

Do the Mahi and the treats will follow.

Admit your mistakes and own them.

Life is not a participation game, crack on and get into it!

WIRED MAGAZINE

WOMEN IN FENCING FEATURE

Applying agricultural insight to quality fencing

One of our greatest assets is Kim Coochey, our Fencing Technician, who brings a decade of experience across the agricultural sector and a sharp, practical mind for rural contracting.

Kim joined the team in 2023 and quickly proved herself to be a key part of our operation. Her background includes over ten years in a wide range of roles, from shepherding to crop testing and managing agricultural contracts. That diversity of experience gives her a strong understanding of how different parts of the farming system connect, and she applies that thinking directly to the fence line.

Thanks to her time working with livestock, Kim has a deep understanding of stock behaviour and plans fencing layouts to

optimise stock movement and paddock flow. Her decisions are informed by practical farm knowledge, which adds real value to the functionality of every job.

Kim is also highly capable with machinery and equipment. She works safely and efficiently in all environments and takes pride in delivering tidy, well-structured fences, especially in the more remote and challenging areas where attention to detail matters most.

In addition to her technical abilities, Kim represents the business professionally on-site, building strong rapport with clients through clear communication and reliable follow-through. She’s a steady and thoughtful presence who reflects the values of our team well.

While working full-time, Kim is also studying agronomy and has completed business and operations management training. Her ongoing commitment to upskilling reflects a long-term investment in the primary industries, not just as a technician, but as a future leader in the field.

Kim in our littlest work horse, with Jane dog

When asked what she enjoys about working in fencing, Kim says: “I like that it’s practical and straightforward. You know at the end of the day whether you’ve done a good job.

It’s physical work, but it’s also satisfying.

You’re building something that matters.”

Kim brings a rare combination of handson agricultural knowledge, mechanical skill, and strategic thinking to the job. Her presence on our team is a reminder of the vital role women are playing across the industry, from the yards to the workshop, and out on the fence line.

Written by Susanne Rawson

FEATURE

At Agri-Fencing Taranaki, we’re proud to be a co-woman-owned business delivering high-quality agricultural fencing across the Taranaki region.

Kim and Jeff, Director of Agri-Fencing Taranaki, after another hard day’s work

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FENCING FENCING COMPETITIONS COMPETITIONS Brought to you by NZFC Brought to you by NZFC

9 - 13 JUNE 2025 9 - 13 JUNE 2025 DATE DATE

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MONDAY MONDAY 9 JUNE 9 JUNE

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New Zealand Fencing Competitions New Zealand Fencing Competitions

King Country shines The second New Zealand Fencing Competitions regional competition for the 2024/25 season saw competitors battle the heat as well as each other, deep in the heart of the mighty King Country.

The second New Zealand Fencing

Competitions regional competition for the 2024/25 season saw competitors battle

the heat as well as each other, deep in the heart of the mighty King Country.

Misty morning fog sat low amongst the

rugged Taumarunui hills as competitors

converged from all over the island, but as the 11 pairs settled into their work, the

cloud and mercury began to climb, and the lads were treated to a cracker day.

This event has become a favourite

amongst regular competitors, not so

much for the near 30-degree temperature it often takes place in, but for the

light pumice digging, old-school A&P

Show atmosphere, and the supportive environment headed by local NZFC

organisers Wayne & Kathy Newdick,

who are in their 19th year running this competition.

Some regular competitors were out of

action (injured – not fencing related!) or unavailable (on holiday – nice!) which meant some new pairings added a

strong element of the unknown to the

competition and had everyone wondering how that was going to affect the placings

at the end of the day. Nothing like a shakeup to keep everyone on their toes, and it made for intriguing spectating!

The event was well supported by a good number of competitors at the younger

end of the age demographic, all gaining

valuable competition experience. NZFC is

keen to support new faces of any age into the sport and encourages competitors to look over their lines once judging is completed, either with a judge or an

experienced competitor, for pointers on where penalties can be shaved off.

Judging this year’s event were Owen

and Kim Petersen, Wayne Newdick, Craig

Shortall, Nick Leifting and Mike Billinghurst.

Judges noted that posting to contour was

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ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

a struggle for some combinations, and a small tweak to the tape gate specs caught some of the teams out. Like every sport, the learning never stops, sometimes the areas you win on are in the preparation you FCANZ.ORG.NZ

put into your fence and your equipment before the judge yells “ready – GO!” Kathy kept sponsors, judges, supporters and competitors nourished with her

WIRED MAGAZINE

Sponsors prizes saw new wire strainers, tension gauges and PPE find forever homes with many of the newer competitors.

Thanks must go to the amazing King Country sponsors who ensure this competition takes place: Wiremark, A&S Porritt, Farmlands, Rangi Farms Ltd, Revolution Postdrivers, Strainrite, PDC Barn, Petco Contracting, and Kawatahi Farms. Special mention to the many loyal competitors who have been competing here since its inception.

Many agree that the highlight of the NZFC fencing competitions is getting together with like-minded fencers and

their supporters across the country, and as usual, King Country did not disappoint.

If you haven’t already, head over to the NZFC Facebook page for videos and photos of this event and more!

Article by Vanessa Stafford on behalf of NZFC

Photographs reproduced with permission

by NZ Fencing Competitions

NZFC FENCING COMPETITION RESULTS 2025

Training & Events

famous homemade salads and BBQ lunch, before prizegiving where Mark (Tractor) Lambert and Tony Bouskill took top honours, as well as the Best Quality award with a final score of 15.02. Tim Stafford and Jeff Joines sat 17.02 points behind them in second place with a score of 32.27. A further 23.75 points back on a final score of 56.02 saw Tim Garrick and Cory Twigley claim 3rd place. Perfection is hard to get when competing against the clock, but the winning team’s score came pretty close.

NZFC South Island Doubles Fencing Competition 2025 1st

Isaac Johnston & Tom Rathgen

2nd

Craig Sinclair & Kyle Perrin

3rd

Galen Monks & Thomas Bradbury

4th

Marcus McKean & Corby Gibbs

NZFC Cambridge Fencing Competition Results 2025 1st

Tony Bouskill & Shane Bouskill

2nd

Tim Garrick & Cory Twigley

3rd

Shay Robertson & Cameron Hamterton

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FCANZ.ORG.NZ

South Island Doubles competition winners Isaac Johnstone and Tom Rathgen For further details and competition entry forms please ensure your email is on our database by contacting NZFC Admin, Leanne Stanger – office@nzfencingcompetitions.co.nz or 0272009630.

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PIA fencers nail it at Field Days

The Geraldine crew after clean up

HOW PROUD!! Our adventure started at 4am with teenagers districtwide leaping out of bed in anticipation of a day ahead with Team Leader (Mrs FS) at the South Island Agricultural Field Days at Kirwee.

The teens were surprisingly chatty on pickup at 5am, with Team Leader’s hopes of a quiet trip ahead dashed early on.

How to find Gate C in the dark – turns out this was quite the conundrum. Fortunately, Minivan #3 has had plenty of prior U-turn practice (by other less experienced drivers), and after carving up some poor unsuspecting resident’s front lawn, we arrived to be met by a sea of hi-viz.

Now, preferential entry to the Field Days and superior parking is quite the feat to achieve, and Team Leader was justifiably proud that this goal was waiting just on the other side of the gate. Only for disaster to strike… the tickets were buried at the bottom of the trailer. Tense moments ensued, with the queue growing behind us.

Electronic tickets found, we scanned in, with our new hi-viz friends saying they had enjoyed the training exercise.

Unloading the trailer always gives the appearance of a 5-year-old’s birthday

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party – suspense in discovering what we packed, wailing about what we forgot, and general chaos as the 15 wee helpers work up a sweat.

Fencing royalty happen to be onsite and Team Leader is quick off the mark to reacquaint herself with her famous friends: the NZ Fencing Competitions Committee Members, ex Golden Pliers winners, and posh contractors galore. Primary Industry Academy (PIA) stand in awe at the hobnobbing on display.

Lines are set up with teams from Geraldine High School, Akaroa Area School and Rangiora High School competing. Our intrepid fencers have to erect a 3-wire electric fence, ram 5 intermediate Y posts, parallel electrics at each end, dig in two Breast Blocks, add in inline tensioners, figure 8, crimp and sponsors’ signs. Our fastest team is off the line in 1 hour 21 minutes, with the rest close behind. A tense hour passes as our fences are FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Tom Batty (Y13) & Cullen Bolt (Y12) completing finishing touches

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Gus Cameron & Tom McKeown (Y11) working out the plan of attack

is not known for her patience – her class

thinks this should be a future professional development goal.

Drum roll for the results… PIA are the 2025 South Island Secondary Schools Fencing Champions, also taking out 2nd, 5th and 6th place! Akaroa is a close 3rd, with

Rangiora 4th and just a couple of points separating the teams.

Nice work 1st: Tom Batty & Cullen Bolt (Geraldine High School)

2nd: Cayden Howell & Issy Atkinson (Geraldine High School)

3rd: Lachaidh Shannon & Mason Rogal (Akaroa Area School)

4th: John Lundy & Lachie Kelman (Rangiora High School)

5th: Gus Cameron & Tom McKeown (Geraldine High School)

6th: Althea Smith & Lilly McQueen (Geraldine High School)

7th: Eyhan McGrath & Liam Barrett (Rangiora High School)

After cutting down the fences, ramming all the holes, and generally being

awesome, we are released to make new

friends – vendors site-wide are pumped WIRED MAGAZINE

in anticipation. By the time we visit all our sponsors, there’s not much time left. The cost of preferential parking comes at a price – we are stuck onsite until 5.30pm. As Team Leader yarns to main sponsor Andy from Point Lumber, a familiar looking minivan flashes past. Hmmm.

Turns out the kids had sore feet and while lying on the grass at the van, could see an unmanned exit. Team Howell (parents of the year) instigated a van liberation.

Yay. Time to boost through to Ashburton for tea.

Training & Events

measured to the last mm. Team Leader

It was a great day, where once again our fabulous students did us proud, with a long day under pressure, never once complaining during the big clean up.

A huge thank you to Struan from Strainrite, NZ Fencing Competitions’ Debbie White and Nick Leifting, FCANZ Board member Nick Terry, Tony Brady, Andy from Point Lumber and our ‘Coach of the Year’ Dan Douglass Fencing, and assistant Quinn Foley-Smith.

Written by Sarah Foley-Smith

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Lilly McQueen

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

49

Balancing family and business – employment issues in family businesses There is a general common law presumption that family members who enter into an agreement do not intend to create legal relations.

relationship for a worker to be afforded

have fewer than 20 employees. Many of

under the Employment Relations Act

approximately 97% of our businesses

these small businesses are likely to be family businesses.

out in the employment jurisdiction,

What issues may arise from familial arrangements to perform work?

individual finds themselves in an informal

Defining the working relationship

member’s business?

context of an informal familial working

But how does this presumption play especially in situations where an

arrangement to perform work for a family Recent case law highlights the difficulties

which can come from such informal familial arrangements, and why having a soundly

constructed agreement is important even when doing work for a close and trusted relative. his lesson may be particularly

50

important in New Zealand, where

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The main issue likely to arise in the

arrangement is whether there is an

employment relationship between the

individual performing the work and the person for whom they are working. A

workers’ employment status is important as there must be an employment FCANZ.ORG.NZ

many of the statutory rights available

2000 and Holidays Act 2003, such as the

right to the minimum wage, leave and the ability to pursue a personal grievance.

In Dillon v Tullycrine Ltd [2020] NZEmpC 52, Mr Dillon claimed unpaid wages

from Tullycrine, a company owned and

operated by Mr Dillon’s son, Hayden, and daughter-in-law, Lisa. In 2010, Hayden,

Lisa, Mr Dillon and Mrs Dillon agreed to

purchase a farm to run as an agistment business, whereby customers paid to

have their livestock grazed and fed on the farm. It was agreed that Hayden and Lisa would provide the funding and Mr Dillon

would be responsible for the day-to-day running of the farm.

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The Court held that the arrangement did not give rise to an employment relationship. While Hayden and Lisa principally dealt with the management and financials, and Mr Dillon with the running of the farm, the usual control an employer would be expected to have over an employee was not present. At all material times, the arrangement was based on their familial relationship with the hope that the business would be successful to everyone’s benefit.

Conversely, in McKay v Wanaka Pharmacy Ltd [2020] ERA 230, the Employment Relations Authority (the Authority) found there was an employment relationship in the context of a familial working arrangement. In this case, Ms McKay performed a range of work for a newspaper company and a pharmaceutical company, both owned and operated by her husband, Mr Heath.

This work included answering phone calls which were directed to her mobile, uploading the newspaper to the website, managing social media accounts, assisting with recruitment, taking charge of rostering and taking photos for the newspaper. There was no employment agreement between the couple and these tasks were mainly performed remotely around Ms McKay’s family commitments to her three sons.

When the couple split, Ms McKay raised a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal after being informed she would no longer be working for the companies.

While Ms McKay was being paid for the work she undertook, Mr Heath claimed the payments were set up as a way of “income splitting” for tax purposes and argued that Ms McKay was not an employee because of the matrimonial relationship between the pair. However, the Authority referenced Tullycrine in noting that a family context does not

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preclude a finding of employment, and each case needs to be considered on its facts. In this case, the Authority applied the control, integration and fundamental tests to determine Ms McKay was an employee despite the matrimonial relationship with her husband. She had therefore been unjustifiably dismissed.

Holiday pay Another issue which may arise in the context of informal family working arrangements is determining the amount of holiday pay due and owing on termination where it is determined that a worker has been an employee, but no record of holidays taken has been kept.

The Employment Court dealt squarely with this issue in McKay v Wanaka Pharmacy [2021] NZEmpC 112. Following the Authority’s determination that Ms McKay had been an employee for 13 years, but not had these holidays deducted from her holiday entitlements, the Court had the difficult task of determining her holiday pay entitlements on termination. This required the Court to figure out how many holidays Ms McKay had taken over this period – a challenging factual assessment to make several years after many of the holidays in question.

The Court dealt with conflicting accounts from Ms McKay and Mr Heath as to how many trips away Ms McKay had taken.

It then turned to consider the equally challenging question of whether and how much Ms McKay worked during her holidays, and how this affected her rights under the Holidays Act 2003. Coming to the conclusion that Ms McKay was required to work about 10% of each week she was on holiday, the Court credited this time to Ms McKay Ultimately, the Court determined that Ms McKay was entitled to 34.25 weeks’ holiday pay, being the difference between the accrued holiday entitlement figure in the payroll system and the holidays Ms McKay had taken. At the rate of $1208.12 per week, Ms Heath was required to pay Ms McKay a gross payment of $41,378.11 plus interest.

What does this mean for employers?

form legal relations with family members derives from an English contract law case. While this presumption is recognised by the New Zealand employment institutions, the Employment Court has made it clear that intention is not the only factor to be considered when determining whether the true nature of the parties’ relationship was one of employment. The courts will continue to apply the well-established common law tests of control, integration and the fundamental test to the facts to determine whether there is an employment relationship, so that a family context will not preclude a finding of employment.

It is therefore important to consider the true nature of any working arrangement (including those involving family members) prior to its commencement and put in place a sound and legally compliant employment agreement which reflects this. While a party’s statement as to the nature of their relationship is not conclusive, reflecting on the working arrangement in advance will minimise the likelihood of an unexpected declaration that a worker has always been an employee. Such a declaration can see the employer slapped with an order to pay a hefty sum towards unpaid entitlements under the Holidays Act or Employment Relations Act, and open the employer up to unexpected personal grievance claims.

If you have any questions about the nature of your working arrangements or meeting your obligations as an employer, feel free to reach out to our national employment team.

Rosie Judd – Senior Associate, Wynn Williams Dispute Resolution Team (Employment) Angela Black – Law Clerk, Wynn Williams Dispute Resolution Team (Employment) Article republished with permission from

wynnwilliams.co.nz

Employers cannot rely on a familial relationship to argue that a working arrangement is not an employment relationship. The common law presumption against an intention to

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

Business, Health & Safety and Environment

In determining whether the arrangement gave rise to an employment relationship, the Employment Court noted the general presumption against an intention to create legal relations in family arrangements. However, it also confirmed that a family context does not preclude a finding of employment and noted that there are circumstances where one member of a family is vulnerable to exploitation by virtue of the family relationship. Accordingly, each case needs to be carefully considered in context and on its own facts.

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Three simple ways to free up your time

You can’t get more time. But you can make yourself use it better. Business coach Daniel Fitzpatrick from Next Level Tradie explains how.

If you’re like most tradies, you’re so busy you can barely catch a breath right now.

Make hay while the sun shines. I couldn’t agree more.

But there’s one small catch: Avoiding burnout is paramount. For you, your

family, your team, and for the success of your company.

Sucking it up “to just get through the next

big job”? Not the best plan. Why? Because there’s always another “next big job” around the corner.

To stay on your game, handle the curveballs of this ‘new normal’, maintain strong

Take a look at your week. What are the

Here are three of my favourite insights:

Profit-generating tasks might be:

1. Only 20% of tasks move the needle

deals; organising your team; staff

managing your time.

Heard of the 80/20 law? Here’s how it works:

• 80% of referrals come from 20% of your contacts;

• 80% of your profit comes from 20% of the jobs you do;

• 80% of the problems come from 20% of your clients;

• 80% of staff issues come from 20% of your team (if you have 10 staff,

most of the headaches are caused by the same 1 or 2 individuals).

Same with your time: 80% of results come from 20% of the efforts.

margins and profits (and still have family

In 8 hours at work, you’ll find that less

strategies that work in the real world.

tasks that make a real difference.

time), you’re going to need tried-and-true

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You’ll need to get a better handle on

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than 2 hours of your time is spent on

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

things that move the needle?

speaking with key clients; negotiating training and keeping standards high;

setting targets with your team; working on profitability; hiring; streamlining

systems so things happen without you being involved every step of the way... and so on.

It’s very easy to get caught up in

the wrong things. Fires and squeaky wheels distract you from what you

should be doing. This can leave you

shattered week after week. Chasing your tail. Frustrated that there is no

time left to make the business better.

No time left to get the important stuff done.

Instead of reacting to the demands of

the day, step back. Just for a moment.

Don’t let other people’s priorities dominate your day.

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Here’s how: grab a piece of paper.

On the left, list all your daily and weekly activities. On the right, write down your recent wins. Then draw a line to connect your wins to tasks directly responsible for making them happen.

Then you’ll know exactly where to focus your efforts.

Start each day by jotting down your top 3 tasks. Do the most important or hardest one first – minimise interruptions during this time.

Remember: you can’t do it all anyway.

So you’re going to have to choose.

Be strategic and intentional about how you spend your time. And you’ll be way ahead.

2. Using money to save time makes you happier As a skilled professional, you probably think it’s crazy when a homeowner wants to DIY. It’s stressful. It takes longer. And the quality isn’t nearly as good.

But here’s something really interesting: Most of us DIY stuff inside our own business. All the time.

I’ll tell you what though. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

Let’s be honest: The bulk of your time is probably spent on stuff you could pay someone else $30/hour (or less) to do.

Did you know using your money to free up your time actually makes you happier?

A study by University of British Columbia found people felt happier when they spent money on a timesaving purchase, rather than a material one.

People who invested in time-saving services (such as house cleaning, grocery/meal delivery, lawn mowing, errands, childcare) reported higher levels of satisfaction with life.

This was true regardless of income level, even when participants had very little disposable cash.

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Let’s apply this to business. Take another look at your to-do list. Ask: does this task need to be done? For real? Does it need to be done by me?

Who else could do this?

Could you outsource, employ an admin person, a foreman, or an extra pair of hands on the tools?

Do you need to be: answering the phone 24/7 (dealing with the tyrekickers)? Wrestling paperwork, doing all the bookkeeping (invoicing, following up late payers, handling payroll)? Fiddling around sorting out IT issues, or wasting 40 minutes fixing the printer? Manning social media?

Running out to collect materials for jobs (could you pay for delivery?)

Don’t get me wrong. Delegating is not just about handing work over – but also checking in to ensure it’s done to the same high standards you expect.

Letting go is easier than you think.

But having the confidence to let go – staying in control – happens by putting in place standards and systems, so you can trust that your team will get it done right.

Don’t forget to consider what you can automate. Bad systems cost you time and make your life harder. You might invest in apps so you can get paid on the spot, log timesheets, use GPS, or project management software for job tracking, and to keep clients updated/ get the same information out to everyone in real time.

3. Work expands to fill the time available for its completion Ever swore you couldn’t possibly fit one more task into your busy day, then something urgent cropped up, and somehow you still got everything done?

Weird, right? When push came to shove, you did have time.

The secret is, for the most part, things get done when they need to get done.

It’s Parkinson’s law: work expands to fill the time available for its completion.

Try it: set yourself deadlines. Shorten the allocated time.

Here’s another clue: “My #1 productivity hack is understanding the difference between “doing” and “done”. When you shift your focus from what you are going to be “doing” in a given time period, to what you are going to get “done”, your productivity skyrockets.” – Dr Sam Hazledine By now, you’ll be wondering: Can I use this idea with my team? Heck yes!

Give your crew set targets for when you expect the job to be completed by.

How many hours are allocated on fixed price jobs before you start eating away at profit? Break it down to each stage to stay on track.

Sure, sometimes things take longer, and delays are unavoidable. But I can almost guarantee that if you adjust expectations and set targets, you’ll shave significant time off each job.

A drainlayer I worked with would book inspections on jobs before they were complete. When they didn’t, jobs would take 2.5 days instead of the usual 2. Staff productivity increased when “gotta get it done, because the inspector is turning up on Friday” was in play. Interesting, isn’t it?

Let’s wrap things up A word of caution: Ideas are useless without execution. Yet to get results, you don’t have to implement every idea that comes along. Just the ones that make the most difference.

You can have your nights and weekends back and a highly successful business. My clients have achieved this and so can you.

Like the idea of getting some support and accountability to be the best version of yourself as a business owner? Book a free call with me. It’s a zero-pressure chat to see if private 1 on 1 mentoring might be right for you.

Go here and book a time now: https:// nextleveltradie.co.nz/nextstep/ Written by Daniel Fitzpatrick Business Coach, Next Level Tradie

In other words, time is elastic. That’s why we often get more done when we have less time to do it. We fit the task to the timeframe.

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Identify the 20% of tasks on your plate that drive results – things that move you closer to your goals.

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Using quad bikes and SxS in fencing: risks and controls in rural New Zealand In rural New Zealand, quad bikes and side-by-sides (SxS) are invaluable tools for fencing work. They offer mobility and efficiency across challenging terrains. However, their use comes with significant risks that need to be managed to ensure safety.

Setting the scene Imagine a typical day on a New Zealand farm. You’re tasked with repairing and installing fences across hilly, uneven terrain. The quad bike or SxS is loaded with fencing gear, including posts, wire, and tools. The landscape is rugged, with steep slopes, loose gravel, and hidden obstacles.

Risks involved Terrain hazards: The uneven and often slippery terrain can cause vehicles to tip over or lose control. Steep slopes and hidden obstacles like rocks or holes increase the risk of accidents. Complete a risk assessment on the day.

Load management: Carrying heavy or unbalanced loads can affect the stability of the vehicle, making it more prone to tipping. Can you move material a different way or with a different vehicle?

Weather conditions: Adverse weather, such as rain or fog, can reduce visibility and make the ground more treacherous, slippery, with hard to see hazards.

Rushing in wet conditions can lead to incidents occurring.

Operator fatigue: Long hours of operation can lead to fatigue, reducing the operator’s reaction time and increasing the likelihood of mistakes.

Controls and safety measures Training and competency: Ensure all operators are trained and competent in handling quad bikes and SxS. This includes understanding the vehicle’s limits and how to navigate difficult terrain.

Look for reputable companies that offer specialised training programs for bike use.

Protective gear: Always wear appropriate protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Helmets

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ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

Photo credit: lifeflight.co.nz

are crucial in preventing head injuries.

In New Zealand, approved motorbike helmets must comply with either the New Zealand Standard NZS 5430 or one of several recognised international standards: UN/ECE Regulation No. 22, Australian Standard AS 1698, Snell Memorial Foundation, or Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218. Look for helmets with certifications from DOT, ECE, or SNELL. Vehicle maintenance: Regularly check and maintain vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition. This includes checking tyre pressure, brakes, and throttle. Basic maintenance tasks like oil changes are essential.

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

“

We know life is busy for farmers, but there’s no excuse for letting your quad bike maintenance slide – especially when the consequences can be catastrophic. Ideally maintenance checks are done by a mechanic

Load securing: Properly secure all loads to prevent shifting during transit. Use appropriate straps and ensure the load is balanced.

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Route planning: Plan routes in advance, avoiding the most hazardous areas when possible. Walk new routes to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

Photo credit: Bay of Plenty Times

Weather monitoring: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and avoid operating in extreme conditions. If caught in bad weather, find a safe place to wait it out.

Rest breaks: Schedule regular breaks to prevent fatigue. Ensure operators are well-rested before starting their tasks.

Stop safely: Ensure that the vehicle is safely stopped, and the brakes are fully engaged before getting off.

Care and maintenance Regular inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your quad bike or SxS. Check for any signs of wear and tear, and address issues promptly to prevent breakdowns.

Oil changes: Keep up with regular oil changes as specified in the owner’s manual. Using the correct oil and filter is crucial for engine longevity.

Fuel management: Use fuel stabilisers if the vehicle will be stored for an extended period. This prevents fuel from breaking down and clogging the fuel system.

Battery care: Ensure the battery is charged and in good condition. Regularly check the terminals for corrosion and clean them as needed.

Common maintenance mistakes Neglecting regular oil changes: Some operators believe oil changes are only necessary once a year. However, quad bikes and SxS often operate in harsh conditions, requiring more frequent oil changes.

Ignoring air filter maintenance: The air filter can quickly become clogged, especially in dusty environments. Failing to clean or replace it regularly can lead to engine damage.

Overlooking tyre pressure: Incorrect tyre pressure can affect handling and increase the risk of accidents. Both overinflated and under-inflated tyres can lead to uneven wear and reduced traction.

Skipping battery maintenance: Neglecting the battery can result

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in starting issues. Regularly check the battery’s connections and use a maintainer during periods of inactivity.

Infrequent greasing: Failing to grease pivot points and bearings can lead to premature wear and tear. Regular greasing is essential for smooth operation.

Effects of weights carried Stability and control: Carrying heavy or unbalanced loads can significantly affect the stability and control of quad bikes and SxS. Extra weight can alter the centre of gravity, making the vehicle more prone to tipping, especially on slopes.

Steering and braking: Additional weight can impact steering and braking performance. Heavier loads require more force to stop and can make steering less responsive.

Load limits: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended load limits.

Overloading can strain the vehicle’s suspension and brakes, leading to mechanical failures.

Securing loads: Ensure that all loads are securely fastened and evenly distributed.

Unsecured or uneven loads can shift during transit, further compromising stability.

Fatality statistics in New Zealand The use of quad bikes and SxS in rural New Zealand has unfortunately led to numerous fatalities.

• From January 2006 to April 2023, there were 69 confirmed workplace fatalities involving quad bikes.

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

• In 2024 alone, there were several quad bike and SxS incidents, including multiple fatalities due to quad bike and SxS rollovers.

• The majority of these incidents occurred in the agriculture sector, highlighting the risks associated with using these vehicles in rural environments.

Safety measures to reduce fatalities Crush Protection Devices (CPDs): Installing CPDs on quad bikes can prevent serious injuries or fatalities in the event of a rollover. These devices help keep the vehicle from crushing the operator.

Regular training: Continuous training ensures that operators remain aware of the latest safety practices and are competent in handling their vehicles.

Refresher courses can help reinforce safe driving habits.

Risk assessments: Conduct thorough risk assessments before using quad bikes or SxS. Evaluate the terrain, weather conditions, and the nature of the tasks to identify potential hazards.

Speed control: Encourage operators to drive at safe speeds, especially on uneven or unfamiliar terrain. Excessive speed is a common factor in many quad bike accidents.

Passenger restrictions: Avoid carrying passengers on quad bikes unless the vehicle is specifically designed for it.

Extra weight can affect the balance and control of the vehicle.

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Seek assistance: Don’t be afraid to seek assistance when you need to – neighbouring farmers are usually more than willing to lend a hand.

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Emergency preparedness: Equip vehicles with emergency kits, including first aid supplies, communication devices, and tools for minor repairs. Ensure operators know how to use these items in case of an emergency.

• Side-by-Sides (SxS): For SxS vehicles, it is generally recommended that individuals are 16 years or older, and that only individuals who are mature enough and have received proper training should operate these vehicles.

Ensuring that young riders are appropriately supervised and trained is crucial for their safety.

Age restrictions for operating quad bikes and side-by-sides (SxS): • Quad bikes: Children under 12 years of age should not drive a quad bike.

Additionally, riders under 16 years of age should not operate adult-sized quad bikes

Using quad bikes and SxS for fencing in rural New Zealand can greatly enhance efficiency, but it’s essential to manage the associated risks. By implementing proper training, maintenance, and

safety measures, you can ensure a safer working environment.

Stay vigilant, stay safe, and make the most of these versatile vehicles in your fencing operations.

Best regards, Deb and the RuralSafe Team

www.ruralsafe.co.nz

Uneven tyre pressure on the quad bike on which Ethen Payne was killed. Photo credit: WorkSafe

Unsafe quad bike killed farmhand A quad bike rollover, which cost a Tararua farmhand his life, could have been avoided if the farm manager had kept the bike in good working order, WorkSafe New Zealand says.

“This tragedy should be the lightning rod the agriculture sector needs to up its game on quad bike safety,” says WorkSafe’s central regional manager, Nigel Formosa.

Worn brakes, uneven tyre pressure, and poor suspension were among the defects found on the bike that flipped at low speed and killed 31-year-old Ethen Payne at an Eketāhuna dairy farm in November 2022.

“First and foremost, WorkSafe strongly recommends installing a crush protection device on the back of a quad bike.”

The bike was purchased second-hand and had no crush protection device installed. The farm manager and bike owner, Dane Hemphill, has now been sentenced for health and safety failures uncovered by a WorkSafe investigation.

A victim impact statement read in court said Mr Payne’s mother has since died of a broken heart.

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Pre-start checks are important, primarily to check tyre pressure and brake function before setting off.

Regular servicing in line with the manufacturer’s recommendation is also a must. This may include oil changes and filter replacements. A checklist can be handy to document the frequency of servicing, what was looked at, and any fixes undertaken.

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Any issues identified during prestart checks or servicing should be addressed promptly to avoid further problems or potential hazards.

“We know life is busy for farmers, but there’s no excuse for letting your quad bike maintenance slide – especially when the consequences can be catastrophic.

Ideally maintenance checks are done by a mechanic. If you are too busy to take your quad bikes in for a service, arrange for a mobile mechanic to come out to you. The cost is nothing compared to having a preventable death on your conscience,” says Nigel Formosa.

WorkSafe Media Release, 1 May 2025

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A Wife’s Tale I never intended to become involved in a fencing business. When Shaun started Davies Fencing and Construction, I was a beach girl studying human development and human potential at university, while also heavily involved in raising our two young kids.

I never realised how much Shaun wanted me to become involved in fencing, but there were signs.

One sunny spring day he asked me, “Can you drive the tractor for me tomorrow babe?” Now, I didn’t have a good track record for driving anything, let alone a huge Massey Ferguson. I had, in the past, driven over kids’ skateboards, bikes, the neighbour’s dog (cringe), and backed into power poles, large rocks and the six foot high wooden gate at our house. Just clean didn’t see it.

“Yeah sure, I’d love to”, I replied.

That job was no better. I ripped up the client’s lawn with the tractor tyres, rode the clutch the whole time, and clipped the mirror on the way out.

Yet, this didn’t deter Shaun from wanting me involved and he kept asking me to join him on the fence line. Like the time I drove the tractor for him as he put in hundreds of bollards in a straight line along a picturesque waterfront. By the 20th bollard I was a teeny bit bored and had a wee look at Instagram, which of course is designed to be addictive (it’s not my fault Sir), and next minute there’s a bang on the window and an irate looking Shaun, which frightened me into slipping into first gear and driving forward with the rammer gear down. And not just once either. A while later I almost accidentally ran him over.

He stopped wanting me to drive the tractor, but instead began asking me to do jobs like battening off a fence or nailing off a deck or putting palings up.

“It’s easy as,” he informed.

But then I worked it out.

He wasn’t wanting my skills (obviously), nor was he wanting free labour (although I’m sure that helped during some tough times).

He wanted me.

He wanted the ‘Husband and Wife’ team.

He wanted the dream.

“

It was never my dream to work in the business in that way. My skills were better spent creating team culture, looking after our staff’s wellbeing (and Shaun’s), ensuring that all things flow in the business (doing intermittent admin tasks alongside our admin lady)

But I had missed that memo. It was never my dream to work in the business in that way. My skills were better spent creating team culture, looking after our staff’s wellbeing (and Shaun’s), ensuring that all things flow in the business (doing intermittent admin tasks alongside our admin lady). I think Shaun still misses ‘The Dream’, but the reality was far from it.

These days, things are running pretty well without me. My role is to turn up to a weekly management meeting (but it’s really only to be nosey and give my two cents worth) and make food for Friday beersies. Never underestimate the importance of a good sausage roll I say, and the impact it may have on a cold, sweaty, hungry fencer.

Being involved in the business can take many shapes, and it’s important to see our value in any way we contribute.

Written by Angelena Davies

Our People

Which it was.

But I’m not fast like the other guys, and I don’t have the strength that they do. I began to wonder why he kept wanting me to work with him, and thought perhaps it was the see-through-ness of my T-shirt.

Angelena Davies is a wife and mum who happens to have a Masters degree in Social Sciences. Alongside running Davies Fencing she is also a coach, facilitator and author helping children and adults to access “flow” so their lives are easier and more fun.

WIRED MAGAZINE

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

57

SNAP &

From February to April, FCANZ’s Snap & Win! Facebook competition gave members the chance to show off their tools, teams, and trusty rides.

Big thanks to everyone who entered, liked, and shared – and to our awesome prize sponsors PGG Wrightsons, Bunnings Trade and Farmlands. We loved the photos, the banter, and the fencing pride on full display!

1st

FEBRUARY

Show us your Favourite Tool 1st: Donna Upton (who donated her

prize to Big Dog Fencing & Mack Rennie)

m. little different to the nor favourite, something a Donna Upton: This is my

Mark Jorgensen

58

ing Big Dog Fenc

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Mack Rennie: Th e horse shoe used was a hind shoe worn by my good showjumpin g mare. This was from her las t set before retirin g.

WIRED MAGAZINE

WIN! Competition MARCH

Show us your Fencing Crew

1st

1st: Lake Contracting 2nd: Big Dog Fencing

Honourable mention – Custom Fencing

on the job ke apprentice ing: Tommy La ct ra nt Co ke La racting for Lake Cont

Big Dog Fencing

APRIL

Custom Fe ncing: Ora nge

Show us your Ride 1st: Out The Gate Fencing 2nd: Rural Worx

Thanks to White Fencing for providing the competition photo

Rural Worx

WIRED MAGAZINE

Army

1st

Out The Gate Fencin g: The leading hand with his tail getting for our local counci a small job done l in Paengaroa, Te Puk e.

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

59

FCANZ Board

PHIL CORNELIUS

JANINE SWANSSON

DONNA UPTON

m. 027 381 2025 e. janine@fcanz.org.nz

m. 021 761 022 e. donna@fcanz.org.nz

PRESIDENT

VICE-PRESIDENT

BEN FISHER

CRAIG SINCLAIR

m. 027 274 4188 e. phil@fcanz.org.nz

m. 027 337 7442 e. ben@fcanz.org.nz

m. 027 418 7693 e. craig@fcanz.org.nz

TREASURER

NICK TERRY

m. 021 614 100 e. nick@fcanz.org.nz

Patron CRAIG WIGGINS

m. 027 457 6694 e. wiggyswhatever@gmail.com

DEBBIE WHITE m. 027 495 7033

e. debbie@fcanz.org.nz

FCANZ Operations Team

JAIME BIGWOOD

JEANETTE MILLER

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

Executive Director m. 021 2848 223 e: exec@fcanz.org.nz

60

Administration Manager t. 0508 432 269 m. 027 432 2033 e: admin@fcanz.org.nz

HEATHER KAWAN WIRED Editor m: 022 630 8533 e: wired@fcanz.org.nz

WIRED MAGAZINE

FCANZ Accredited Fencing Contractors Businesses that have achieved Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsement have proven to the assessment panel that they model industry and business best practice in all facets of their company, including quality of workmanship, health and safety behaviours, and management of employees and sub-contractors.

FENSIN

Waikato / King Country t. 07 825 5747 e. fensin56d@gmail.com Neil Robertson m. 027 474 6335

OMATA CONTRACT FENCING

Manawatū / Horowhenua / Whanganui Wellington / Wairarapa e. omatafarming@gmail.com Emile de Greeuw m. 027 320 4756

SPECIALIST RURAL SERVICES

Bay of Plenty e. srsfencing@gmail.com Scott Graham m. 027 427 7946

FCANZ Certified Fencers This annually-renewed endorsement is for individuals who have completed the NZ Certificate in Fencing Level 4 and can prove they have the skills needed to operate as a foreman, supervise staff and oversee the quality of rural fencing projects.

A1 FENCEWORX

Wellsford t. 09 423 7585 e. admin@a1fenceworx.co.nz Shane Beets (owner) m. 027 625 5383 Nicholas Beets BOZCUT

Northland e. jamie@bozcut.co.nz James Rogers (owner) m. 027 526 9288 CENTRAL FENCING

Canterbury e. nigel@centralfencing.co.nz w. centralfencing.co.nz Nigel Broadbridge (owner) m. 021 433 623 COOPER & SPADE FENCING

Bay of Plenty / Tauranga t. 027 4334678 e. cooperandspade@gmail.com w. cooperandspade.co.nz Benjamin Cooper (owner)

CPC FENCING

Northland t. 09 4332644 e. cpc.fencing@yahoo.co.nz Phil Cornelius (owner) m. 027 274 4188 Glen Hobbs CUSTOM FENCING

Waikouaiti t. 03 465 7212 e. nick@customfencing.net.nz Nick Terry (owner) m. 021 614 100 Marcus McKean Galen Monks EWING FENCING CONTRACTORS

Oamaru t. 03 431 3864 e. mark@ewingfencing.co.nz Mark Ewing (owner) m. 027 498 4049 FENSIN

Taupō t. 07 825 5747 e. fensin56d@gmail.com Neil Robertson (owner) m. 027 474 6335

GREG BURTON FENCING

Cambridge e. GregBurtonFencing@gmail.com Greg Burton (owner) m. 027 427 8765 JEFF JOINES FENCING CONTRACTOR

Kāpiti t. 06 364 2510 e. jeffjoinesfencing@gmail.com Jeff Joines (owner) m. 027 484 4481 JONES AGRI FENCING

Tokoroa e. office@jonesagri.co.nz Cory Jones (owner) m. 027 805 6571 J W FENCING

Canterbury e. josh@jwfencing.co.nz Josh Weaver (owner) m. 027 317 7753 WHITE FENCING

Papakura t. 09 292 8064 e. admin@whitefencing.co.nz w. whitefencing.co.nz Tony White (owner) m. 027 495 7868

For more information on FCANZ endorsements visit www.fcanz.org.nz/training

Affiliates, Trusts and Training Institutes

WIRED MAGAZINE

FCANZ.ORG.NZ

ISSUE 77 / JUNE 2025

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Constructing fences for a living?

You need to belong to FCANZ!

Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ) is the industry body supporting and advancing the fencing industry of New Zealand.

Established in 2006, FCANZ aims to raise the profile and standards of the fencing industry, growing the market for fencing contractors and others associated with the industry, and ensuring Fencing Contractors Association NZ is the first port of call for those seeking a fencing contractor.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Member Exclusive Pricing

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helping the public find contractors in their area. Enjoy free promotion through campaigns that attract

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which includes a branded cooler bag,

Federated Farmers Membership FCANZ’s affiliation with Federated Farmers gives all members a complimentary

Federated Farmers membership – worth $499, including access to free legal and employment advice, group purchasing opportunities and much, much more.

There are a lot of benefits to being an FCANZ member, all for only $325+gst per year!

Join today! www.fcanz.org.nz/join | 0508 432 269 | admin@fcanz.org.nz

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