CANTERBURY FARMING
May 2016
37
FENCING
Competing down to the wire by Andy Bryenton
Fencing has always been a part of Kiwi farming — with a massive amount of land to tame and break down into useful pasture the work of post boring, wire tensioning and batten fixing seems to go on mile after mile. However, for some hardas-nails customers this essential rural chore is more than just a job. They’ve taken it further and made it a sport. The same kind of friendly competition which saw sheep dog trials grow out of the mustering culture of the Canterbury sheep stations and the wild Mackenzie country has sparked rivalries among farmers in all kinds of fields. And it’s not just farmers, either. Competitive coal shovelling and gold panning came from the tough men of the goldfields and West Coast. Our shearers regularly beat the world in wrangling wool. So it’s no surprise that fencers, proud of their speed and skill, have developed their own sport, with their own governing body. New Zealand Fencing Competitions (NZFC) came together formally in 2013, but there’s a long standing tradition of fencing events at field days and A and P shows, dating back to last century. Knowing the Kiwi psyche, there have likely been fencing challenges for as long as hard-working fencers gathered together for a pint after a long day on the land. What the NZFC have done is create a framework for a standardised competition, and set the stage for a truly prestigious national title — the Golden Pliers. This trophy is the ultimate goal for all competitive fencers and is set to be contested again in the near future at the grand national championship of fencing, the Wiremark Golden Pliers Singles event at Mystery Creek, a part of the National Fieldays calendar. It’s a grueling test of endurance and meticulous skill. Competitors must each assemble a 50 metre long fence by hand, with the only power tools allowed being a chainsaw and a post hole borer. The finished product is a nine wire post, wire and
batten fence complete with diagonal end assemblies and a pipe gate. The race is against the clock, and takes on average four-anda-half hours — equivalent to many endurance sports races. Unlike a cycle race or marathon however, there are judges present every step of the way, ready to mark down the slightest hint of shoddy workmanship. Mental discipline is as important as physical strength as the clock ticks and the fence takes shape. There are also competitions for doubles fencing — the premiere grade being the fieldays Silver Spades. Teamwork is key here, and some great teams have come out of New Zealand at both this national level and at a regional one, where post driver legends Fairbrother Industries are big supporters of the sport. They were the hosts when Taumarunui team, Bill Brewer and Simon Green, managed to erect 30 battens on a nine wire fence in 2014 — in just 11 minutes and 38 seconds.
Ph 027 455 3385 AH 03 686 4779
JIM BENNY FENCING LTD For all: • Conventional • Deer • Dairy Conversions • Post Driving
The “Viagra” Fencers
when you want it up fast & to last
Phone Jim 0274 523 119 or 03 329 5245 Meticulous work and flat-out speed combine to make competitive fencing a thrilling rural sport to watch at Kiwi A and P shows
Comparable to any feat on the rugby field? Anyone who has
Summerfield Fencing Ltd Fencing the greater canterbury area
Registered and Qualified contractors with 30 years fencing contracting experience... We can build your...
• Small & Large Scale Fencing • Post driving • Sheep & Deer Fencing • Sheep & Deer Cattle Yards • Dairy Conversions • Vineyards • Sub-divisions • Lifestyle Blocks
• Horse Fencing, arenas, yards & corrals • Alpaca Shelters • Post & Rail • Fowl & Chicken runs • Shed’s, Garages & Lean-to’s • Rural & Urban sheds • Garden & Wood sheds • Bike Sheds • “MAN” Caves
We can help with your planning and design. Phone John or Carol Ph: 03 3124747 Cell: 0274 473474
ever wielded the pliers and hammer would have to agree.
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NEED
A FENCE A GATE OR PERGOLA
Affordable Fences and Landscapes can offer design and install a fence or new landscape that will enhance your property and increase its worth. • A new feature front fence • Replace an existing boundary fence • Archways and pergolas • Section clearing No job is too big or too small for Affordable Fences and Landscapes. We will work within your budget and within your timeframe.
E: summerfieldfencing@xtra.co.nz • Web: www.summerfieldfencing.co.nz
Roundwood
RURAL FENCING • YARDS • MADE TO MEASURE GATES
Southbrook Rd Rangiora Ph 03 313 8339 Fax 03 313 3767 Email roundwood@mcalpines.co.nz
027 221 2708 office@affordablefences.co.nz www.affordablefences.co.nz
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