WIRED Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
Publication of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand
Issue 24 December 2011
Issue 33 March 2014
Issue 23 ďż˝ September 2011
IN THIS ISSUE: Field Days Review PSA Risk Management Protocol System Stays Profile on McLenaghan Contracting Good v's Bad Northland Basalt
THIS ISSUE...
Fensin Johnny McLaren Greg Burton Shed Finds Speed Records Demonstrations & Displays and more...
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PAGE 1 Subscription $50 + GST per annum (4 issues) - Free to FCANZ members FCANZ, PO Box 19-389, Hamilton, 3244 New Zealand. Ph 0508 4 FCANZ (0508 4 32269) www.fencingcontractors.co.nz
FCANZ, PO Box 19 389, Hamilton, 3244 Ph 0508 4 FCANZ (0508 4 32269)
PRESIDENT’S REPORT Hi all, What a season we have been experiencing, with wind, rain and temperatures into the 30s around the country all in one week.
FCANZ would like to acknowledge the significant financial contribution that WIREMARK makes towards meeting the costs associated with the publication and distribution of WIRED.
Sincere thanks to our contributors:
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Mike Billinghurst Greg Burton Fairbrother Mark Lambert Del McGill Johnny McLaren Neil and Raymond Robertson Debbie White
At the time of writing this I am ending my trip of the South Island, catching up with our members on the job and at Association Days, which had good attendances.
Waikato, and it was received well by those who attended, with strong interest in the Speed Battening Competition organised by Fairbrothers. Congratulations go to Simon and Bill for taking out the honours.
Firstly, a big thank you must go out to our partners who have contributed and supported this trip and have enabled it to happen. The branded ute has proven to be a huge success – great exposure for FCANZ and our partners. People all around the country have stopped us, looked and asked for information on FCANZ. I think it is fair to say that most contractors around the country are experiencing a strong flow of inquiries. With positive minds in their work, it’s got to be good for our industry.
Next on the calender was the Southern Field Days at Waimumu, which has just finished with record crowds and sales. FCANZ was involved with the Young Farmers Fencing Competition there which keeps seeing an increasing standard of fencing from these young guys and girls. Yes, there were two mixed teams entered, with one taking it out. It was also really good to see the media coverage for this event, with One News present as well as the local papers covering the event. The Southland people are so genuine and welcoming, and will do anything for you to make it happen.
January saw the return of All About Fencing to the
I guess the next major event is the Central District Field Days
with fencing competitions happening, so get along and support it, or even better, give it a go. Visit our website for contact details for this event. The Board keeps working behind the scenes, taking the feedback from members and the industry to keep FCANZ growing and to gain the recognition the industry deserves. Make sure you have marked on your calendar our conference this July which will be held in Masterton. Did you realise that FCANZ also has a Facebook page where you can get updates, event details and see what members have been up to? Just search for Fencing Contractors Association New Zealand. I’m just heading off to our next Association Day so all the best, keep safe and contribute to our great industry.
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. Material sent in will not be returned unless requested and we are sent a self-addressed stamped envelope to help with processing.
Simon
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FIELD DAYS 2011
Neil and Raymond Robertson
CLIENT Mr Steve Bignell, Taupo
Accountant,
CONTRACTOR Neil and Raymond Robertson, Fensin, Accredited Contractors FCANZ PROJECT Replace existing collapsed punga retaining wall. Age of wall is approximately 40 years old, and is situated on a Taupo lake front property. OUTLINE OF PROJECT 足足 Current wall is approximately 40 years old and has collapsing pumice banks; punga wall over 2 metres in height broken and
decayed. Erosion of bank due to porous pumice and sandy soils. Replace with something better and which looks good. JOB PLANNING Consultation on site included best building method and materials to use (timber poles and tongue and groove timber). SITE INVESTIGATION Ground suitability and stability (sand at the base with pumice on the banks), vegetation control and runoff. Retain as much grassed area as possible at the base of the section and gain lawn area at the top.
Construct a wall that will have street appeal as well as it is on a public walkway. Build within council regulations for a retaining wall. Health and Safety plan discussed and a Site Safety Project Plan drawn up for site staff and members of the public. WALL CONSTRUCTION Profiles set up to get correct start and finish heights of the wall to be within council limitations. Design was to have size levels of 1.5 metres high and 1.5 metres step back to next wall. Overall height being 9 metres, and 22 metres long on each level. Ground hazards found were old trees, stumps, bottles and household rubbish, wire and steel standards. MATERIALS USED 3 metre 225sed poles and 200x50 tongue and groove timber for the walls. Concrete for pole stability and galvanised seven strand stay wire with duckbill anchors and posts, pumice fill.
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Original collasping wall
BUILDING THE WALL Holes had to be dug by hand and posts concreted in place due to the sandy nature of the ground.
Adding the fill Hand digging This level was then timbered and access left at one end for digger entry. The wall had vegetation removed only as each section was built due to the nature of soil type and to maintain current stability. Dust control and visibility to the passing public also had to be considered. Fill added compaction then next level started. Tie backs put in at base of next wall. The digger was in situ at each level all the way up as only way out was by house at end of project. Adding fill to the higher wall took some lateral thinking due to limited access. Digger poured fill onto a board and then through culvert. Concrete builders mix was also delivered this way. At the top of wall more section in front of the deck was gained and fenced for safety, but at low level as not to inhibit view.
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Lateral thinking on filling the wall
Uninhibited view of the lake
Adding the steps and safety rail
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The Great Wall of Taupo
Continued... The steps were built last, constructed by three steps at ground level behind the wall, and then turning onto a platform that protruded through the wall and five steps visible on outer side of the wall. A safety hand rail was installed. Planting of native trees and shrubs with composting bark as mulch layer; The lower area and top lawn was re-grassed.
Wire made tough to keep them in.
The contract involved four staff from Fensin and an outside contractor, Tarrant Contracting, for earth supply, some digger work, and site rubbish removal. Council inspection approved design and construction work as being of high quality. Mr Bignell was astounded with the resulting wall and has many comments from the public on how much it has improved his property.
CLIENT’S COMMENT
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Johnny McLaren Fencing by Johnny McLaren I begun fencing 15 years ago and over this time I have used many different systems to get the posts into the ground. I have used man power, horse power but fencing just got better when I purchased a Solotrac machine in 2012. I bought a 3.3 tonne truck to transport my machine and I now go places where you wouldn’t even consider taking a tractor and post driver.
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The machine is very versatile and can be used on flat ground as well as hills. The most important factor that impresses me is that it is safe to use and safe to be around. It has dual controls which are a real bonus when working on your own; it can be used as a mobile workbench, tool box and post driver. It can carry up to 60 posts which certainly helps when you are fencing a long way in the bush.
I started a job in Barrytown fencing a 1000 metre area of waterways designated by the West Coast Regional Council as a Significant Natural Area (SNA), which were wetlands and home to many native birds and fauna. The challenge was not only the terrain but the location which meant the purchase of a caravan and chilly bin for the end of day refreshments. The fence was an 8 x wire and baton with 27 strainers in-between. This was not a straight line fence project. A question often asked is how fast is it, and how do I get around? My answer to that is; 10km on the job and 100km on the main road. This has definitely opened up the options for more work that I would never have normally considered. I have also used it to pull out fence posts home for another day! Yahoo!
It leaves a minimum footprint which clients love. My trusty machine is often invited to BBQ’s and customer love to show it off. The only downside to this – if it is a downside, is I get more work. I should have been out of Barrytown in seven days, but because of the interest from the locals, I now have two additional contracts meaning things just got better,
Caption Competition Winner The winner of the caption competition is: Antoni Langtry from Fielding. Congratulations, the prize is on its way to you today! The winning caption is:
“ Aww, for peat’s sake!”
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Gallagher’s Irrigator Fence Crossing System keeps fences safe Gallagher’s new Irrigator Fence Crossing System is specially designed to protect electric fences as they are traversed by travelling irrigators. Gallagher product manager Graham Johns says the robustlybuilt system prevents fence wires from being picked up by the irrigator as it passes over the fence. This extends the life of the electric fence and opens up grazing management options for farmers grazing stock on irrigated pastures and crops.
“As soon as the irrigator has passed over it, the electric fence springs straight back into position. So this gives you much more flexibility when grazing stock around irrigated paddocks.” A galvanised post and rope at each crossing point keeps the system firmly anchored to the ground. The anchor rope is made of high quality UV braided rope and is attached using a galvanised D-shackle that prevents the rope from fraying. Dedicated spring bays allow the fence to stretch evenly to maintain
tension while the irrigator is crossing. “One of the big advantages of this system is that the spring bays are centrally located in the fence and that means you get equal stretch on each side of the spring bay. This helps to keep the fence working effectively and prolongs the life of the fence.” The Irrigator Fence Crossing System was developed and extensively tested by Canterbury engineer Brett Hobbs and will be manufactured and marketed by Gallagher from early 2014 through Gallagher resellers.
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PAGE 10
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NEWS RELEASE
Brewer and Green set world fence battening record
Courtesy of Fairbrothers
3 February 2014 - Taumarunui fencers Bill Brewer and Simon Green have set a world record of 11 minutes and 38 seconds for putting 30 battens on a nine-wire fence at the inaugural Fairbrother Speed Fencing Challenge.
Team: Gordon Hansen, Jarrad Nicholson Time: 15m 24s Prize: $100
The competition attracted about 20 competitors who put their stapling skills to the test in the hot summer sun at Grasslandz Agricultural Machinery Expo at Eureka near Hamilton.
Team: Ben Boys, Thomas Wilson Time: 23m 51s Prize: $100
Team: Rex Graham, Blair Eade Time: 20m 13s Prize: $100
Fairbrother Industries sales manager Ken Lawson says the event attracted fencing contractors as well as young farmers who don’t enter formal fencing competitions. This competition is a world first from Fairbrother Industries (www.fairbrotherind.com), New Zealand’s innovators in fencing and agricultural equipment.
Brewer and Green took away the $1,000 first prize. The placegetters were: Team: Bill Brewer, Simon Green Time: 11m 38s Prize: $1,000 Team: Tim Stafford, Jeff Joines Time: 14m 9s Prize: $500
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Team: Troy Brooky, Cameron Beaven Time: 14m 11s Prize: $300
Fairbrother Speed Fencing Challenge competitors - from right to left Gordon Hansen, Simon Green, Jarrad Nicholson, Jeff Joines, Bill Brewer, Glen Neilson, Cameron Black and Jim Fairbrother
Jim Fairbrother (centre) presents the winner’s award to Bill Brewer (right) and Simon Green
Simon Green in action
Ken Lawson said Fairbrother Industries was proud to sponsor the speed fencing challenge as fencing is an essential element of farming and this fencing challenge is a great opportunity for people to showcase their skills.
Third placed Cameron Beaven (left) and Troy Brooky with batten holder in hand before launching into the challenge ahead
The event was judged by two highly experienced fencers and fencing competition judges, Wayne Newdick and Nick Liefting, who monitored for quality standards. For each nine faults contestants had to add another batten. For more information contact: Ken Lawson, Fairbrother Industries, 027 253 3998, sales@ fairbrother.co.nz
Simon Green (left) and Bill Brewer setting the world record for speed fence battening at the Fairbrother Speed Fencing Challenge
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FCANZ Accredited Fencers Contact
Phone
Mobile
Website
Barakat Contractors Ltd (Te Kauwhata)
Dale & Raewyn Barakat
07 826 4461
027 473 5513
dale@barakatcontractors.co.nz
www.barakatcontractors.co.nz
Ben Haugh Contracting (Geraldine)
Ben Haugh
03 693 8088
021 523 291
benhaughfencing@farmside. co.nz
Central Fencing (Canterbury)
Nigel Broadbridge 03 325 7779
021 433 623
central.fencing@xnet.co.nz
Contract Fencing and Earthworks Ltd (Manawatu)
Andrew Cave
06 376 5992
027 296 3504
andrew@cfe.kiwi.nz
CPC Contracting (Kerikeri)
Phil Cornelius
09 407 1160
027 274 4188
cpccontracting@xtra.co.nz
Craig Sergeant Fencing (Waipukurau)
Craig Sargeant
06 858 9759
027 243 7334
sargey@xtra.co.nz
Ewing Fencing Contractors (Oamaru)
Mark Ewing
03 413 3864
027 498 4049
mark@ewingfencing.co.nz
Fencetec 2012 Ltd (Te Anau)
Chris and Steve Daley
03 249 9205
027 439 0234
2cdaley@gmail.com
Glentui Farm Services (Feilding)
Mike Billinghurst
06 323 6466
0272 695 662
billinghurst@farmside.co.nz
Grant Macdonald Fencing Service (Tauranga)
Grant Macdonald
07 5433486
027 494 2251
grantmacdonald@mclarenfalls. co.nz
Grant Scott Fencing Ltd (Te Awamutu)
Grant Scott
07 870 6541
Greg Burton Fencing (Cambridge)
Greg Burton
07 827 8765
027 427 8765
mazgreg@xtra.co.nz
Gregg Holmes Contracting (Papakura)
Greg Holmes
09 296 9984
027 440 4247
oakend@xtra.co.nz
Ground Up Services (Katikati)
Darryn Astill
07 552 0238
027 586 9227
darryn@groundupservices. co.nz
Ground Up Solutions (New Plymouth )
Clayton & Sue Horton
06 758 2217
021 710 712
clayton@groundupsolutions. co.nz
www.groundupsolutions.co.nz
High Country Fencing (Darfield)
Geoff Rogers
03 317 8028
021 640 748
info@highcountryfencing.co.nz
highcountryfencing.co.nz
Higgins Fencing Contractors (Wakefield)
Philip Higgins
03 541 9292
021 222 5033
info@farmfencing.co.nz
www.farmfencing.co.nz
Jeff Joines Fencing Contractor Ltd (Raumati South)
Jeff Joines
04 905 1013
027 484 4481
jeffjoines@paradise.net.nz
John Baldock Fencing Ltd John Baldock (Katikati)
07 552 0763
021 176 4719
john@johnbaldockfencing. co.nz
Lake Contracting (Omakau)
Ken Lake
03 447 4031
027 224 0302
Phillips Contracting (Edgecombe)
Joshua Phillips
07 322 2993
027 587 3551
PAGE 14
Fencer
www.cfe.kiwi.nz
www.glentuifarmservices.co.nz
k.tautari@xtra.co.nz
phillipscontracting@xtra.co.nz
www.johnbaldockfencing. co.nz
FCANZ Accredited Fencers Fencer
Contact
Phone
Mobile
Renner Contracting Ltd (Seddon)
Terry & Karen Renner
03 575 7080
027 226 7238
rennerfencing@hotmail.com
Neil & Raymond Roberston Fensin (Taupo)
Neil & Raymond Robertson
07 825 5747
027 474 6335
robertson.nd@xtra.co.nz
Samuel Fencing Ltd (Alexandra)
Mike Samuel
03 448 6949
0275 2454090 mikesamuel@clear.net.nz
Steve Locke Fencing Ltd (Blenheim)
Steve Locke
03 5781927
021 37 1971
Steve Williamson Fencing (Timaru)
Steve Williamson 03 686 4779
shwilliamson@actrix.co.nz
Todd Sherburd Fencing (Morrinsville)
Todd Sherburd
07 887 5549
todd@fsw.co.nz
West Otago Fencing 2001(Tapanui)
Grant & Wendy Harris
03 204 8285
027 286 6576
harris@esi.co.nz
Wilson Fencing (Havelock North)
Brendon Wilson
06 877 9844
027 657 4588
b.m.wilson@xtra.co.nz
White Fencing Ltd (Papakura)
Tony White
09 292 8064
027 495 7868
admin@whitefencing.co.nz
steve@stevelockefencing.co.nz
Website
www.stevelockefencing.co.nz
www.whitefencing.co.nz
FCANZ-FEB14
For details on completing the National Certificate Fencing—Lvl 3 and Lvl 4, please contact Lance or Tracey Hare—lock your place in before the end of 2013 to be sure funding is available for your training & assessing. A small Admin/Set‐up is now applicable to cover our administration costs, but ALL TRAINING/ASSESSING COSTS ARE COVERED BY FUNDING.
Spill kits $91.60 for 25l, $187.74 for 80l, $582.19 for 240l. First Aid kits, Spill Kits, Fire Extinguishers available.
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Stuff to Roll Out of the Shed Having a father who is a fitter and turner by trade means I spent a fair bit of time hanging around his workshop at a very young age, playing around with this and that. I was taught to weld at a young age with an arc welder, and did the odd job on the lathe as well. Being brought up around engineering, I guess it became a bit of a hobby and has meant I have learnt how to make the odd thing from a few lengths of steel. With guidance and a bit of help from Dad, I made a wood splitter when I was still at high school, and a basic hydraulic postdriver was another early project.
PAGE 16
As things have moved on I have built my own workshop with a good sized floor area, and have been buying new tools for the past ten-odd years and now have most of the basics: bandsaws, mig welders, drill pressers, benders and rollers. I also still have access to lathes, milling machines, small guillotines, benders etc at Dad’s place.
Tool box and A frame
Some of the things I have built over the past year or so include a flat deck trailer, a multiple wire jenny, a tool box for the atv and I’ve just finished a flat deck for my new ute. The tool box that sits on the front of the bike has been built light but strong and can take a good knock (even when the bike gets rolled). It is there to carry hand tools, chain strainers, chainsaw etc giving you quick access and preventing them from flying around. It is pivoted on the front which allows it to be removed or tilted up to get hosed out when it gets a build up of dirt etc.
by Mark Lambert
farm, which saves me having to walk back to the ute (if there’s an easy way, why not?) When first towing the bike the wheels would not follow like a ute, and if the wheels turned out of line they would not straighten, so that was solved by attaching bungees to the ends of the handle bars and back to the box. The 8 wire stacker jenny was been something I’ve wanted to do and something that would cost a bit to get an engineer to build. I wanted to keep the weight down but for
Also I have made an A-frame which allows me to tow the bike behind the tractor around a
8 Reel Spinning Jenny that becomes 4 Reel with the removal of only two pins
it to be strong at the same time, keeping in mind being able to use it on the hills. So I went about building it as two separate 4s which with two big pins becomes an 8. The front wires run around the side thru nylon lubricating bushes then thru to the back pole which holds all 8 wires. This works extremely well when getting to that last bit of the wire. Using steady throttle control, you can completely remove wire off the jenny yet still hold it in line allowing you to join the next coil in without it flying out the back. Each jenny is still mounted on greasable hubs. I have rolled round rings and made flap arms for quick change coils. Each end of the arm is locked into place which means the weight is not suspended off a main pole and is locked into a frame with drop latches, meaning I could keep the steel size down. Never having had a decent trailer, and at a cost of around 10k to get what I wanted, I decided to build my own – that way I got exactly
what I wanted. It has been built on the same principles of being strong but light-ish. I have gone to a width of 2 metres with a length of 3.8 metres which allows two bundles of posts 1.8 metres long to be placed along the deck with the sides up. I made the sides 300mm high with the front head board around 650mm which lowers down onto the front support bracket above the spare wheel to allow for packets of timber to be carried or the bike and trailer to be driven straight on. I also built ramps which slide under the deck that are pinned into place and are mounted so there is no movement to shake them loose. I had to get some work out-sourced on this from a local engineering outfit that builds all my aluminium toolboxes (Roadrunner – awesome products and finish). Using the big break press they folded the light bar, mudguards and sides and also built a rope box for under the trailer. Then I cut things down to size and made frames around them and mounted them. I used galv 3500kg springs with 1750kg hubs and stubs along with 2500kg hydraulic brakes. As I wanted a support brace
Ramp location on trailer
to hold the headboard when the sides and tailgate aren’t on, I made a frame and then got Roadrunner (the aluminium engineer who did sides etc) to water jet cut my logo into a piece of alloy which fills the gap, and also a steel plate with my name on it that I welded onto the draw bar before going to galv. The most recent thing that I just finished as I write this is my flat deck. I wanted something that could take the knocks and could be multi-purpose. I had two matching head boards rolled with the back one that fits into corner sleeves in the deck which get replaced with smaller corner posts when the cover is not needed. I had a PVC cover made with zip-up sides and back, which still gives me access to my alloy toolbox (sitting on trailer) and everything else. By using corner posts it allows you to lower the side without having to drop the tailgate each time. I used a 19mm decking ply, and mounted work lights into the top of the corners of the front head board. The sides were colour-match painted to break the look. I used 3mm sheet steel to bend the tail light guard and mud guards which are bent three times on the edges for more strength and so there are no sharp edges to catch things on. All of this was bent at a mate’s work after hours. And to finish it off, underneath I mounted (with strops) my old alloy tool box off my old ute.
Canopy on the ute with it’s roll-up sides
Greg Burton Fencing I left school in 1973 and worked for my father, who had a sheep and cattle farm in a small district called Tarata, near Taranaki. I worked for him for a year, and then moved up to Porinui Station where I was employed as a single shepherd at the very large farm on the Napier/Taupo Rd. I was one of six single boys. It was there that I was first introduced to Quarter Horses. I later broke in and rode one of the first half-bred Quarter Horses in New Zealand and owned one of them myself. Next step was a move to Kiwitahi – a Land and Survey Block on the way to Pauanui, near Thames, where I worked for a year. That was hard yakka – the shearing time killed me. We mustered at 5am and dagged sheep until 11pm, ready for the next day’s shearing. As a bachelor fending for myself, after two weeks I figured there were better ways to live. I loved the lifestyle, but knew there was no future in it.
Eventually my back had had enough of shearing and I took on some building work, before working as a manager at a local stone-fruit orchard. I owned my own little cottage on five acres at this time and a few single fellas shared my digs. One happened to be Trevor Woolston, (he has won the Golden Pliers a few times) and I did some parttime work for him then. Around that time, local fencer Stan Woolston was winding down. I bought one of his tractors. I was the proud owner of a Zetor 6945. I also had a Kinghitter with no hinge. When travelling on the road between jobs you laid the mast out over the top of your right-hand mud-guard – not a nice feeling!
by Greg Burton
Later I was called in to help a company design a pest proof fence. This was my introduction to Xcluder Pest Proof Fencing Company. We worked all around New Zealand, from Stewart Island to Great Barrier Island and places in between. One of the larger fences was the Mount Maungatautari enclosure – a 47km circumference, with internal pens. I did the posting around the mountain – awesome job! It is now the largest inland island in the Southern Hemisphere, with international recognition as a protective sanctuary for kiwi and other native birds, weta and fauna. A more recent job has had me thinking outside the box, with a new design post and rail fence for horses. See photos on next page.
I moved back home and started a shearing run, working around the Tarata, Matau and Toko districts. In the winter seasons we cut scrub on local farms – you know the stuff they now plant (manuka). I also fenced locally. Later I headed to Western Australia in the winter to shear merinos over there.
PAGE 18
After seven years I gave my shearing run to one of the boys and moved up to Cambridge, and soon found shearing work around there. Off season I worked as a driver at the local quarry.
Stewart Island Pest Proof Fence on private land
Recently my two boys have joined the team. Samuel has been with me for two years and Joseph has recently come on board too. My brother Martin also works part-time with us.
done by screwing and gluing, with all the cut-outs of the posts painted with Metalex. Curved gates finished it off nicely. Latches and gudgeon nuts were all recessed into the posts.
Our rather unique cattle yards were a great challenge. They are made of wood, in a circular design. The gates are steel and part wood (see photos). The posts were 240 machined rounds, 3 metres long.
One of our main challenges was the forcing pen curve, which is a 3.1 arc. It took some work to get the 6x1 bent around it. The yards certainly are unique and I have heard from Sue (cattle manager) that they work well and are very safe.
The rails were all 6x1, with two of them laminated together, which makes a nice even curve. They are actually cut into the sides of the posts. The laminating is
Looking forward to the next challenge. Greg G Burton 027 4278765
Maungatautari Pest Proof Fence, near Cambridge – 47km circumference More photos on next page
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Del McGill, Fencing Contractor McLeansboro, Illinois by Del McGill Travelling to New Zealand in your summer was really an easy choice. At home we had been down to -15oF, snow on the ground, 18 inches of frost) which kind of gives you a “don’t want to fence” sort of attitude. I’ve been to NZ before; the first time was to Mystery Creek Fieldays to see what post drivers were available, and their strength and advantages/disadvantages. Several years later, after thinking on the different types of drivers and how they fit into our fencing conditions, I came back to finalise what I actually wanted – so that was my second trip down. I purchase equipment through “old man’s eyes”, so I question how it will make me more efficient and make for less work for the old back and knees. I have proven that good equipment pays for itself quickly and I consider my business well set up for a fencer in the US.
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This third trip down, after 12 hours of being cramped and
unable to move on the plane, it was a relief to touch down and put all the joints back in place. After a day to recoup I was off to Grasslandz and All About Fencing. All About Fencing is one of the best fencing shows I’ve been to; showing the way it’s done, and the demonstrators explaining and showing the reasons why, made good sense. As I stood back and listened, watched and, of course, took pictures I could easily see the level of experience, skill and workmanship, and the willingness to share information. The pride they have in this chosen field of fencing, these types of meetings and the sharing of best practices is what furthers the professionalism of the fencing industry. Bringing along the younger fencers and fencing teams, and setting by example the expectations and standards which are necessary in
the workplace makes this show invaluable. From the point of view of a “flatlander” travelling around NZ, the intensity and necessity of good pasture fences amazes me, as well as the complexity of the wooden stock yards. It’s quite evident here that if a tree or bush can grow there you can fence it, and I see these fences in the most difficult fencing environments. I would take on only one of these a year, whereas NZ fencers seem to do it every day and it’s “a piece of cake”. I live an hour and a half east of St Louis and my clients are farmers: mainly cattle, no sheep really but goat farming is starting to grow
as they can be taken to the larger markets and get good money. There is a lot of cropping (corn, soy beans) and the weather can be cruel on these growers, making or breaking their season. Much of my fencing is woven wire and we use quite a bit of barb. Rather than wooden rail we use centaur horse rail and put a lot of that up. Feed lots use steel so we have a portable welding rig set up for these jobs. Materials have to be sourced from a long distance and I stockpile to save on delivery costs. Good quality treated posts continue to be an issue with suppliers, and I have to face this when I get home as my latest source has closed its doors. We can get NZ product through some of the supply stores but getting information or back up is difficult most times. Good people are hard to come by but I’ve met quite a few in New
Zealand and I’ve made some good friends. In the North Island my hosts are Tony and Debbie White. They have driven me around the North Island to meet many fencers, and on my second trip to NZ we went around the top half of the South Island. Tony has taken me onto his jobs and I’ve been impressed by what he tackles and the manner in which he does it. Tony heads a good team and watching them makes me realise the “flatlander” label I give myself is about right, as my part of the country is flat to rolling. I’ve met a number of fencers around the country including some in the Manawatu and Wairarapa areas. Earlier this week we travelled to Palmerston North and then up across to Hawke’s Bay. It was my first time in Hawke’s Bay and I found myself being taken into the hills and on windy back roads – some only dirt roads, which I’d never get on a bus
tour. I enjoy catching up with the various fencers, many of whom I communicate with on a regular basis via email. In the US fencers seem few and far between in our part of the country and it’s quite isolated. I am always amazed at how many fencers work an area in NZ. As I finish up writing this I am on my way to the South Island to meet up with my host family, Grant and Wendy Harris, of West Otago Fencing near Gore. I had a brief meeting with them at the Lincoln Field Days about five years ago but we have stayed in touch ever since then. I’ll be attending the Southern Fieldays and see the fencing on some of Grant’s jobs, and then I’ll travel back up to Christchurch with John Noakes. Fencing in the South Island is more like home so I will be looking at picking up some new ideas and different ways of doing things.
TARAGATE – FIND US ON FACEBOOK Taragate Total Fence wanted a better way to communicate directly with end users. So we’ve bitten the bullet and joined Facebook. This means we have a simple way of letting you all know about current promotions, and new developments. Several of these are planned to run
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+64 07 8433859
info@taragate.co.nz
All About Fencing at Grasslandz January 30th/31st 2014 by Debbie White All About Fencing had all the right ingredients, with good positioning within the larger Grasslandz event, excellent industry representation from New Zealand’s leading manufacturers and suppliers and four excellent demonstrators. A high calibre of attendees came for the entire day (and in some cases both days), namely fencing contractors and their staff, fencer generals, cadets from training institutes, and council/municipal bodies. It was rewarding to see the number of younger fencers and their gangs. Overall, however, from the point of view of organisers and exhibitors, the numbers attending were very disappointing. The exhibitors’ product range and the personnel manning their sites provided strong representation of the industry. It was hugely beneficial to see the full range of products which are available on the market being used in the
demonstration fence lines, and to be able to try the tools in use without obligation to buy.
Fencepro exhibited their Ultra 2 on a sidemount base, with Auger/ Rock Spike kits.
Exhibitors included:
Gallagher had an comprehensive range of products well displayed and also in use on the fence line.
Malcolm Webster of All Rural Fencing had his fencing inventions on working display. Beams & Timber Direct from Tuakau had their BTD Interlock Fencing on display and enjoyed meeting many of their clients. Delfast from Wanganui had their Nikema staple gun on display and had a trial fence line up so visitors could try out their gun in conjunction with the Trailblazer. Eurocorp had their ProFence and X™ fence® plus their wire, netting, staple and nail range on display and in use in the netting demonstration area.
Hautapu Pine from Taihape had their roundwood range in the post, wire and batten demonstration area. Kinghitter/Fairbrother had a full range of Expander post drivers on display with Auger/Rock Spike kits. LB & T Hare Training exhibited their NZQA National Certificate in Fencing Training and their Health and Safety plans. Precision presented their well respected range of Trailblazer compressors and the Wagner Airless Paint Sprayer. PermaPine, roundwood and timber supplier from Reporoa, had product in the post and rail demonstration area, along with their SelfLok interlock fencing system. Revolution Postdrivers presented a full range of Telescopic and Xtenda mast Postdrivers with Auto Auger/Rock Spike Kits.
PAGE 24
Steel & Tube/Hurricane had on display their full range of wire, netting, gates, staples, nails and wood screws.
Post and rail demo area with Rob Best showcasing PermaPine, Tru-Test and STHIL products including STIHL’s electric chainsaw
Taragate had their electric fencing range and flood fencing on display and were building a database to assist with client liaison. Terrasaw from Matakohe were there with their Terrasaw trencher which is always a fascination and a great tool asset. Tru-Test showed their four ranges: Stafix, PEL, Speedrite and Hayes brands. Thanks to Rob Best, TruTest had an excellent display of their equine range, including a black horse sighter wire.
The Wiremark Wirework Challenge proved popular STIHL were there to promote their chainsaw range (including the electric chainsaws which were used on the rail work), their safety range, and STIHL’s petrol powered drill. Graeme Le Comte manned the stand from STIHL SHOP™ Hamilton East store to help promote the store’s location.
STOCKade had their staple gun, tool range and compressors in the post, wire and batten demonstration area. Strainrite’s interactive duo of Lindsay Dry and Hugh Morrison had a comprehensive range of Strainrite’s electric tool range strategically placed throughout the post, wire and batten demonstration area.
CUSTOM MADE ATESE IT! STEEL, G WE’LL MAK
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Demonstrators Paul Van Beers, Owen Petersen, Tim Stafford and Rob Best did an outstanding job demonstrating industry best practice techniques and discussing different installation methods. Continued on next page...
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fencers were heard to say, “I have never done it this way before.” Richard Broughton was assisted by Wendy Morgan and they had a busy time running and scoring this challenge. FCANZ provided hospitality to the exhibitors, many of whom are FCANZ sponsors, and those members who preregistered for the event. John Noakes did his usual outstanding job with the barbeque in the main Wiremark marquee.
Attendees could try out the Delfast Nikema staple gun and Trailblazer compressor The Wiremark Wirework Challenge proved to be highly successful, with 24 entries. A wide range of people entered, from fencers and farmers to agricultural tutors and students. The competition had a slow start on day one but once it kicked off it was nonstop with people signing up and coming back later to compete. They were judged on four areas: wire knots, electric insulators, wire tension, and time. Most took around fifteen minutes to complete it, after which Richard Broughton, who is Chief Judge of the New Zealand Fencing Competitions, went through the job with the contestant, pointing out where they had made mistakes or lost points. The strainers were then stripped and set up for the next entrant.
PAGE 26
Some contestants were there for both days and had another go the next day to try out what they had learnt. Some were just trying
to beat their mate’s effort. A wide range of comments were fed back to the organisers – all positive – and many contestants had learnt new tricks. Even professional
All About Fencing is designed to promote the fencing industry. It showcases the many industry suppliers who support the industry through their product development, after sales service, in store promotions, and industry sponsorship. They are to be
Placegetters in the Wiremark Wirework Challenge were: Placing 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
Name Jeff Joines Jason Van Beers Sam Burton Bob Orr Bruce Grant
Score 2.00 (second attempt) 7.95 (second attempt) 13.80 15.58 16.32
Malcolm Webster’s All Rural Fencing inventions
thanked for supporting this event as it costs them greatly to do so and they in turn rightly deserve to benefit. As the industry body FCANZ is provided with a key opportunity to promoted the Association at All About Fencing. But the most important aspect of All About Fencing is that this event is aimed to benefit you and your business, and to provide a training opportunity to upskill your staff and expose them to the entire fencing market. It creates an enjoyable networking opportunity. To spend a day or two away from the fence line to attend this event is to your advantage and without your support this event will not continue. It takes a lot of organising to deliver such an interesting and innovative event. Those who do come to All About Fencing strongly recommend it, so in future please help support this industry event – you will not be disappointed.
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Noksee’s Incredible Adventures
by Mike Billinghurst
At the end of the 2013 Cromwell conference, Noksee mentioned a few points about some upcoming events for anybody who was interested. One of those events was a trip to Stewart Island. I thought it would be a great adventure, and it’s somewhere I have always wanted to visit, so I contacted John and mentioned that I was keen. A deposit was paid; my name was on the list. That’s when I started thinking, ‘Heck what do I need to take?” I was flying down, so weight was an issue. Noksee to the rescue! I received a list of items required: the basics, three changes of clothes, warm gear, wet weather gear, fishing, hunting and diving gear, and insect repellant (really glad I didn’t forget that).
PAGE 28
The next few months seemed to take forever; I was slowly getting together all the things I needed. I had been frantically trying to get certain jobs finished, so that when I went away I was as up to date as possible. I booked the flights to Invercargill, and then decided that I could drive down with Noksee and have a tour of north, central and south Canterbury, and Southland. It was amazing to see the damage that the wind had created with centre pivot irrigators, and whole blocks of trees ripped apart. We had a great drive down in the trusty Hilux, half a million kilometres on the clock and still running sweet! We stayed overnight in Oamaru, and then drove down to Invercargill the next day.
We had a big afternoon, doing the shopping and getting the last minute things like beers and boat motors. Who would have thought that a group of eleven blokes could go to the supermarket and spend over $2000 on food for ten days, and we were supposed to be hunter-gatherers! The weather on November 30 was well advertised; the beach races of the Burt Munro Classic weekend were apparently like being in a sand blaster, and we were to be heading out into the Southern Ocean. What a relief when we got to Bluff and saw the size of the boat we were to go on. The next job was to unload the vehicles and get all the gear into the bins to go on the boat deck. And after five and a half hours of gut-churning fun in four metre swells we found paradise. I have to admit I was getting a tad sick of the constant lurching about. North Pegasus hut is positioned about two metres above the high tide line on a lovely sandy beach. Facilities were the standard DOC hut, eight bunk beds, water tank, sink, pot belly stove, and a long drop (well away from the hut for obvious reasons).
One of the unlucky Whitetail!
I was quite surprised when I found out that we were taking five dinghies down with us, which meant that we had three in our hut of six people. A bit of an overkill, I thought, but actually it was great. After unloading the gear and sorting the hut, we
Don’t think I need a lifejacket for hunting, Noksee!
About to source tea
Ah, beach time
decided to have a tiki tour around the bays. Noksee has been to Stewart Island twenty-five times and to North Pegasus six times, so who better to act as tour guide? (I sometimes wonder when he gets time to fence.) The two huts of North and South Pegasus are based in Pegasus Bay down at the southern end of the island. Sheltered by two large islands the Bay is fairly sheltered from the ocean swells, and from winds from several directions. We were able to get the boats out on all but one day of our trip, fishing, diving, tramping, and sightseeing. The Auckland pair of Tony White and his mate Mark were intent on getting the first deer, and set off at every opportunity. Tony was
obviously in the zone as he had bagged two by the trip’s end. We went scalloping on the second day and that’s when I decided that my 3mm wetsuit wasn’t up to the cold water of the south: I friggin’ froze! We came back with a good haul of scallops for dinner and even ended up having them for breakfast and then cold for lunch – simply divine. Who would
have thought that you could get scallops with a shell size of 160mm – so big that you needed to cut into four to eat them. We lived very well: venison, scallops, paua (up to about 220 mm), blue cod, trumpeter. The steak, sausages and chops were like poor man’s tucker. Tony and Mark decided to go out into the Southern Ocean and try their luck Continued on next page...
One of the locals
All ready to go
at hapuka, but after a few hours in the swells in a four metre tinnie, they called it a day. Our ten days went far too quickly, and before we knew it we were packing up the hut for the trip home – a bit of seafood, photos, and memories were all we had
to show for it. I have to admit it took a while to get back into work mode, but was great to see the family again. Now awaiting the next adventure! It might involve a 4x4 and some South Island stations, so who’s up for an adventure?
Dinner and breakfast
REMINDER: Pencil in the
25th - 27th July 2014 It’s FCANZ conference time and we want to see you there! This year it will be held in Masterton and we will get more information to you closer to the time. We look forward to seeing you there! Affiliates, trusts & training institutes
NZSBA
FCANZ BOARD MEMBERS Simon Fuller President 07 872 8180 021 376 805 fullerfencing@ihug.co.nz
Paul Fitzsimmons 03 374 3510 027 432 9381
paul@kcfencesystems.co.nz
Craig Shortall
John Noakes 03 528 6388 027 446 4413
027 499 9429
craigshortallfencing@gmail.com
noakesjc@gmail.com
billinghurst@farmside.co.nz
Cherie Tomlinson 0508 4 32269 027 322 033
operations@fencingcontractors.co.nz
Kiely Buttell 0508 4 32269 021 2744770
Administration 0508 4 FCANZ (0508 4 32269) info@fencingcontractors.co.nz
info@fencingcontractors.co.nz
FCANZ PO Box 19 389 Hamilton, 3244 www.fencingcontractors.co.nz
Mark Lambert 027 428 5254
m4tractor@windowslive.com
Mike Billinghurst 06 323 6466 0272 695 662
Why Join? • Support the industry and help lift the profile of fencing as a profession • Opportunity to network and communicate with like minded people throughout the country • Access to training including ATV and chainsaw courses • Access to assessing & NZQA qualifications National Certificate in Fencing • Free copy of WIRED publications (4 issues per year) • Association Days around the regions • Support from industry providers • Annual Conference
The FCANZ committee is predominately governed by Fencing Contractors who are volunteering considerable amounts of time to help the industry as a whole. By joining you are assisting in this effort and we would welcome you on board. We have various forms of membership: • General member $110 + GST • Employee $50 + GST • Wired subscription only $50 + GST All above members get a free subscription to WIRED. Email Cherie at operations@fencingcontractors. co.nz for your application form.
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