WIRED - March 2023

President's Report

We’re well into 2023 now and what an interesting ‘summer’ it’s been. It feels like it’s rained solidly in Northland since New Year’s Day. We’ve seen storms and a cyclone have a devastating impact on regions across the North Island while the South Island has basked in 30+ degree temperatures.

Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by the flooding and property damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. We have reached out to our members in Hawke’s Bay, the East Coast and Northland to offer support and determine their needs. There are definitely immediate fencing needs, particularly around stock containment, but the reality is this will be a very long recovery. We’re rolling into the Autumn/Winter season – the hardest time of year for contractors to plan ahead, set up jobs and keep work ahead of the staff on wet days. But this is becoming the norm, so how are we adapting – or are we??

Staff shortages are still prevalent across all industries, this won’t be changing in a hurry. The Fencing Contractor training and career pathway is now finalised and the Certificate in Fencing Level 4 pilot will be launched on 28 March. There are Level 3 courses loaded up for enrolment also around the Country. On the staff front, we have started the recruitment process for an Executive Director for the Association and will keep you updated. See page 11 for the job description – please share with anyone you think may be interested.

FCANZ had two Best Practice Days in the South Island in February, these offered another great chance to catch up with industry partners and likeminded contractors and learn something new. I say it every time, but it would be so good to see more member support at these days.

At the time of writing the Northland Field Days is still going ahead on 2-4 March and we have a Best Practice Day planned, with the Young Farmers Northland Region fencing competition beside us, so swing by and say hello. We’ll also be at the Agri Futures Pathway Expo and Clash of the Colleges in Palmerston North on 10 March and watching the action at the Speed Fencing Championship at the Rural Games the next day, so look forward to seeing you there to support the lads and the industry. Planning for Conference/AGM 2023 continues with Jaime and the team. As always, if you want to have a yarn, don’t hesitate to give me or any of the Board a call.

Phil

Our Mission

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

Phil Cornelius President

The Board blog

With our Operations team away most of January, Nick Terry kept the organisation of the South Island Best Practice Days going. Full kudos to Nick for getting the first Security Best Practice Day up and going, alongside the event at Geraldine. As they say, it takes a busy person to get things done.

Resuming late January, Debbie, Jeanette and Jaime have returned to their weekly zoom meetings when power and networks have allowed. These meetings are designed to mediate between the Board and the Operations team on the more day to day matters, including marketing.

Membership Fee Increase

At Conference last year the Board discussed with the members present the need to raise the membership fees, which have been the same for more than 5 years. From April 1st 2023 the annual fee for full membership will be $325+ GST. We appreciate your understanding on this matter. Want to know what your membership benefits are? Head to www.fcanz.org/Join-FCANZ

Conference

Jaime has been working on the FCANZ Conference this fast-approaching August in New Plymouth. She visited the area in late November to look at venue options and a location for the National Fencing Field Day. The program and budget are coming together, including a ladies trip during the National Fencing Field Day.

Board meetings

Our first physical meeting of the New Year was in Auckland, with our March meeting in New Plymouth late March, giving the Board the opportunity to explore the Conference and National Fencing Field Day sites to ensure smooth sailing for the event.

The FY24 budget was addressed at the February meeting. As a Board we run an overall budget, with separate budgets for Conference, events and other main areas of expenditure.

Events

There are many events in the calendar during the first quarter, with Phil Cornelius, Donna Upton and John Noakes running a Best Practice Day within the Northland Field Day and helping with a Young Farmers Fencing competition module. With involvement at Young Farmer events, we hope to profile the Association.

FCANZ is being represented with the help of David and Janine Swansson at the Westpac Agri Futures Pathways Expo in Palmerston North on 10 March, with an emphasis on encouraging school leavers to join the industry. FCANZ are sponsors of the New Zealand Speed Fencing Championship at the Rural Games which is being run by NZFC.

The FCANZ webinar series continues with an emphasis on the ACC Cover Plus extra scheme, Employment matters and looking at marketing your business. Meanwhile last year’s series sits in the members only section on the FCANZ website.

Accredited Fencing Contractor

The name Accredited Fencing Contractor has been readopted (yes, we know!) and applications have been open. An auditing process for existing Accredited Fencing Contractors is being developed which includes an onsite audit. Please refer to the FCANZ website for more information.

FCANZ Subcommittees

FCANZ are formulating Subcommittees to help concentrate on sector growth. As an Association we have long talked about a desire to include more than rural fencing as its focus, and it is also aimed at supporting sectors that the FCANZ Annual Survey has identified as significant income sources for our members. We are still looking for Subcommittee members who can contribute expertise and direction towards developing standards and resources. We see the Subcommittees meeting via zoom 3-4 times a year and supplying the Board and Executive Director with direction and knowledge.

Executive Director

A recruitment company has been selected and the job description written for the Executive Director role, with the position being advertised now. The Executive Director role will be carried out remotely, from any location in New Zealand. You may know someone who would be ideal for the role so please check out the advertisement on page 11.

WIRED feature responses

We had a fantastic response to our callout for contributions to our feature on Women in the Industry in this edition of WIRED. Thank you to all of those ladies and gentlemen who contacted us with suggestions for stories. We’ve included as many as we could in this magazine, but

there are definitely more stories to be told! WIRED articles are a great opportunity for your business to be promoted so please contact wired@fcanz.org.nz if you’ve worked on an interesting project lately that you’d like to share with our membership. All we ask is a bit of time to be interviewed and some photos of the project.

Rural Sports Awards Finalist

Tony Bouskill was announced as a finalist in the Norwood New Zealand Rural Sports Awards. Tony is nominated for the Rural Sportsman of the Year award for Fencing. Always formidable on the competition fence line, FCANZ congratulates Tony for this recognition from the industry and wishes him luck for a successful evening at the Norwood New Zealand Rural Sports Awards dinner, to be held in Palmerston North in March.

Events Calendar 2023

2-4 Mar Northland Field Days

10-12 Mar Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games

14 Mar Webinar

16-18 Mar Central District Field Days

29-31 Mar Southern Island Agricultural Field Days

12 Apr Webinar

9 May Webinar

16 May North Island BPD, Hamilton (Security)

18-19 May North Island BPD, Hawke’s Bay Fencing Days

14-17 Jun National Fieldays

12 Jul Webinar

2 Aug National Fencing Field Day, New Plymouth

3-4 Aug FCANZ Conference, New Plymouth

7 Nov South Island BPD, Marlborough (Viticulture)

9 Nov South Island BPD, Malborough (Residential)

17 Nov South Island BPD, 4WD Event

*All dates subject to change

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER

On the job it’s important to have someone look out for you. Our local distributor network is commited to getting the products you need, when you need them. Find our trusted products at PGG Wrightson, Farm Source, Goldpine and PlaceMakers nationwide. Passionate and trusted, they’ve got your back when it counts. Supporting the local farming community year in, year out. Looking out for you. Choose fletcherwire.co.nz

New Partners

Interest in the industry continues with three new and one upgraded partner in the last quarter. We look forward to working with them to grow the profile of the fencing industry and having their representatives at our various events across the country, giving our members a chance to see, feel and test their products in person.

RETAIL GOLD PARTNER

Bunnings Trade – Retail Gold Partner

FCANZ is delighted to welcome Bunnings Trade to the FCANZ partner family as a Retail Gold Partner. The Bunnings Trade partnership gives members the opportunity to join the Bunnings PowerPass membership program or link your existing PowerPass account to access a range of exclusive benefits.

Bunnings PowerPass is designed to make life easier for FCANZ members while giving you exclusive pricing on an extended range of items. Plus you will have access to Bunnings widest range of products – from trade quality power tools, hardware, building materials, PPE, landscaping supplies and more, all under one roof.

With a network of 50 locations nationwide, our Trade Specialists in store can help manage your orders, quotes, and delivery. Plus our stores are open until late, seven days a week for those last minute jobs.

Strainrite Fencing Systems – Gold Partner (Partner Upgrade)

In December we welcomed Strainrite Fencing Systems as a Gold Partner of FCANZ. Strainrite has been a FCANZ Partner since 2013 and we are thrilled that the team at Strainrite have elected to invest in their partnership with FCANZ to expand their reach in the New Zealand market.

Strainrite Fencing Systems are a leading agricultural equipment manufacturer, with a history that dates back to the early 1970’s. Renowned for their innovation, the company designs and builds an extensive range of fencing tools and equipment.

Located in New Zealand’s capital city, Strainrite Fencing Systems are renowned their innovation, designing and building an extensive range of fencing tools and equipment to meet the requirements of the farming sector. With a focus on product development and innovation, Strainrite Fencing Systems listen to the market, and deliver market leading fencing products that withstand the tough and demanding farming elements.

RD Petroleum – Bronze Partner

Starting in grass-roots rural New Zealand, RD Petroleum has fuel sites across the South Island and supplies bulk fuel, home heating diesel, lubricants, fuel storage products, and aviation fuel across the South Island to the rural, residential and commercial sectors.

From bases in Nelson, the West Coast, Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin and Invercargill, RDP has a centralised dispatch and scheduling team with a real-time overview of the tanker fleet. Matched with an up-to-date database of client orders and an easy-to-use smartphone app, RDP provides an easy and reliable delivery service, helping their customers to never run out. Real-time technology enables maximum utilisation of the fleet, allowing RDP to be one of the most cost-effective fuel distributors in the South Island.

Repost – Bronze Partner

Repost was founded in 2020 by Howard Valley sheep & beef farmer Greg Coppell and Marlborough Viticulturist Stuart Dudley; this recycled wooden fence post company repurposes viticulture waste into low-cost fence posts for the rural sector.

This family-run New Zealand business has a growing following in the rural sector. For the last few years Repost has supported rural NZ through the supply of quality recycled low-cost fence posts starting at $3.25. Their price point has allowed customers with restricted budgets to stretch their $ further. Repost recycled products include ½ and ¼ rounds in 1.6m and 1.8m lengths grade no.1, and the option to point or remain unpointed. They have plans to add battens later in 2023. The posts meet the specifications for H4 CCA treatment under New Zealand Standards.

Stock is on backorder, all enquiries welcomed: sefton.ingham@steelandtube.co.nz

The electric TJEP C-Ringer makes light work of fixing deer fencing, predator and pest mesh, and

Webinar Series 2023

In 2022 FCANZ created a Business upskilling webinar series to benefit our members. The 2022 series was designed to progress through best business practices.

The 2023 series will look into furthering some of the topics and also going more in depth into legislative changes in order to help ensure your business is compliant. We’ll also look at personal development in terms of establishing yourself in business and selling your services to clients.

Starting in March, each webinar will be held in the evening and only 45 minutes long – with a 15-minute Q&A session at the end. We hope you tune in, whether new to fencing or being an experienced fencing contractor.

Meanwhile the 2022 webinar series is available online on the FCANZ Members Only section of the FCANZ website – please log in to view at your convenience.

Proposed Webinars 2023

ACC: Cover Plus Extra

Presented by Sue McMaster, ACC

14 Mar

In this 45-minute webinar learn from industry expert Sue McMaster about CoverPlus Extra (CPX), ACC’s optional cover product for self-employed and nonPAYE shareholders. It allows policy-holders to choose how much of their income they want covered in case they get injured and can’t work. It’s a great option for people whose income fluctuates each year, e.g. contractors. Financial year end is the right time to review this.

Employment: Building Your Team

• Considerations for ‘one man’ operations to grow the business and take on more business by employing a ‘work force’

Special thanks to Bayonet® and WIREMARK® in assisting FCANZ to deliver the 2022 webinar series.

TBC

• Operational logistics

• Financial ratios towards profit making

• Structuring a ‘career’ path into your business.

• Retaining workers

Employment: Hiring process

• Legal Dos and don’ts

TBC

• The employment contract

• Worker entitlements and costing them into your business

• Vehicles and vehicle policies

Employment: Warning and dismissal process.

• The legal process

TBC

• Worker rights

• Employer rights

• Case scenarios

Setting Up a Business

• Business plan

TBC

• Entity type – sole trader/partnership/company

• Financial requirements

• Financing

Marketing Your Business

• Branding/ rebranding

TBC

• Logo considerations

• Consistency across business

• ‘Advertising’ formats

Executive Director Vacancy

• Strategic and operational focussed role

• Minimum 30 hours, flexible location

• Primary industry/rural sector membership based Association

Play a pivotal role in promoting continued growth and sustainable operations whilst leading FCANZ with clear direction, reporting to Board Executives and working with Key Stakeholders, Sector Committees, Members and Staff.

FCANZ is seeking an accomplished leader who is confident in executing and contributes to a strategy that leads to success. Being able to work across a wide scope of tasks, setting high standards and delivering results is key to reaching desired outcomes. This highly regarded leadership role will ensure the continuity of professionalism and aim to reach new levels of growth.

THE POSITION:

• Provision of leadership and engagement with multiple parties

• Board functionality; agendas, meetings, reporting, procurement and training of Board Members and Contractors

• Strategic; annual financial and risk management planning and reporting

• Financial management; funding, budgets, expenditure, revenue, audits

• Development of growth portfolio through Sponsors, Partners and network

• Operational functions; human resources, relationship management, membership growth, ongoing development of best practice guidelines and NZ legislation

• Advocacy and commentating across government and non-government agencies

• Compliance; promote and support Health and Safety, Wellbeing, policies and procedures across all areas of the organisation

Skills & Proficiencies Required:

• Proven leadership experience, can work autonomously and self-manage

• Proficient and proven experience working at strategic and operational levels

• Strong working knowledge of primary industry/rural sector

• Superior relationship management skills, developing business and networks

• Experience working within political environment

• Consultative and collaborative leadership style

• Critical thinker, problem solver and confident decision maker

• Sound planning and forward thinking

• Professional and influential communication skills

• 3+ years working in an operations/leadership/business management role

• Experience working with Boards

• Understanding of Marketing and Communications an advantage but not essential

This is a significant position currently being offered at a minimum of 30 hours per week with flexible working options available. A contracting or employed position will be offered to the successful candidate. An opportunity to become part of a growth organisation that is proud of their reputation and commitment to providing a valuable service within their industry.

Register your interest by emailing your cv to admin@fcanz.org.nz or phone 027 432 2033 for a confidential discussion.

A Cyclone Gabrielle Response

NORTH ISLAND Fencing Best Practice Days

Increasing the profile of fencing as a recognised profession and encouraging high levels of workmanship through knowledge and standards. Hawke’s

WHEN & WHERE

Hamilton (Security)

Tuesday 16 May 9:30am-3:00pm

Hawke’s Bay Fencing Days

Thursday 18 & Friday 19 May

Enjoy a day out with Fencing Contractors Association NZ and see best practice fencing techniques showcased in practical demonstrations throughout the day.

Fencing Best Practice Trade Days are a great opportunity to learn new skills, see the latest fencing gear and meet like-minded fencing contractors in your region.

WHO YOU WILL MEET

Industry Partners, Fencing Contractors Association NZ Board members, Health & Safety advisors; Tertiary Education providers and Fencing Contractors from across the region. *Subject to availability

WHO SHOULD ATTEND Fencing Contractors, Fencer Generals, Horticulture workers, Farmers and those starting or interested in a career in a fast-growing industry.

COST (includes catered lunch)

Non-Members: $40 FCANZ Members: $20 FCANZ Employee Members: $10

RAMMERREADY READY

The Rammer Ready package includes:

With the Agrofarm’s core features including true 4 wheel braking, 100% locking front and rear differential, low centre of gravity and wide footprint, the Agrofarm 100 is the ultimate Rammer Ready tractor

New General Manager appointed at Strainrite

Robertson Engineering – Strainrite announced the appointment of a new General Manager late last year. Stuart Tyler assumed the role on 9th of January.

Stuart has been in the agricultural industry for approaching 10 years and has previously held positions as a Territory Manager, Export Manager and most recently as Summit Steel & Wire’s National Sales Manager, looking after their domestic and international sales.

“I have known Maurice Wooster and Strainrite for many years. I’ve always admired the Strainrite brand, market presence and significant support of the domestic and international fencing community,” says Stuart. Stuart first met Maurice whilst in a show in Germany in 2016. “I’m very excited at the opportunity to learn from Maurice and be part of his company, which will complete 50 years in existence next year.”

Stuart considers himself a very approachable guy and in his first six weeks on the job, has spent a lot of the time learning the ins and outs of the business and experiencing time on the ground with the team at Robertson Engineering.

“The fencing world is thirsty for innovation, with continued shortages of people and increasing labour costs around the world, markets are looking to New Zealand to do it better and do it right”.

Stuart has moved to Upper Hutt with his family from Christchurch. Stuart’s family are happy to support him in this career opportunity.

“My family is certainly keen to explore what the immediate and surrounding areas have to offer, and I’ve got cousins in the Kāpiti Coast that I am looking forward to seeing more regularly.”

With the core fencing season around the corner and with what Stuart sees in the market, he is keen to get out and about and get in front of the market. With the recent devastating aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in the central North Island, Stuart is motivated to see farmers and growers right, making sure they are looked after as they rebuild their lives and their family’s future.

“2023 is going to be another challenging year for all, the market needs to know that Strainrite will certainly be here to weather the storm and work together to achieve mutual outcomes.”

Article supplied by:

FCANZ’s leading ladies

Most of our members work directly on the fence line and there are many whose partners pursue an independent career, while others work alongside in their self-employed businesses.

The FCANZ Board currently has three women that work in fencing companies, so we thought we would enlighten members on their backgrounds and roles, and what skills they bring to the Board.

South Islands within larger Field Days. With a desire to unite the industry and showcase industry best practice with top fencers skilled in various aspects, the formula worked well with exhibitors broken into different installation types and the demonstrators being carefully selected based on their outstanding workmanship and ability to relate.

When in his mid-40s, Tony took up competitive fencing, having watched it at the Fieldays for many years and finally deciding to give it a go. Finding it highly useful as a training resource and meeting a great group of fencers, I was happy to help with the formation of New Zealand Fencing Competitions (NZFC) and work within the newly formed committee to negotiate terms with the Fieldays and unite the various regional competitions that had been and still are, run by long standing individuals. Currently I am working alongside Nick Liefting who’s been successful in organizing a UK team to compete in the 2023 Fieldays Silver Spades. Our aim within NZFC is to create a New Zealand based global fencing competition. Tony and I currently organise the South Island Fencing competition, alongside Leanne Stanger and Nick Liefting.

Debbie White

I never intended to get involved in Tony’s fencing business, with my first foray into self-employment being an export cut flower business, growing eight acres with 12 seasonal staff, whilst Tony was developing his fencing business and helping in both. With a university education and previous roles in fashion buying, marketing and merchandising, fencing was a world away. But realizing the potential and scope that the fencing business offered, I developed a growing realization

that it was best to pay heed.

Over the years I have become involved with marketing, compliancy, human resources (including hiring) health and safety, materials sourcing, administration

(yuck, I hate filing, find it impossible!), monitoring finances and “approving” asset purchases a.k.a – reining Tony in. I thrive on strategic thinking and concepts, which works well with Tony’s ability for efficiency, design, and systems.

In a need to keep things interesting and because I suffer from a desire to overcommit, I’ve taken an interest in the wider industry, enjoying the genuineness of the majority of people I have met. I joined the FCANZ Board some years ago, helping to organize the first conference in Rotorua and going on to be a Board member for a further three years.

Interested in event organizing I went on to create “All About Fencing” and organized fencing events in both the North and

I rejoined the FCANZ Board several years ago to focus on the fiscal management and help with strategic planning, while working on some new concepts for FCANZ like the annual survey and Webinar series. As a Board member I am a time poor volunteer, but I enjoy the challenge of helping to define the direction that the industry needs to more towards. My method is cautious and looking at things from all angles, not wasting resources but trying to keep an open mind to the need for change and growth.

Written by Debbie White

Donna Upton

If I think back to the days when I was wondering what a career looked like for me, I was training to join the Police – I got as far as scope and went out on a few nightshifts and had to deal with some interesting characters. As much as I knew I’d love that as a job, I didn’t see that as a future family fit career for me. I worked for a few years as a Legal Secretary and then went into banking, working in the rural banking industry (namely for Rabobank) from 2005 right through till 2020, when I resigned to steer our business and, as it turns out, help the industry and Association.

In 2011 I met my husband Phil, who was then a one-man band fencer under his business name CPC Contracting, in Northland. Through our 12-year partnership we have grown the business, changed entities to CPC Fencing Limited, increased the crew sizes, sometimes up to 6 crews and running 20 staff. Our

staff numbers have reduced thankfully over the last two years to a manageable 9 (including Phil).

My part in the business varies, I manage with a H&S manager the Health and Safety, I complete all aspects of the paperwork. I am Phil’s sounding board and sometimes handbrake. We have three children at home also who are 6, 8 and 15. So with Phil always out sorting the crews it’s my job to oversee the ship. Some days I am out on a fenceline ferrying vehicles and machinery with Phil, other days I am sitting in the office from daylight to dusk.

Phil joined the FCANZ Board in 2019, the AGM before the COVID pandemic began. Through that 2020 lockdown year, I quit my job at Rabobank and focused on our business, the kids and the changing times we found ourselves in. I enjoyed the change away from banking and ended up helping quite a lot behind the scenes with Association related things. I then joined the Board at the 2020 Wellington AGM and have been helping a lot more behind the scenes on the training and industry pathway side of things.

At the 2021 FCANZ conference, I had a conversation with Jim

Smith from NorthTec about how we could push the fencing qualifications along and streamline some of the training and the full pathway through for the industry. At that time NorthTec was struggling to find Tutors and Coordinators to manage the Level 3 courses. There was a lot of interest around the country to work into the course framework. Jim asked if I would contract to NorthTec as the National Coordinator and industry liaison between the Tertiary system and the Association.

The last 12 months or so (and prior with COVID frameworks and mandates etc to navigate) have been a massive learning curve, especially with the complete restructure and move toward Te Pūkenga, the merging of New Zealand’s sixteen Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics under one umbrella organisation. NorthTec managed to run three courses in 2022, and each time we run them we learn better, easier ways to do things. We have some great tutors who go out of their way to help new and upcoming fencers.

I enjoy giving back to an industry that has been good to us. I enjoy the people, friends and connections we have made and are making along the way. It will be interesting to see where the new Fencing pathway takes the industry in the coming years.

Donna with WIRED Editor Heather Kawan

Written by Donna Upton

Janine Swansson

Getting ahead and being the best that you can be in business has always been the motto for Janine Swansson, 46, who has recently joined the FCANZ Board.

Janine, with her husband David, started their own contract fencing business Bang It Fencing in the Tararua District just 3 years ago after the selling their dairy farm, achieving a better work life balance.

Janine and David had a successful career in dairy farming and from the very start of their careers became heavily involved in the dairy industry body now known as DairyNZ. The Swanssons went on to win the Hawke’s Bay Wairarapa Sharemilker of the Year and Janine held many voluntary positions in the dairy industry. Janine sites the biggest benefit to being involved with your industry is the self-development, learning and satisfying networking connections made. Janine still retains a close connection to the dairy industry through her Senior Extension Partner role with DairyNZ.

Janine and David continue to farm beef and dairy grazers on 220ha, however the diversification into the fencing contracting business – specialising in rural and lifestyle – has been exciting for them all.

The moment the Swanssons started a fencing business, David was attracted to the FCANZ website and from there they have used all the information to help build their business. Janine admits after knowing the dairy farming practically,

physically and in a business sense, fencing for her is like a new language – whilst for David it was second nature having done a short stint working with a contract fencer before full time dairying. Those fencing skills have been put to good use in all David’s years of farming and are now a true passion as he utilizes his creative and development skills fencing.

A highlight for Janine and David was in August 2021 (their first spring without any cows to milk) jet setting off to Paihia for the annual fencing conference. It was a surreal moment flying home and not worrying about calving cows. Janine’s workmates joke about her romantic getaway and winning a chainsaw. They thoroughly enjoy mixing with all the experience at these events as well as best practice days. The partners and sponsors of the events are also so beneficial to meet and play a key part in their successful business through valuable relationships.

Janine & David’s Bang It Fencing business is a family affair with their son Jordan working for them full time. They also have another young school leaver working with them. This year David and staff have completed the Level 3 Certificate in Fencing. Whilst it was not a requirement for David to complete Level 3 before doing Level 4 this year, Janine and David thought it was valuable to complete the course to best support his young staff going through the course. They think it’s invaluable for young staff

to have the Level 3 Certificate to support them in the future if they decided to move on to a new part of the country looking for employment.

David and Janine complement each other in business with him out in the field and with her in the office. While Janine admits she won’t be swinging a hammer or ramming posts anytime soon, the fence line is not just a male affair with their daughter in law Emma and daughter Anna often seen out on the fence line.

Janine and David have enjoyed attending FCANZ events and Janine soon identified a place she could really support David in his passion for fencing and networking with other like-minded fencers was in the leadership of the Association. Janine is now taking the opportunity to learn even more fencing lingo after joining the FCANZ Board at the 2022 AGM.

Janine brings her current and previous experience from banking and consultant roles to the Board table to help a very active FCANZ Board continue to develop, grow, and achieve the goals of the Association for betterment of fencers, partners, and the industry. Janine aspires to the work of the other Board members and especially the immense work being done by fellow female Board members Donna Upton and Debbie White.

Janine believes the Board has a great mix of gender and spread across the country to serve the needs of its members. Sometimes it has been questioned “what place does a woman have on the Board?” The simple answer is that we can all have a place at the Board table just as much as we have an opportunity and place in our own businesses.

While we may wish it wasn’t necessarily true, we live in a regulatory business space and the greatest opportunities will come to those that meet and embrace those standards. It makes sense to have FCANZ, to allow fencers to collaborate and work together to ensure quality and standards for fencers to be recognized as a professional valued part of the Agriculture Service sector.

Janine is looking forward to taking part in organising the events FCANZ offers. Joining the FCANZ family for the Swanssons was a simple no brainer and instrumental in the success of their business.

Written by Janine Swansson

Fencing: the way it was

During her 40+ years on the fenceline, Horowhenua-based fencing contractor Maria Clement has seen a lot of changes.

Fencing is a career that Maria is still passionate about, more than four decades since she entered it, and she has no plans to retire any time soon.

From the shed to the fenceline

One of four girls, Maria was never a child for being indoors and could often be found in the shed with her father’s tools. “Dad was an engineer, mechanic, carpenter – a jack of all trades. I adored him as he always encouraged me to learn and grow in an untraditional girlish way, either working with him or embarking on my own projects and learning experiences.”

On more than one occasion Maria could be found hiding in her room after a mishap. Incidents like sneaking one of her dads very sharp chisels “which was only to be used under his watchful eye” and badly cutting her hand, or when green roof paint covered the brand-new cream skirt her mum had just proudly made.

Maria’s initial entry to the fencing industry was the 5 years she spent working for Speedrite Electric Fencing, who were based in Levin at the time, making components for electric fence units. When she married her (now former) husband Colin they embarked on their fencing career together as a team, which allowed Maria to transition onto the fenceline. “I knew that I always wanted to work outdoors with my hands. I’d finally found my happy place as a fencer”.

Family and fencing

Beginning a family in the early 80’s didn’t slow Maria down. In 1983, with 7-monthold Sarah on her hip, Maria was one of the few women competing in both the Golden Pliers and the Gallagher team’s electric fencing competition (with Colin). Luckily babysitting was eagerly offered by fellow competitors’ wives while she competed. As the family grew, babysitters for 3 toddlers wasn’t so easy, so competing took a back burner.

Back home their trusty Land Rover also doubled as a fenceline creche, set up with a playpen and a bed, and it was always parked within close reach. “When they

were babies, I’d work for 2-3 hours then stop for half an hour or so when they needed feeding, changing and attention. As each outgrew the back of the Landy it was off to Nana’s, Grandad’s, and daycare.”

Baby number four added an extra dimension as he despised day-care which meant he hung out on the fenceline for much longer than his older siblings. Most of his time was spent playing in the post hole dirt, returning home with an ever dwindling supply of cars and trucks.

“On one forestry job I was head down digging and Leon was playing in the dirt when we were suddenly surrounded by army soldiers – in full camo. They managed to sneak right up to us! We laughed and chatted and one gave Leon a

rat pack chocolate bar, the highlight of his day. All four of our children spent a lot of their childhood with us on the fence line. Times were very different then.”

Pathway to success

After about 6 years of fencing, Maria soon started picking up her own fencing clients, finding that many female divorcées or widows living on smaller farms or lifestyle blocks felt very comfortable with another female being on the property, offering advice, suggestions and then doing the work. “Many times, I’d end up doing other jobs for them like fixing leaky taps, repairing clotheslines etc”.

As a sole contractor, Maria enjoyed the smaller jobs that the bigger gangs passed up, many of which involved repairs

Gearing up for the fencing competition at Field days in 1983

and maintenance of existing fences. She took pride in making a tired baggy fence, stockproof and tidy again, which often meant new end assemblies, wires, posts and battens. She also picked up contracts with Electra reinstating fences behind the vegetation team, and FOMS repairing fences, gateways and strainers damaged by logging trucks. The majority of this work was done the hard way – hand digging and crowbarring because of tree roots and rocks. When longer fencelines or better ground conditions permitted, Maria would make use of her post hole borer and use a post rammer.

It was the willingness to take on these extra projects that saw Maria diversify into residential landscaping construction such as retaining walls, decks and wooden fences, alongside her agricultural fencing. “Having high standards for and pride in my work is so important to me. I’ve never had to advertise for work – it’s always been through word of mouth.”

The right tools for the job

Being a woman in a physical industry means you can’t always rely on brute strength – working smart is just as important. “Sometimes a helping hand would be great, but what I may lack in strength, 99% of the time, leverage and physics gets the job done.”

Maria considers having specialist digging tools also important, and the early days competing at Mystery Creek allowed her to form connections with prominent and

well-regarded fencer Frank Prince. Frank was heavily involved in the development of the Master Fencer course in the mid 80’s, and also made a number of precision fencing tools for Maria. Her favourite spade “Huck” was recently retired and replaced by another Frank Prince spade, preciously stored away stored in the shed for “a rainy day”.

No plans to retire yet

“I love my life as a fencer, but I would have loved becoming a qualified builder, which was sadly unheard of in my time. However, I’m fortunate two sons are qualified builders, and my third son does automated gateways, so I’m often called on for the boxing and concrete work. My eldest daughter and I often fence

together on her block of land. Fencing has been a wonderful way of life as a family, it certainly has given them great values and great work ethics.”

Recently Maria has secured additional subcontracting work with another fencing contractor. While she loves the work, she’s happy for someone else to run the business side of the projects. No quoting, no rounding up materials, no bookwork. “Subcontracting and working with others gives me the chance to pass on skills. I hope that the next generation of fencers enjoy this job as much as I have – and still do. I’m not ready to retire yet”.

Written by Jaime Bigwood

“ I knew that I always wanted to work outdoors with my hands. I’d finally found my happy place as a fencer

Maria’s collection of Frank Prince custom-made tools

Building and installing gates and fences to be proud of is one of the aspects of fencing that Maria still loves.

Maria fenced this property for the previous owners who have sadly since passed. It has made her realise the time she’s spent fencing.

A well-worn “Huck” on the right with his shinier replacement

View from the top

It’s midweek. A rain shower has just passed and now the sun is blazing hot. Angela and Dave Jacobsen from Golden Bay Fencing have been hanging gates up near Black Marble Quarry and taking a moment to relax under a walnut tree until the surveyor arrives.

The husband-and-wife team are putting in a seven-wire fence with two-wire electrics, making a right-of way-across the main road and a side road to move dairy young stock safely via a quicker, easier route. First though is clearing out the gnarly hawthorn trees that are 150 years old if a day. They make up one crew of Golden Bay Fencing. Their son Luke and new team member Jacob make up the other half. Angela says there’s a natural split in fence work. “When we have had big jobs, we have all gone together in the past, four or five of us. Now, Dave and I usually cover the local jobs, more often for people who have known us for years, and Luke does the long-distance bigger projects.”

Early on, Angela started out as a landscaper. “Plants are really my thing –ever since I first left school. I had a nursery and studied landscape design.” Then on day one of Golden Bay Fencing, Angela picked up the tools and has been fulltime fencing ever since. That was 15 years ago. At the start, Angela says she didn’t know any other women who worked in fencing – and admits she still hasn’t met any, but that doesn’t deter her. “I am just doing what I do. It is great being in the outdoors. I had a hip replacement over 20 years ago. Landscaping is quite hard on your hips

whereas the fencing I do is all about arm strength so that is so much better.”

For women coming into the practical side of the industry, Angela says hands-on fencing is really about technique. “Women don’t need to be put off by the idea that they need to be strong. Strength can be built up. To be a good fencer – it is very helpful to be fit but you can get that as you go along.”

On top of that, Angela sees that fencing is changing. “Thanks to FCANZ, fencing is becoming more recognised as a profession. Everyone always thinks that anyone can put a fence up but that’s not the case. There’s a lot more to it, and there’s more support with best practices, courses, association days to learn and do it well.”

One of the real drawcards of fencing is that every day holds something new.

“I do enjoy fencing. You never ever feel bored or wonder when the day will end. It is the same technique you’re doing but every day you’re in a different place. It is so cool because it is so varied. You go to so many different places that you would never see otherwise. You are all over the bay, in little corners, looking out at the view here and there at the mountains that other people wouldn’t see.”

And it’s not all about doing things on your own. “Dave and I build a good fence together. We are a good team. What we do works well… and you pace yourself out.”

Tools help. Like Stockade’s power post and batten staplers. The crew have one each. “They’re fantastic. Stapling insulators on used to be the longest part of a job and now it is the quickest. Putting those insulators on now is just so easy.”

At 55, Angela expects to stay on the fence line for a good while yet. “It suits us. Where we go with that in the future I don’t know, maybe we will have a bit more time gardening.”

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Pub yarns lead to career change

Waiau-based fencer Amanda Beckham found her way onto the fenceline after finding herself needing work and chatting to a local at the pub. And three years on she hasn’t looked back.

Having left a farm assistant job that wasn’t working out, she managed to get work contract driving, but it was only seasonal.

“So, when hours started running out, a local guy at a social event said he knew a fencer looking for some part time help for a couple of months,” she said.

She rang the fencer – Amuri Basin contractor Hamish Henderson – who told her to come see him on his lunch break.

“He put me straight to work, then at the end of the day told me to ‘be here 7am tomorrow’, and I’ve worked for him full time since then.”

That was nearly three years ago now.

She enjoys fencing because it is challenging mentally and physically.

“I also enjoy being outside all day –although not so much in the rain!

“It’s also very satisfying to see the complete fence that you built.”

She also loves working with and learning more about the machinery.

The biggest challenge was probably the weather.

“(It’s hard) when it’s hot a lot and there is no shade.”

The physical work of lifting gear and posts was hard, “but you get stronger the more you do it”.

There were gender stereotypes that she came up against.

“It can be frustrating when males think I’m just a girl and too small, and feel the need to try and take over.”

“But now most of the farms we work on I know the managers and they know I’m fully capable.”

One thing she felt would be helpful to draw more women into the industry is if stalls at shows and trade days included more females on their site.

“There’s been couple times at shows guys on stalls don’t talk back to me, just my boss and the other worker.”

In her first year Amanda completed a Certificate in Fencing Level 3 course, attended FCANZ best practice days, and competed in the Kirwee Field Day fencing competitions – becoming the first female in the South Island to do so.

“I didn’t realize this when I signed up. We didn’t place anywhere but it was fun and I learned so much. All the guys were very encouraging.”

Amanda is excited for the future in the industry, and where it could take her.

“I’d like to travel a bit so maybe a fencer general job in a new part of the country and hopefully one day my own business. My boss jokes all the time about when am I going to buy him out.”

Her boss, Hamish, is quick to sing her praises as a worker.

“She has patience, hungry for the knowledge on how to fence. She has good communication skills with myself and clients to get jobs done.

“The day she met me for an interview, I gave her some staples to help me with a job. As I went down the line, she had turned all those staples to face one way which made grabbing them from her easy. I knew just from that simple task that she

was going to be worth putting time into.

“As I worked, we talked and the more we talked the more she worked. She spent the whole day helping me put up a fence line while at an interview.”

Amanda was now taking on more responsibility as his 2IC.

“So, if for any reason I’m not available, she is organising jobs. She also keeps up with paperwork, ordering materials, machinery maintenance and organising staff.”

He feels there’s room for more women in the industry and encouraged other contractors to “give everybody a go”.

Written by Rosa Watson

“ It can be frustrating when males think I’m just a girl and too small, and feel the need to try and take over

During her intermediate years at school, Georgia had the opportunity to team up with breeders to show beef cattle. She took to it like a duck to water and won herself a trip to the Sydney Royal Show. It was here Georgia’s journey into agriculture began.

Her love of rural life led her to Lincoln University in Christchurch where she earned a Bachelor of Agricultural Science.

Now she is proud to be Gallagher’s only female Territory Manager and is looking

Nurturing a lifelong passion for agriculture

Georgia Burgess grew up on a small farm near Rangiora in Canterbury in New Zealand’s South Island. Her parents had 60 acres, which she says was enough to “keep her rural”.

after customers in the Manawatu region. Based in Dannevirke, Georgia and her husband Ben own a 10-hectare block and run Hereford stud cattle. It’s the perfect set up to enable Georgia to indulge in her passion for horses, gardening and all things outdoors.

Georgia was looking for a new challenge when she came to Gallagher and is determined to make the role her own.

“I wanted to learn something new, and I was intrigued by Gallagher’s innovation with product and technology,” she says.

“I was also impressed with the creative license they give their people. It’s a big deal when a company lets you explore ideas, to find new ways to improve things.”

“ I wanted to learn something new, and I was intrigued by Gallagher’s innovation with product and technology

During her studies, Georgia worked on sheep and beef properties in Central Otago. It was this experience, along with her time at Ballance Agri-Nutrients, that shaped her career.

“My focus used to be in dairy, but then I went through the intense sheep and beef training programme at Ballance,” says Georgia. “For two years, sheep and beef were my life, but I’m lucky to now have a deep knowledge of both types of farm systems.”

believes she can make a difference.

“From the environmental side, the solution looks simple: the shorter the amount of time an animal is on the farm, the smaller its impact on the land,” she says. “But condensing that timeframe only works for farmers if animals can be grown to target weight faster. That’s where technology comes in, and in my

It’s within these farming systems that Georgia am.gallagher.com

Experts in their field.

new role with Gallagher, that’s how I can help farmers.”

Georgia is hopeful about the future of New Zealand farming.

“I’m encouraged by the technology already on the market and in the pipeline from innovative companies like Gallagher,

and I’m excited to see where agriculture is heading. I want to be part of it, to improve the environment and help farmers make their businesses more profitable.”

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If you are in the Otago region please call 0800 731 500.

Mike Ward Region: Northland

Darren Smith Region: North Waikato / Hauraki / Coromandel

Tom Fitzgerald Region: BOP / East Coast

Jeremy Sargent Region: South Waikato / King Country / Central Plateau

Martin Weir Region: Taranaki / Whanganui / Rangitikei

Georgia Burgess Region: Manawatu / Wairarapa / Hawkes Bay

Ken McMiken Region: Tasman / West Coast

Mark Maitland Region: Canterbury

Simon von Tunzelman Region: Southland

Georgia at National Fieldays

Purpose, empowerment and strength

I am Eliza Maher, aged 25 and based in the Wairoa region working for my father Bruce in the family business.

I first got into fencing from around the age of 9 when my older brother and I would go out to work with Dad every school holidays. It was always more fun than hard work, marking posts and carrying the spade earning my pocket money. Over the years I got more involved in the practical aspects of fencing. I went off to university and when time came for me to graduate in early 2020 I decided to take a year working as a fencer before heading on an OE. Of course due to Covid that didn’t exactly go to plan. Suffice to say it is 2023, I’ve been a fencer for 3 years now and have finally booked the ticket!

Early on in that first year we were about to start a long 7-wire electric fence and my skill with a hammer and staples was a bit average! Dad decided I was too slow and so we headed up to a FCANZ fencing day in Gisborne and got a Stockade 400i. That staple gun and I have seen a lot of work since then, Dad might have sacked me early on otherwise!

The majority of fencing jobs that I am involved in are rural, conventional fences. We install new fences, only occasionally having to repair old ones, and recently a lot of those have been fencing off waterways.

One of the main challenges I have experienced being a fencing contractor is the weather! Being in the Hawke’s Bay/ East Coast you would assume it to be a sunny, dry place but in the past few years all the major weather events have really made being able to go out and put in a full weeks work quite difficult! It has certainly meant sacrificing more than the occasional weekend to go and finish a job. It is heartbreaking to see what a sustained amount of rain can do to the landscape and makes working conditions very challenging. There are days in the summer heat or the winter cold when you push through but there has never been a moment where the sense of accomplishment and achievement I feel when doing my job hasn’t made it worth it. Some of the best jobs that come to mind are the ones from my childhood. Back then we were based in the Taihape/ Ohakune area and the majority of work was down the Paraparas (Parapara Road) and Whanganui River. They were some long, steep fencelines in the middle of nowhere fencing off bush or boundaries. I have fond memories of working out there, of the old houses we would stay in, of the time I got to spend with my Dad in some beautiful places. We would stay in old cottages or shearer’s quarters during the week, with most of them having slight rat problems. I remember once staying in an old homestead and watching a rat that was almost the size of a cat as it ran along the wall of the lounge! It is the early life lessons he taught me back then that give Dad and I the basis for being able to work so well together now. I am sure there were some difficult jobs in the past but upon reflection none so bad as to outweigh all of the good ones.

One of the things I enjoy most about fencing is the sense of empowerment it gives me. Being fit and strong, knowing I am capable and good at my job. It gives me purpose, knowing what needs to be done and being able to achieve it. Being able to start a job from scratch and see what you have built with your hard work and time. Also learning important life skills and practical lessons that will help me for the rest of my life. You learn how

to work with people, be a good teammate and learn how capable you really are. The physical aspect of digging a posthole, walking up and down a fence line using a hammer and staples, are all things that might one day come in handy.

The more I see other women in male dominated industries the more confidence I feel in my choice to be a fencer. All it takes is getting out there

to give it a go and having a decent work ethic. I am lucky that I have been able to work with my family and get taught by my Dad about a job he loves and knows so well. Being able to go back to a place years later and pointing out a fence that we had built makes me so proud of this job I do.

Written by Eliza Maher

Eliza on the fence line – Mt Ruapehu in the background

“ One of the things I enjoy most about fencing is the sense of empowerment it gives me. Being fit and strong, knowing I am capable and good at my job.

Happiest in the hills

For Louise Wilson, getting outdoors and onto the fence line is her happy place.

Originally from Scotland, Louise and her fiancé, Neil, own MacDonald Rural Contracting based in Seddon, Marlborough. Louise emigrated to Australia in 2012 before moving to New Zealand in 2016 where Neil was living.

Her first foray into the fencing business started with doing the bookwork for the business before she eventually picked up the tools on the fence line.

“(I) started going out to help on the line when they needed an extra pair of hands –I have driven tractors for a long time too, so it was relatively easy for me to go out and drive posts when they needed help.”

She then left her job in agriculture and started fencing full time.

However, in July 2022, the couple took advantage of an opportunity and purchased the local rural delivery run, which brought her back off the fenceline.

“We decided … it was important to diversify a little with the way the cost of living was rising. It was important to have a backup in case the fencing work slowed, but luckily it hasn’t, we have more work than ever.

“(So) now I’m back to just doing the bookwork alongside my day job.”

For Louise, the best thing about fencing is getting to work outdoors.

“We do a lot of hill country work and the views are often incredible.”

She particularly enjoys driving the posts. “I really enjoy operating the tractor, and there’s a great deal of satisfaction that comes with putting up a nice straight line of posts.

“I also love working in the hills, it’s my ‘happy place’.”

She admits there are some days the punishing Marlborough wind can make the job challenging.

“Walking along a ridge putting on insulators whilst getting pushed sideways by a freezing southerly wind can make you wish you were anywhere else.”

The physical work could also be a challenge, she said.

“You definitely get fit in this job, but it’s still hard physical work. Wire coils, posts,

Waratah drivers … they’re all heavy, so you need to learn how to use your body correctly to lift and carry things without causing injury over the long term.”

It was also important to “fuel your body” throughout the day with good healthy food and water to keep energy levels up.

Although busy with the mail run and bookwork, Louise looks forward to getting back on the fenceline full time one day.

“I miss working outdoors immensely.”

Her advice to any women that would like to give fencing a go is to “just go for it.”

“There’re contractors everywhere desperate for good staff, so make contact and go from there.

“As long as you are reliable, turn up on time and try your hardest, then everything else can be learnt.

“Also don’t give up quickly – practice! Get some wire and sit at home doing tie offs and knots until it becomes second nature.”

Louise would love to see the industry introduce fencing workshops for women to encourage them into the field.

“Whether they are already in the industry and want to expand their knowledge, or are keen to start but a bit nervous about having no experience. Being able to attend and pick up a few basic skills might give them the boost to approach an employer and start their new career.”

Written by Rosa Watson

FENCING INDUSTRY

Supplying the Across New Zealand

Meet the Edgesmith power girls

Girls rule the world at Edgesmith! Our roles include – CFO, Operations Manager, Marketing, Internal Sales Team Leader, Estimators, Fork lift operators, Accounts, Customer Service & Blissy, our Furry Stress Manager.

We are Māori, Kiwi, Australian, South African & Swedish.

Before we even think about work, we are feeding our 7 dogs, 16 sheep, 6 fish, 3 birds and one cat. Then it’s taking children to pre-school, primary school, high school, organizing birthday parties, weddings, looking after Grandchildren, celebrating Uni graduations, organizing meals. Oh the Hats we wear!

We love INK and between us we have 54 tattoos! We also have a Black Belt in Karate, been a professional Make-up artist, acted in Shortland Street, hiked to Mt Everest Base camp, been to Santa’s North Pole Residence in Rovaniemi, Finland, one of us is even working from a boat in Fiji. We have traveled to Thailand, China, USA, England, Rarotonga, Fiji, Greece, Cambodia, Kuala Lumpa, Hawaii, Australia, Nepal, Hong

Kong, Indonesia, Canada, France, Italy, Scotland, Amsterdam, Brussels, Venice, Germany, Netherlands and Czech Republic.

At Edgesmith we live by the 5 H’s:

• Hungry – to achieve

• Happy – in life & attitude

• Humble – we are successful together

• Honest – with each other and our customers

Some of us have been with Edgesmith for over 10 years and our new colleague has been with us only a few months. Our message is – never doubt your ability and always aim high.

Michelle, Sonya, Ursula, Hannah, Fiona, Mandy, Ellie, Tanya, Anika and Blissy.

Article supplied by Edgesmith

Timber & Hardware Canterbur y C T H

• Healthy – Mind, Body & Spirit. We all love our jobs and find Edgesmith both challenging and rewarding. All of us have started in Customer Service Roles and through hard work, research, and study at night time we have proven worthy of promotions.

Article supplied by Edgesmith

Fencing a natural transition from the farm

My name is Belinda McCreedy and I am 30 years old. I grew up in Morrinsville in the Waikato, one of six children from a dairy farming background. Fencing was always part of farm work, and having been brought up in the rural industry, the transition to a fencing lifestyle was relatively easy.

I am based in Aka Aka rural Pukekohe, in the Franklin area with my partner Ivan and two children, Declan 5 years old and Ruby 11 Months.

I am employed by Farm Force Ltd, which is owned by my partner Ivan Wrigley. Farm Force was initially started in 2010 as a one-man band Fencer based in Pukekohe West and has since expanded and diversified to include fencing, firewood, BBQ tables and wooden gates. We have further expanded with the construction of a large gate manufacturing shed and administration office block.

I moved to Pukekohe 8 years ago and am currently working full time for Farm Force, a position I have held for the last 18 months.

At Farm Force I am the Office Administrator, where I take care of all the accounting, payroll, customer enquiries, quotes, invoices and booking in jobs, basically all the important behind-thescenes work. I also organise the day to day running of our wooden gate business where we build wooden gates – from your standard farm gates to your more fancier entrance way gates – we ship our product around the country. I’m in charge of all the customer gate orders, quotes and invoices.

I am the face behind the emails and the phone.

From time to time, you will find me on the tools on the fence line helping Ivan with post and railing, battening fences,

putting up hot wires, driving the tractor, just lending a hand where it’s needed. Its great getting out and about visiting different rural areas and farming districts and being able to see previous jobs I have been a part of. I love getting that phone call from Ivan that I’m required on the fence line; it just breaks up doing paperwork and office jobs. I enjoy all types of fencing, but my favourite would be putting up post and rail. Its so satisfying at the end of the day to see a line of fencing completed and it is also gratifying to receive positive customer feedback.

There are definitely challenges to working in the fencing industry as a woman. Number one would have to be

that I am as capable as any man. Often men and women on the phone fail to realise that I am intelligent and do have an understanding of the Industry and are often too quick to judge.

Working on the fence line in the wet weather would not be my first choice, and sometimes working and living with your partner can be a challenge but we make sure we leave work at work. Also, I am a Mum and I juggle my busy working life around school drop offs and pickups while having my daughter with me.

I most certainly would encourage any woman into the fencing industry, either in an on-field or administrative position. If you are thinking of getting into the

fencing industry don’t be afraid to ask around for some hands-on experience. It is important that you seek out the right employer that meets your requirements and that you have a good working relationship. Fencing is a very demanding job, so you have to be mindful of your physical fitness and mental agility.

I love it!

Article supplied by Farm Force Ltd

“ I most certainly would encourage any woman into the Fencing industry, either in an on-field or administrative position

“ I love getting that phone call from Ivan that I’m required on the fence line; it just breaks up doing paperwork and office jobs

Wahine Toa of Waiōhiki

Jamie-Lee Tunua is SecondIn-Charge (2IC) of the Kaitiaki Rangers, our environmental contracting team at Te Wai Mauri.

Te Wai Mauri Limited is a 100% hapū-led business formed by Ngāti Pārau in 2020 and located at Waiōhiki Marae in Hawke’s Bay. The Kaitiaki Rangers completed fencing training through Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) and a workshop held in Wairarapa.

Initial fencing projects included protecting a native bush covenant and expanded to include a series of new fences and fence repairs for sheep and deer fences. The Kaitiaki Ranger team’s fencing skills are growing from strength to strength. Anthony Campbell, Team Leader of Kaitiaki Rangers described Jamie-Lee as the wahine toa on site. Jamie-Lee contends fencing is not easy work, but she is proud of their achievements, and that when she is working on the fence line, it reminds

her of her father and his fencing days. Another one of the Kaitiaki Rangers gained fencing expertise working alongside his Dad. Perhaps fencing skills running in whānau might be a common thread in the industry?

Article supplied by Te Wai Mauri Limited

Fencing’s in her blood

Robinson Contracting Ltd is a family-owned business based in the “Bread Capital” Manaia, South Taranaki. We offer rural, industrial fencing and property management Taranaki wide.

We have a long history of fencing and contracting within the family, starting back in the 1950s.

Five generations strong. We are still contracting for the same farming families we were working for back in the 50s and 60s.

We are a Step Mum and daughter duo: Mama does all the admin and I’m out there doing all the hard work on the fence line. My Grandfather Clayton, is also in the mix. He’s there to share his knowledge and make sure we are doing things correctly.

Growing up I always enjoyed physical work and the outdoors. Before fencing, I was working in the hospitality industry, managing a fancy restaurant, bar and cafe. But I wanted a change. It was only recently I was introduced to the fencing industry. The most difficult challenge I face at the moment is the physical and technical side of the industry, having to transition from hospitality to fencing is no easy feat. But I’m learning new things everyday, giving me confidence to strive and thrive. I’ve got this!!

• Tyler Waitere, 22 years old

• New to the game

• Making moves within the industry

One of the best parts of our job is giving back to our community whenever we can. Community projects, working bees at our local school are all part of our kaupapa.

I enjoy fencing because I’m working with and for my family and it’s had a positive effect on my health and fitness. I’m feeling fit and strong.

I’ve learnt to use the ‘tools of the trade.’ Power tools, the thumper. I’m gaining new skills – driving tractors and machinery. I’m enhancing my leadership skills – bossing the old man around haha. But the biggest thing I’m learning is enduring the weather!!! Goodness it’s been a hot summer. All in a day’s work, all part of the fun.

The next steps for me will be sitting my forklift license and truck license.

To other Wahine thinking about joining the industry:

Fencing is not for the faint hearted. You have to be tough. And you have to endure the conditions.

It definitely suits women that enjoy being outdoors. The fencing industry is very male dominated, but we as Wahine are strong, resilient and hardworking. We are more than capable to work in the industry too!!

Jenelle says: Tyler was always the kid that was helping her Dad outside, organising her siblings and bossing everyone around. She has great initiative and is a quick problem solver, so it doesn’t surprise me at all that she is enjoying the role she has within the business. We are here for her and will support her to be successful in the industry.

Clayton says: She just picks things up so quickly! And before you know it, she’s bossing everyone around. She’s one of the best workers I’ve had.

Because it’s such a male dominant industry, she’s turning heads! People are intrigued by having a young woman as part of the staff. But she just takes it in her stride and shows them what she’s made of. We are proud of her.

Article supplied by Robinson Contracting

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South Island Best Practice Days

Valentine’s Day with Noksee

On the same day New Zealand was placed into a State of Emergency due to the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle in the North Island, FCANZ held its first Best Practice Day for the year in Christchurch. The security fencing day – the first of its kind – was extremely successful, but rather disappointing was the number of contractors that turned out (or didn’t) for the day.

Partners were impressed by the way the security fencing was displayed and the process from cable locators to augers and the finished product of the fence, through to extras like electric fencing, sliding gates and egress gates. Everything was on display as the rain threatened but thankfully never came to much!

Demonstrations included straining chain link and repairing a hole in a chain link fence. Fencing contractors enjoyed a discussion about the stages of erecting a chain link fence from start to finish, which included external issues such as checking for underground services and traffic management. Attendees also had a look at fusion bond chain link fencing.

One learning that drew a bit of attention was keeping the bottom of a post out of concrete and having it straight into the ground. This stops any moisture from condensation building up inside the pipe and rusting the pipe from the inside out.

We had some great demonstrations from FCANZ Partners with batterypowered ring master guns being the new technology on offer from some.

Contractors picked up some great tips throughout the day, including chain link straining boards, and some hand and power tool tricks that will make life a lot easier next time we have some chain link to put up or repair. The general consensus was that chain link wasn’t something we as contractors work with a lot, just the odd job here and there. But, for those contractors who were in attendance, learnings from the Best Practice Day in Christchurch will make those jobs a lot easier and faster.

As always, the day offered a great opportunity to connect with partners regarding the materials discussed and showcased. FCANZ partner reps supporting the day were Baydon from Gallagher Security, Adam from Bayonet, Warren from Steel & Tube, Brendon from

Waratah, Tom and Mark from Summit Steel, Richard from Edgesmith and Ivan from Beattie Insulators.

Thanks very much to Paul Fitzsimmons and Neil Winchester from KC Fence

Systems for their knowledge and organisation of the day with the site.

We’re also grateful to Matt, Emma and Peter from Farmlands for supporting the event and providing the BBQ lunch.

Security raking panel

Sunscreen the order of the day

As our North Island counterparts were coming to terms with the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, the sun was shining in Geraldine for our second Best Practice Day. With a great turn out of partners and contractors, it was a fantastic day. People came from far and wide with some travelling from the Deep South and from North Canterbury. It’s great to get a good response to these days, and see people keen to lift the standard of their work. The attention to detail from fencing contractors has improved to a higher level over the last few years.

A massive thanks to Ben Haugh for organising the site and sorting materials, also George Williams for getting called in to help at the last minute and for sharing his tips and tricks. Thanks very much to Jock and Richard for the use of their farm!

Thanks to all those that supplied materials for the day. As usual the FCANZ Partners were awesome – we only have to ask for product to showcase at these days and we get more than what we need, so please support our Partners because they support us so well for days like this!

A Waratah Maxi and Jio post fence with rabbit netting was the fence for the high-

country demonstration, with a flood gate at one end.

Discussion points included the use (or not) of wooden posts in high snow loading areas, rock drill for drilling into rock to install Waratahs, and some great

(very topical) discussion around flood gates – how they can be installed and what’s good and what’s bad to use as far as materials go.

Tie backs & footing techniques were discussed, particularly in sites where

Brendon Crequer demonstrating Waratah flood gates

Security raking panel

machinery can’t get to, and how to install these using the right materials. Another big thank you to Farmlands who put on another cracker lunch – with over 100 people to feed it wasn’t an easy task! Chainsaws and chisels were swinging in the demonstration section, with stays going in and discussions on different installation techniques. Netting was run and end-strained, Stockade were on hand to install insulators and run hot wires. There was a great display of electric fencing with outriggers and paralleling hot wires. An easy way to strip underground cable was a hot tip that a few took from the day.

It was fantastic to see the students coming along from Geraldine High School, thanks very much for your help at the end of the day to finish a couple of lines and tidy up.

Host with the most, John Noakes

Stay installation demonstrations

Farmlands BBQ

Hurricane fencing demonstration, Steel & Tube

Geraldine High School students watching on with interest

Written by Nick Terry & John Noakes

30 NOV - 2 DEC 2022

Mystery Creek | Hamilton

Looking back to March 2022, the National Fieldays team were in an unenviable position with vaccinations not tracking too well and struggling to reach 90% –this seems just like yesterday. Of course, being an event where only vaccinated people would be allowed on site, they would have been predicting much lower ticket sales. So, the Fieldays team made an executive decision – which they have to do at least three months in advance of the event due to the large overseas contingent and obviously so local exhibitors can also plan.

Fieldays 2022 was therefore postponed until 30 November to 3 December, obviously as late in the calendar year as possible. As fate would have it, within a week of Fieldays making this announcement, the Government changed the vaccination mandate. Unfortunately the decision was already made. As a consequence, the Fieldays 2022 ticket sales were only 55% of the 2021 ticket sales.

Numbers down

Due to the postponement, NZ Fencing Competitions (NZFC) also had two long time sponsors pull out, although they will be back for June 2023.

The later event date also impacted the number of entries received into the fencing competitions, mainly due to contractors being busy and also wanting to get jobs tidied up before Christmas.

2022 entries 2021 entries

Singles 17 24

Doubles 7 16

Because of the reduced number of entries, NZFC had to do some reshuffling after the entries had closed. It was agreed that no heats would be run for the Doubles as there would’ve only been 6 going into the final anyway. Made sense.

Fencing

With this in mind, the singles heats were held on the Tuesday morning, instead of the usual Monday.

Judges all arrived on the afternoon of Monday 28 November, meeting at Fieldays headquarters for a briefing where we were allocated our respective judging disciplines. This is what we judge for each competition.

New Chief Judge

We have had a change in Chief Judge, with Colin Browne standing down and Owen Peterson moving up from second in command. On behalf of NZFC and the fellow fencing competing fraternity, I would like to thank Colin for all his hard work and time he willingly gave to the betterment of fencing competitions in general. Thank

It is incredible how a simple (well I guess not THAT simple) virus can certainly upset people’s lives, as well as events both small and large.

Golden Pliers™ Finalists

L-R: Jeff Joines, Tony Bouskill, Cory Twigley, Shane Bouskill, Mark Lambert, Jared Nicholson, Tim Garrick, and Wilton Weeks

Each competitor received a full Milwaukee kit including drills, impact drivers, planers, levels, drill bits, driver bits, etc.

Competitions 2022

you, Colin. We haven’t seen the last of Colin – he will carry on judging. We all welcomed Owen as Chief Judge and look forward to working with him.

With two sponsors down, it was an encouraging relief to have Milwaukee come on board as a sponsor and on behalf of NZFC, I would like to thank Paul van Beers for the leg work in pursuing Milwaukee. They were extremely proactive in fulfilling their new role as a sponsor.

Each competitor received a full Milwaukee kit including drills, impact drivers, planers, levels, drill bits, driver bits, etc. The only condition that Milwaukee asked, was that they use the Milwaukee gear in the finals. I have been at the fencing competitions for 47 years and have never seen such a generous giveaway at the heats. Was it because it was less than a month to Christmas? The festive season does wonderful things after all. I asked Paul, “Is this a one off”? He said to me, “this is just the beginning”. So I, again on behalf of NZFC and all

fencing competitors, give Milwaukee a huge thank you and welcome on board.

Heats Day

Heats day: Tuesday November 29. It was, I must admit, quite different not arriving in the dark and crunching over the frost. Instead, a nice warm overcast day greeted us. The singles heats starter gun went off at exactly 8.08am, which generated a mad rush to get 40m of fence with two end assemblies, nine posts with one footed, and two wires, completed as quickly and tidily as one can. Tim Garrick was first to have both end assemblies in and his line set up in 56 minutes. No matter how experienced a competitor may be, mistakes will always be made. I observed one line (no names mentioned, although he is from European/Emerald Isles descent) had only installed 7! I jokingly

asked him after he finished, “Did you get tired”?

I was not judging posts, but it was an expensive error, which the competitor was well aware of. But all mistakes are a great learning curve.

Tony Bouskill was first to finish in 1 hour 53 minutes, which was 10 minutes slower than in 2021. Tim Garrick was a close 3 minutes behind Tony. The last competitor to finish was only 43 minutes behind which is the closest singles heats times I have observed.

Once judging was completed, the fence lines were dismantled, thanking all those who participated, and holes filled in, which is very important as the following day the site becomes a car park.

Main events

Later that afternoon, the results were announced for the Golden Pliers Final and the Bill Shuler Final. With eight going into the Golden Pliers final and six generally go into the Bill Shuler event, that left three, so it was decided that all nine remaining competitors should compete in the Bill Shuler Final, which was held the next day (being the first day of Fieldays). This enabled all competitors to have the experience of actually competing on

Tony Bouskill

Tim Garrick

the Fieldays site. An excellent time to practice stage fright.

Wednesday 30 November loomed showery with lightening/thunder predicted during the course of the day, which was not judging friendly weather –this time the forecasters got the weather report correct.

On the Fieldays site, with some of our normal neighbouring exhibitors not present, (sadly a common situation over the whole Fieldays site) we fortunately had a lot more room to accommodate our events.

The Bill Schuler event kicked off at 8.00am with the Silver Staples (students from training institutes) responding to the starter’s gun, three hours later. The Silver Staples prize giving was held that same afternoon.

Thursday morning, eight of the top fencers in New Zealand were getting ready to chase that much sought after Golden Pliers trophy. Due to some of the previous top competitors not

entering, we had two new singles finalists. Congratulations to Shay Robertson and Martin Leveridge. We will no doubt see more of you guys in the future.

After all the gear was meticulously laid out, including various forms of sustenance, the starter’s gun went off at precisely 8.00am. The weather had improved considerably, resulting in a nice sunny day. To most of these guys it was ‘just another day in the office’, and even the two new finalists were keeping up the pace.

Tim Garrick took the chequered flag in 4 hours 54 minutes, earning himself the Nick Liefting First Off The Line trophy, complete with some handy cash. Tim managed to knock an astounding 1 hours and 9 minutes off his previous years’ time. All I can say is WOW. Have they put some flash additives in the Gisborne water, Tim? Tony was a close second trailing by just 3 minutes on his previous years’ time. Do you think you need to have a korero with Tim? (Just putting it out there Tony). All competitors finished well within the 6.5 hours’ time limit with still more than

half an hour to spare.

Friday loomed another warm overcast day as seven teams laid out their gear and fine-tuned any remaining team talk. Owen fired off the starter’s gun at 8.09am with all seven teams scrambling to make themselves useful (or at least look it). Yeah right! Team work is always very amusing to watch and of course listening to. With safety being paramount as sometimes with two people working in close proximity, accidents can happen. Silver Spades competitors had to make a kitset wooden gate and hang it. It’s interesting that we hardly ever see anyone use saw-horses. However, we had just that with Shane Bouskill using them to assemble his gate. Mind you in Shane’s case, it might just have been an age thing! (Just keep it to yourselves, he is over 50 you know.) Regardless of age, Tony was able to drag the Old Boy over the line eight minutes ahead of Tim Garrick and Cory Twigley with the final team finishing 43 minutes later. Well done, Shane.

Prizegiving was held in a room just off the main Pavilion with our event commentator and MC Craig Wiggins. Great job Wiggy.

All in all, once again, great competitions and a huge thank you to all involved. I won’t mention names as I am bound to leave someone out.

Photos by Leigh Twigley, Leigh Amber

Photography, reproduced with permission by NZ Fencing Competitions.

Tony and Shane Bouskill

Cory Twigley

Nick Liefting

30 NOV - 2 DEC 2022

Mystery Creek | Hamilton

Golden Pliers® Singles Championship by

1st Tony Bouskill

2nd Jeff Joines

3rd Cory Twigley

4th Tim Garrick

5th Matt Jones

6th Wilton Weeks

7th Shay Robertson

8th Martin Leveridge

Best Quality – Tony Bouskill

Nick Liefting First off the line trophy – Tim Garrick

Fieldays® Silver Spades™ Doubles Championship

1st Shane Bouskill & Tony Bouskill

2nd Tim Garrick & Cory Twigley

3rd Matt Jones & Jeff Joines

4th Jared Nicholson & Wilton Weeks

5th Jayden Hart & Michael Trott

6th Sander Visser & Bernard Condon-Orr

7th Sean O’Halloran & Nathaniel Hoskin

Learn to fence like a pro in 2023

Interested in learning how to not only construct but also maintain and repair fences? Or maybe you want to take your learning to the next level and get the skills to become a supervisor or self-employed fencing contractor. Whatever your goal, we have the course to help you get there.

At NorthTec | Te Pūkenga we offer a NZ Certificate in Fencing (Level 3) that allows you to learn fencing best practices for work as a rural fencer or in a fencing team. You’ll learn to construct electric and non-electric fences, perform routine repairs and maintenance, maintain health and safety in the workplace, and operate all necessary machinery and equipment needed for the fencing workplace. We understand that not everyone can commit to full-time study. This course is designed to fit in around your current employment, consisting of a combination of in-work, site visits, online, and block course learning, designed with the handson workers of the industry in mind. The block courses are run for two days once every two months, that way you can still gain new skills and qualifications without sacrificing part of your paycheck or your valuable free time.

The course runs throughout all of Aotearoa New Zealand, and we are enrolling now in the following locations and dates:

• Northland, 14th March 2023

• Waikato 18th April 2023

Our NZ Certificate in Fencing (Level 4) builds on the foundations of the NZ Certificate in Fencing (Level 3) with a focus on fence and stockyard design and construction, managing staff and client relationships, and leadership skills. The programme is designed to suit the needs of people already working in the industry who want to take the next step in their careers and open up the pathway to management or solo business ownership. The course aims to provide the fencing industry with people who have the knowledge and practical skills to design and construct fences, interpret a livestock yard design and construct a yard to meet client requirements; and the ability to lead a team and manage client relationships.

Similar to the Level 3 course, the programme will be delivered using online zoom tutorials, online learning, and one-on-one worksite visits, so learners

will need access to a computer and a stable internet connection. However, the majority of the work will be done on the job through a hands-on learning approach. This means most of the assessments can be done on the job, as part of the workday, rather than taking time outside work to complete.

Like the Level 3 course, the NZ Certificate in Fencing (Level 4) is available across Aotearoa New Zealand, and is not limited to the Northland area. This provides training to fencing workers across the country.

The Level 4 course is also enrolling now throughout out New Zealand for a 28 March start!

If you want to up your fencing game, or take your career to the next level, then enrol in fencing courses with NorthTec | Te Pūkenga today!

northtec.ac.nz

How to: Cantilever Retaining Walls

In our fourth instalment of our Retaining Walls feature, Nick Liefting takes us through the complexities of Cantilever wall specifications.

In this article I would like to portray the specifications for Cantilever walls –showing:

• Height

• Embedment

• Surcharge

• Pole size

• Footing size

• Spacing

• Railing thickness

Designs are based on firm clay material of 100KPa, with Poles to be founded in undisturbed or certified fill.

There are other factors that will alter the said specifications, e.g.:

• Toe slope

• Ground strength

I have given specifications going well beyond the non-consented height of up to 1.50m. This is for a very good reason –I have often been asked for an indicative price for walls higher than 1.50m, so the client knows whether to pursue the job or has some idea of how much funding is required.

Fill

It is common to excavate for retaining walls, however, there are times when filling is required, due to undulations, or there may be a dip along the line. Filling is carried out and then track rolled in to give a nice smooth line. It must be mentioned here, that track rolled fill is not engineered/certified fill, which has been compacted with a sheepsfoot roller and tested. So, the wall specifications must be calculated disregarding the fill depth. Another handy piece of advice, is when a retaining wall that is, for example, 1.80m high, what is commonly done at the face of the wall is to build the ground up by 300mm creating, in effect, a toe slope.

A common area that is overlooked, or more so, misunderstood is the wall specifications when there is a toe slope involved. With walls up to 1.50m high not requiring consent (unless surcharged), we (the contractor) become the designer. I have seen some disasters in this area to the expense of complete wall replacement.

Toe Slope

We recently took over a job from a contractor and one of his walls (with a toe slope) had moved forward off plumb.

(See diagram)

My simple instructions on how to calculate with toe slope in mind:

A. Toe Slope at 1:1

B. Visible retained height 1.20m

C. 1.0m added retained height due to toe slope. This can increase or decrease as the toe slope changes.

D. Effective retained height 2.20m

E. Embedment as per table of specifications for 2.20m retaining. Equals 2.0m plus 1.0m (c) = 3.0m

F. Footing diameter 500mm as per specifications for 2.20m retaining

G. Pole – The size of the pole is 150 SED which is for 1.20m retaining as per specs.

The strength in this case is the added concrete encasement (C) whereby, the pole Is acting as the reinforcement.

“ When a retaining wall that is, for example, 1.80m high, what is commonly done at the face of the wall is to build the ground up by 300mm creating, in effect, a toe slope

Please see Cantilever Retaining Wall Specification Sheets overleaf.

Article provided by: Nick Liefting Nick Liefting Contractors Ltd nlcontractors.co.nz

Challenging access for replacing a failed retaining wall Toe Slope

Retaining Wall Summary for Bored Concrete Foundations at 1.2m Pole Centres

Retaining Wall Summary for Driven Timber Poles at 0.9m Centres

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Tie Backs Wayne’s way

Moving on from stays, NZFC committee member and competition judge Wayne Newdick runs you through how he does tie backs.

In summary, a breast plate is used for 2 or 3 reasons as opposed to a stay.

(1) The deflection in the fence is so slight a stay is not required

(2) The stay may interfere with or limit access for stock or vehicles

(3) There is no room and practically impossible to use a stay or conventional breast plate.

The method I am going to explain, I have used for over 15 years using various types of cables and wire.

I now use an 8mm galvanized rod which I make with eyes at each end.

One bit of advice I would give: If you are unsure when to use a stay or breast plate I always measure the deflection early on the fence construction, this is done by simply measuring 4mtrs past the angle in a straight line of the fence then measure back to the actual line (Figure 1).

Tie back

There are situations when you have little choice – especially on tracks where a conventional breast plate or stay will not work.

The method that I have found very successful is a tie back under the ground. A brief explanation as to how it works:

A 1.8 post driven into the ground, 1.6mtrs in most soil types will require 1-2 tonnes to lift out, but 500kg applied horizontally to the top would move, bend or even break the post.

My method simply uses vertical lift (i.e.) 1-2 tonne and convert this to horizontal pull.

• 2 feet between the lines with a 2.1 angle and half a 1.8 half round will hold in all but wet ground.

• 3-4 feet will hold in good ground.

• To go beyond 4ft both angle and breast plate should be increased in size and length.

• I would not go past 6ft with this method as there is simply too much loading.

Photo

shows tie back in place and 450mm of half round in place and 1.8 Q2

Photo 2

1:

Photo 2: is a look from above

Photo 3: is everything dug in place

4 Metres

Figure 1

Photo 4: shows the way this works. The 1.8 must be angled and the top leant to the angle

Photo 5: post driven down to the bottom of the mast

Photo 6: I use this device to drive the post up to 500mm underground.

Photo 7: this shows a gate type staple driven in 200 from the top.

Photo 8: this shows the top of the 1.8 driven 300-400mm below the ground. I simply keep driving until I get 50-70mm of layback on the angle.

Photo 1

Summary

• If the ground is soft simply increase the size of the 1.8 to 2.4-2.7 and the half round to 900 or so, angle 2.1-2.4 etc.

• This system can be done with 4mm or 4.5mm wire or stainless with a minimum of two wraps and crimped (use two crimps because of the stock loading).

• Don’t drive the angle with layback because this is obtained with relative ease when driving the tie back.

• This system requires minimal digging, takes advantage of a postdriver and holds better than a conventional breastplate.

• Give this a go you may be surprised.

Written by Wayne Newdick

Wayne Newdick is a notable top fencer, widely recognised in the industry for his high standards and ingenuity.

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6

Photo 7

Photo 8

Managing employee pay relativity under the new minimum wage

The New Zealand Government announced in February that the adult minimum wage would increase to $22.70 per hour from 1 April 2023.

This is an increase of $1.50 per hour from the current hourly rate of $21.20 and aligns with the 7.2% rate of Consumer Price Index Inflation in the year ended December 2022.

The upcoming minimum wage increase only legally applies to the minimum rate of pay – there’s no requirement that every single employee receives a $1.50 wage increase.

Adult Minimum Wage

$22.70 per hour

Starting-Out Wage

$18.16 per hour

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

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

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

Training Minimum Wage

$18.16 Per Hour

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

However, you may have some workers who are already earning $22.70 an hour. These employees will fall into the minimum pay rate bracket following the increase on 1 April. Despite there being no legal requirement to provide a pay rise here, this can raise issues about how more adept employees are paid compared to less qualified or experienced workers.

For example, an employee already earning $22.70, who suddenly makes the same income as a less skilled colleague, may feel resentful or frustrated that your company isn’t recognising their seniority

or capability. Employees in this situation may be keen to negotiate a pay increase to maintain the relative pay difference.

In determining a strategy for managing pay relativity, it’s essential to manage affordability, properly understand workforce expectations, and manage them proactively.

Again, there’s no legal obligation to increase the pay rate for anyone earning at least $22.70 an hour already. But, with an eye on employee morale and workplace dynamics, you could consider the following if pay relativity comes up:

• Increasing an employee’s $22.70 an hour wage by $1.50 an hour (to maintain the relative difference between their salaries and the minimum wage).

• Increase an employee’s rate by an amount that keeps a differential rate and is reflective of individual ability and performance. You’d need to substantiate this increase through a performance review.

• If remuneration increases are not affordable for your business at this time, are there other non-cash benefits you can offer your more experienced workers, such as mentoring or training and development opportunities?

All minimum pay changes must appear in the next pay slip after 1 April 2023. It’s possible to delay the increase; for example, if the administrative load makes it impossible to meet the deadline. But you’d still be required to backpay affected employees to 1 April as soon as possible. You should proactively communicate this to your staff if you find yourself in this situation.

As an employer, you’ll need to keep up to date with the latest minimum pay changes and pay all your employees at least the minimum wage. This year’s pay increases may introduce significantly greater wage costs to your business. In this case, you may also want to think about pricing strategies and budget forecasting to account for your higher wage and holiday pay obligations.

“ In determining a strategy for managing pay relativity, it’s essential to manage affordability, properly understand workforce expectations, and manage them proactively

What you should be doing with KPI’s and why

There’s never been a more important time to use KPIs. Because doing business is hard right now. Material and wage costs are increasing. Construction costs for new homes have risen by 9.6% over the last 12 months according to RNZ. Disruption of schedules, jobs being shifted around all the time, downturn in the market in areas, a shortage of good staff, your existing team having more time off, and expecting more leniency.

All these things add pressure to your profits, cashflow, and day-to-day running of the business.

KPIs give you the ability to keep a firm handle on all important aspects of your business. Without having to be involved in every detail.

Truth is, tracking your performance numbers and your progress is the only way to make sure all your hard work will be worth it.

Let’s jump in:

1. Use KPIs to make difficult conversations with staff easier

Ever had a team member who wasn’t performing, had a bad attitude, or was making too many mistakes? It’s easy for these issues to get kicked down the road. But the longer it goes on, the worse it gets.

The best thing about KPIs is… It’s not personal. It’s just about what the business needs to be successful. When standards have been set, everyone knows what’s expected. And it’s clear if they are meeting the mark – or not.

For example, I once worked with a building company that needed more jobs. The sales rep was not getting the results. It was awkward, there were lots of excuses and the owners

were almost resigned to accepting poor performance even though it was hurting their business.

We worked together on putting KPIs in place. Suddenly it was much easier to have those sales conversations. Combined with the right support, the focus shifted to meeting targets. Tracking how many new enquiries this week, how many quotes completed, followed up.

Conversion rates increased from 22% to 35% which everyone was happy about – including the rep who was on commission.

2. Use KPI’s to get staff into an accountability mindset –and fix underperforming

How to get your team to perform at their best? It’s one of the hardest things about being in business. Unfortunately, if you don’t provide the

Business coach Daniel Fitzpatrick from Next Level Tradie looks at how you can use Key Performance Indicators to stay in control.

right structure and direction, even your star players won’t be able to deliver. Does your team know if they are winning or losing each week? Is their definition of success the same as yours? Developing KPIs with your team will get everyone on the same page.

The trick is: KPIs only work if your team owns them.

To get buy-in it’s most effective to get your staff to come up with their own performance goals.

A drainlayer I have been working with recently had a lot of issues in his team of 7. Jobs were taking too long, gear was being forgotten, a lack of accountability when things went wrong. He’d tried motivating them before without success so was skeptical about KPIs. But he brought it up at the next team meeting and gave each guy the responsibility of coming up with their own KPIs (with a little guidance).

KPIs ranged from the apprentice turning up on time through to the foremen committing to finishing jobs on schedule. Results were starting to happen. Then one day he overheard his guys comparing their individual targets and how they were going to go about achieving them. That was when he knew it was really working. Remember to only measure your staff on stuff they have influence over!

3. Don’t overcomplicate your KPIs – only use the ones you really need

I’m a fan of Xero and job-tracking software. I’ll tell you what though. All of those complicated reports aren’t going to help you much.

KPIs are most effective when they are kept simple. In each part of your business you should only have a few key things to focus on.

For example, if you want to improve cashflow, then the main KPI to watch is how much cash you have in the bank after all bills are paid.

The numbers you’re tracking must be identifiable. So you can use them to make smarter decisions. If not, what’s the point?

When I work with tradies to improve their profits, I put all their most important KPIs into one dashboard. Then it only takes around 20-30 minutes a month to see how we’re tracking. And gives them laser focus on where to concentrate to get the best results.

overheads. So you know that you’re making money on every job and know exactly where you’re winning and losing?

5. Use KPIs to avoid expensive mistakes

By now you’ll have realised that not having really solid KPIs is costing you more than you thought. Lost margins, lost profitability, lost focus.

Knowing exactly what you are aiming for will help you avoid mistakes (or at least see things in time to make adjustments when needed).

This dashboard is a quick check. All the numbers are in one place. The last thing you need is to be hunting out info all the time!

One company I’ve been working with for the last 8 months has gone from significant losses to now making 10k-20k every single month. This success is mainly down to using the dashboard. Consistency is key.

4. Never base your KPIs off what others are doing

A word of caution: Don’t look at what others are doing and think you should be doing the same. And definitely don’t measure success by how big your team is compared to theirs. Take it from me: A bigger team does not automatically mean a bigger profit. KPIs will vary depending on what stage you are at in your business.

When deciding your sales target this will depend on where your break-even point is, your gross margins, and how much money you want to make for the year. It’s individual to you and always will be.

If you’re a builder you won’t be getting the same margins as an electrician. If you complete high-end work your margins should also be higher than others in the same industry. It’s important to get crystal clear on where your margin should be specifically for your business.

Wouldn’t you rather base your pricing and margins off concrete numbers that are right for you and your

You can avoid pricing incorrectly (usually this happens if you don’t know where your target margin should be) and avoid leaking profits by tracking jobs well throughout.

You can avoid booking too many jobs (if you haven’t worked out exactly how much work is optimal for your team). This also means no burning out your team (and reputation) with too much work and crazy deadlines.

You can avoid constantly not having money in the bank when you need it and sleepless nights with cashflow worries because you haven’t created a cash buffer or know what that should be.

These mistakes all cost you time, stress, and money.

Bottom line?

Running a business without tracking your performance is like being the captain of a ship in the dark of night during a storm. Trying to avoid the rocks. Without a lighthouse to guide the way.

Need

Book here: www.nextleveltradie.co.nz/nextstep Daniel Fitzpatrick

“ KPIs are most effective when they are kept simple. In each part of your business you should only have a few key things to focus on

Hazardous substances safety

What is a hazardous substance?

What do you do to ensure safety when using the products in your work vehicle?

Do you understand the hazardous side of items you carry and the harm that may occur when exposed to them over time? Are they correctly labeled?

What if there is a spill?

Do I have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

Do I have an Emergency Plan?

These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself. We deal with hazardous substances every day in our job, from the diesel you put in your tractor to the staple gun gas you use. Most contractors carry approximately 6 hazardous substances to work. (You just went out to count, didn’t you?)

Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 General Requirements

• You must manage the risks caused by hazardous substances in the workplace

• You must keep an inventory of all hazardous substances used, handled, manufactured or stored in your workplace. This includes hazardous waste.

• You need a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for every hazardous substance supplied to your workplace. The SDS (or a condensed version of its key information, such as a product safety card) needs to be accessible to everyone who could be exposed to the substance in your workplace.

• Every container of hazardous substances in your workplace needs to be labelled. This includes containers of hazardous substances you produce in your workplace and hazardous substances you remove from their original containers.

• Every hazardous substance in your workplace needs to be properly packaged. This includes hazardous substances in their original containers and hazardous substances that you repackage in your workplace.

• Some substances and locations have new signage requirements. You need to maintain your signs and keep them up to date.

• There are additional items on the emergency response plan to: cover any emergency that could happen in your workplace, list any training needed by people with responsibilities in an emergency and provide an inventory and a site plan.

• Fire extinguishers must be clearly visible and readily accessible and have a rating of at least 30B.

• Ensure every worker who handles hazardous substances receives the information, training, instruction and supervision that they need.

The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act is to there to protect:

• The environment.

• The health and safety of communities and people.

• To control, manage and prevent adverse effect of the hazardous substance and new organism.

Under the Act a Hazardous Substance is any substance that may exceed levels defined in the regulation for:

• Flammability

• Corrosiveness

• Chronic or acute toxicity

• Eco toxicity

• Explosive

• Integration with air or water to cause a hazard/risks substance

•

Compliance

To comply with the Act persons shall.

• Store chemicals or hazard substance appropriately in correct containers and facilities.

• Have current Safety Data Sheets available (SDS) for any chemicals or hazardous substances on site.

• Have a register that is updated regularly for current and held Hazardous substances on site.

• List approximate quantities of Hazardous Substances on site.

• Have in place an emergency procedure for Hazardous substances accidents or incidents.

• Have an approved handler if so required to use and manage Hazardous substances used.

• Have approved PPE equipment – glasses, respirator, gloves, overalls and hazard/risk control (spill kit), and fire extinguisher.

• Approved method of discard or disposal.

List of

These

•

Safety Data Sheet

The SDS for items carried in your vehicle should be no more than five years old and be held in the front door or pocket of the driver’s seat. It should contain valuable information about storage, transportation, and medical advice what harm the product can have.

You can use the online calculator from https://www.hazardoussubstances.govt. nz/calculator to get valuable information. The register should outline what you use and carry and be kept in an easily accessible place. You can update and it will tell you the controls required.

Have you ever actually read one to see the information it holds?

You may change the way you use the product or swap it out for a more friendly one if you did.

Have you got the right signage?

Signage is important to communicate what substance and how much of it you are carrying. The contents and quantities must be labelled on the container. The information is not only labelling the content but also in the event of an accident, it gives emergency services an idea of what they may be dealing with, and how to respond to a spill or fire

NEVER store any substance in a drink type bottle. Many children have died from ingesting hazardous substances thinking it was water. Substandard labelling and storage can also lead to an incorrect substance being used, causing an explosion.

•

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES REGISTER EXAMPLE

Site Plans

You may need a site plan depending on the job you’re doing.

Your emergency response plan needs to include a site plan. Make sure the plan is accurate and drawn to scale so that anyone who needs to use it can identify the distances involved and any other relevant information about the location. The plan could show, depending on the nature of your operation, the following items:

• a north point

• all hazardous substance locations and tanks or processing equipment for hazardous substances

• all buildings, entry and exit points to buildings, and any stairs or lifts

• the location of the fire alarm panel on your building

• the main electrical switchboard

• the main structures, roads, and landmarks on your site

• access points for emergency vehicles and any barriers or height limitations for vehicles entering the site

• the location of the nearest water supply, such as tanks or hydrants

• if you have water tanks on site, the size of the tanks

• if the nearest hydrant is not visible on the plan, place an arrow on the plan (where the plan shows the road outside your site) to indicate its direction

• the emergency evacuation meeting points

• access and shut-off points for gas, water and electricity mains

• any major electrical transformers, generators, or other potentially hazardous plant

• shut-off valves for any piped gas or chemical processing systems

• any specialised fire safety systems, such as mist or drencher systems

• the location or direction of any highrisk neighbours such as:

- schools or public meeting places

- retirement homes or hospitals

- petrol stations or neighbours that store large volumes of chemicals.

Hazardous Substances Training Worksheet

Training to handle substances is vital, ensure you learn about the substances you use and what safe handling looks like:

Other useful information to include on your site plan:

• drains, marking the direction of flow, and any storm water grates on your site or on the road outside it

• the location of spill kits, first aid kits, fire extinguishers and any other emergency equipment

• the location of your SDS, inventory, and of the site plan.

• Attach a copy of your site plan to your job documents

Have you got your spill plan items and card ready to go and do your staff know what to do?

Is the employee aware of the harm that can be caused from each hazardous substance they use at work?

Does the worker Know which substance are incompatible and need to be stored separately?

Does the worker understand how to do the jobs required that involve hazardous substances?

Does the employee understand what control measures are in place at the workplace to reduce exposure and keep safe and healthy?

Does the employee know where the SDS (Safety Data Sheets) are kept, understand how to use them, and have access to them?

Is the employee aware of how to safely store, use or dispose of each substance they use?

Does the employee understand the pictogram symbols on hazardous substances containers?

Has the employee been provided with the correct safety equipment and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?

Has the employee been trained to use the safety equipment and PPE?

Does PPE fit correctly and is it in good repair?

Has the employee been trained to use the first aid equipment to deal with splashes and other incidents?

Does the employee know what to do in an emergency involving the substances they use?

Does the employee understand the importance of asking their supervisor questions if they are unsure about how to safely use or store a hazardous substance?

Has the employee had direct supervised or practical experience reflecting the risks associated with hazardous substance used?

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE for handling substances: Gloves, Eye protection, Respirator, Protective clothing. Look at what you carry and see if you have the right items. Most importantly, use them!

How many of you wear a glove when pouring fuels? Did you know a lot of diesel handling makes your beer go flat? (Is it an old wives tail or will you try this out next time you’re holding the beer glass?) There are many more rules to comply with so ensure you check out what is required from the items on the back of your Ute to the shed stored ones or the tanker trailer you tow.

You are responsible to ensure all things safety about this area. Look for guides at WorkSafe to help grow your knowledge or ask a friend they may know a specialist that could help

Keep safe out there teams.

Deb and RuralSafe team

www.ruralsafe.co.nz

A Wife’s Tale

It was Spring. And I was feeling nostalgic for the Ag day lambs I raised when I was a kid. We finally had bought a lifestyle block so, why not?

One Saturday, Shaun and I drove to the Waikato intending to pick up two Romneys to hand rear. And after some pleading eyes and a wink wink from me, we came home with five bundles of twoday old baa-ing joy.

The next day, one of our Davies Fencing guys turns up at home to pick up something and Shaun says in a typical kiwi unclear accent “Want to feed a lamb?”

“Yes!” he replied with more enthusiasm than I’ve ever seen him with a hammer. Shaun then hands him a bottle of milk and he stares at it in confusion.

“What?” Shaun asks.

“Oh, I thought you said do you want a FEED of lamb” he explained, with dead pan nojoke face. And despite having his hopes and taste buds shattered, he still willingly helped us with the lunchtime feed.

The next day when I was at work, Shaun was doing a fence line on a local sheep farm and came home with one more lamb, a special Suffolk with brown eye shadow which he named Lady Gaga.

Six. Six lambs to feed. Four. Times. A. Day. Initially it was a joy. We leapt out of bed to feed those little wagging tails. I think the incentive for Shaun was that if he positioned himself in such a way he could see down my top. Four. Times. A. Day. Every day.

We had a bottle in each hand, while two lambs would wait patiently. Then, when the lambs became bigger and more demanding, we would have one bottle in each hand and one precariously between our knees. Then, even this became a challenge when the lambs began eagerly and somewhat aggressively bunting the teats and each other out of the way to get in first.

We needed three of us and our kids had left home by then.

When the lambs were about 3 weeks old we hired a new manager for Davies Fencing. In his previous project management role he wore ironed shirts and nice shoes. On his first day with us he turned up punctually early and because our work yard is currently on our property, I could see him from my kitchen window, so I nabbed him.

“Good morning!! How would you like your first assignment?”

“Sure” he replied, super eager but totally blind to what his new role in a family business might look like.

Within 3 minutes he had milk sprayed all over his shirt, poos on his boots and had been head butted in the nuts. He was a champ about it though and over the next few weeks I think he came to love this aspect of working for us. It’s more than just a job. Our staff become a part of us, our lives here on the farm, like family. But paid lol.

“ Within 3 minutes he had milk sprayed all over his shirt, poos on his boots and had been head butted in the nuts

It felt like the most natural thing in the world for me to head outside in the cold Spring mornings, unshowered with eye crust, still wearing my pajamas, to ask a group of kiwi blokes to help me feed the lambs. Disclaimer: by this stage I was onto Shaun’s previous motivations and so I made sure to always wear a zipped-up jacket on top of my pajamas.

Feeding the lambs became a hilarious way to start their working days. I could see their moods lift and team morale strengthen.

Even our lovely office manager Rochelle, who could see and hear the lambs from her desk, was called on to help with the lunchtime feeds. Not having any nuts, she was a much better candidate.

The lambs, now seven months, are in the paddock alongside the driveway. All our staff get to see them daily and reminisce of the good ole days when they got head butted in the nuts. I’ve even seen some utes stop to say hi and the lambs happily Baa back to them.

And this is one of the things I love about our business. That we as owners get to create the culture of it in ways that feel good to us. And having our staff engage in our farm life feels natural. It’s like a gift and receive. They (most of them townies) get to experience a bit of nature and we get some help. Win win.

Angelena Davies

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.

Angelena

Shane on the Wire

Teething problems

I’m sure many readers will know how it feels to buy a new car or ute, after having ol’ trusty for the last 20 or so years. That new smell and all those shiny bits. And the challenge of learning about all the new switches, gauges, screens, and unfamiliar tech that initially you can’t understand what you would even use it for.

So after many months of talking, arguing, budgeting and going around in circles, we waved good bye to Kermit and Gonzo as they headed off on a transporter to their new homes.

Given that our Duetz’s were now 20 years old and with repair bills piling up and more to come, and they were starting to look quite shabby. A contractor with rough looking gear is never great for business. Plus, we are well known for having reliable gear, so we didn’t want to risk the image.

On a rare sunny day in January, Shrek and Fiona joined the team. Yes, we name our tractors, given their value to the business and it’s a bit of fun. Just imagine the look on a client’s face when I tell Nick to go jump on Fiona. At just a few inches under 3 metres wide, she has wide hips and will hang on to hills like a champion rock climber. Shrek is a big boy and will do some of the heavier work like mulching. They both have a Kinghitter attached to do the real work.

We soaked up most of a workday, learning all about the new stuff, only to forget half of it, enjoying the short-lived new smell and chomping on a BBQ lunch that the guys from Power Farming put on as well as getting our photos taken by the chaps from head office. I think they wanted us to feel important. As we were working on a roadside fence, it was slightly amusing to see people slowing right down. They were probably quite confused seeing all the cameras and action in sleepy Mangawhai on the road to our world-famous golf courses.

Of course, we have also had all the teething problems, a few things need to be modified to suit us, and trying to get the back ends set right for the post drivers, to say was frustrating, was probably an understatement. But we are slowly getting them sorted and learning the new tech. Nick loves riding Fiona and Jordan with a big smile on his face has had a go with her too.

I figure that when you buy something new, you might as well get a decent one and get the extras at the same time. I managed to wrestle the handbrake from Angelina to get wheel spikes on both tractors, but she grabbed it back, so only one post grab turned up. Shrek will have to make do with the old pallet forks for the meantime. I must say, the wheel spikes must look like scary car choppers to oncoming traffic, and yes, we have had to get oversize flags. The boys have to be a bit more careful going through gates now. I know we are fencers, but I don’t want to fix fences that we have broken. But I’m sure they will be game changers come winter… oh, that’s right, it hasn’t stopped raining here all summer. So, to answer the question, yes, we have already used Fiona’s spikes. Just WOW, is all I have to say about that. Funny thing is now I’m having to think about making sure Fiona can fit. I had to go and measure the one lane bridge to Wharehine. We have 50mm so someone will have to drive straight. As they say, its hard to find the perfect woman…or perhaps a more PC way of saying it, would be, getting over the teething problems.

Anyway, I’m hoping that it doesn’t take the boys too long to get to grips with all the new buttons and levers, or in my words, “stop playing”, so we can get on with the real work. I must admit, we are all proud as punch and grinning from ear to ear on the new machines. But that will be it for a while.

No more new tractors for another 20 years. Straight posts and tight wires.

Shane

Shane Beets Co-owns (newly branded) A1FenceworX, and builds fences in Northland

Membership Form

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

BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER INCLUDE:

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

• Four free issues of WIRED per year

• Members receive Group membership with New Zealand Federated Farmers

• Opportunity to network and communicate with like-minded people in the industry

• Access to NZQA qualifications National Certificate in Fencing

• Regional Best Practice Days

• Access to online professional development webinars

• Support from industry providers

• Heavily subsidised Annual Conference

• Trade Association of Site Safe giving a 10% discount

Join online at fcanz.org.nz/join-fcanz

Fencing Category Rural Residential Security Civil Horticulture/Viticulture Sheds/Retaining Industrial

How did you hear about us?

We will invoice you electronically on receipt of this completed form. Please send to PO Box 3232, Greerton, 3142 or email to admin@fcanz.org.nz

FCANZ Certified Fencers

A1FenceworX (Wellsford)

Shane Beets

t. 09 423 7585

m. 027 625 5383

e. admin@a1fenceworx.co.nz

Barakat Contractors Ltd (Te Kauwhata)

Dale & Carl Barakat

t. 07 826 4461

m. 027 473 5513

e. dale@barakatcontractors.co.nz

w. barakatcontractors.co.nz

Ben Haugh Fencing (Geraldine)

Ben Haugh

t. 03 693 8088

m. 021 523 291

e. info@bhfencing.nz

Central Fencing (Canterbury)

Nigel Broadbridge

t. 021 433 623

e. nigel@centralfencing.co.nz

w. centralfencing.co.nz

CPC Fencing Ltd (Northland)

Phil Cornelius

t. 09 4332644

m. 027 274 4188

e. cpc.fencing@yahoo.co.nz

Custom Fencing Ltd (Waikouaiti)

Nick Terry

t. 03 465 7212

m. 021 614 100

e. nickterryfencing@xtra.co.nz

Ewing Fencing Contractors (Oamaru)

Mark Ewing

t. 03 431 3864

m. 027 498 4049

e. mark@ewingfencing.co.nz

Fencing Solutions Waikato (Morrinsville)

Todd Sherburd

t. 07 887 5549

m. 0274 927 337

e. todd@fsw.co.nz

w. fsw.co.nz

Fencetec 2015 Ltd (Te Anau / Northern Southland)

Steve Daley

m. 027 2497852

e. stephendaley03@gmail.com

Fensin Neil & Raymond Roberston (Taupō)

Neil & Raymond Robertson

t. 07 825 5747

m. 027 474 6335

e. robertson.nd@xtra.co.nz

Golden Bay Fencing (Takaka)

David Jacobson

m. 027 266 7335

e. fourjake1@gmail.com

Grant Macdonald Fencing Service (Tauranga)

Grant Macdonald

t. 07 543 3486

m. 027 494 2251

e. grantmacdonald@mclarenfalls.co.nz

Grant Scott Fencing Ltd (Te Awamutu)

Grant Scott

t. 07 870 6541

e. g.scottfencing@gmail.com

Greg Burton Fencing (Cambridge)

Greg Burton

t. 07 827 8765

m. 027 427 8765

e. mazgreg@xtra.co.nz

Ground Up Services Ltd (Tauranga)

Darryn Astill

m. 027 586 9227

e. darryn@groundupservices.co.nz

Ground Up Solutions (New Plymouth)

Clayton & Sue Horton

t. 06 758 2217

m. 021 710 712

e. info@groundupsolutions.co.nz

w. groundupsolutions.co.nz

Higgins Fencing Contractors (Wakefield)

Philip Higgins

t. 03 541 9292

m. 021 222 5033

e. info@higginsfencing.co.nz

w. higginsfencing.co.nz

High Country Fencing Ltd (Darfield)

Geoff Rogers

t. 03 317 8028

m. 021 640 748

e. info@highcountryfencing.co.nz

w. highcountryfencing.co.nz

Jeff Joines Fencing Contractor Ltd (Kāpiti)

Jeff Joines

t. 06 364 2510

m. 027 484 4481

w. jeffjoinesfencing@gmail.com

John Baldock Fencing Ltd (Katikati)

John Baldock

t. 07 552 0763

m. 021 176 4719

e. john@johnbaldockfencing.co.nz

w. johnbaldockfencing.co.nz

Lake Contracting (Omakau)

Ken Lake

t. 03 447 4031

m. 027 224 0302

e. kenthomaslake@icloud.com

Landwork Solutions (Ōtaki)

Brad Joines

m. 0274955693

e. office@landworksolutions.co.nz

Affiliates, Trusts and Training Institutes

Noksee Fencing (Motueka)

John Noakes

t. 03 5286388

m. 027 446 4413

e. noakesjc@gmail.com

Phillips Contracting 2016 Ltd (Edgecumbe)

Josh Phillips

t. 07 304 8443

m. 027 587 3551

e. phillipscontracting@xtra.co.nz

Renner Contracting Ltd (Seddon)

Mike & Brad Renner

t. 03 577 6615

m. 021 416 798

e. rennerfencing@hotmail.com

w. rennerfencing.co.nz

Samuel Fencing Ltd (Alexandra)

Mike Samuel

t. 03 448 6949

m. 0275 2454090

e. mikesamuel@xtra.co.nz

Steve Locke Fencing Ltd (Blenheim)

Steve Locke

t. 03 578 1927

m. 021 37 1971

e. steve@stevelockefencing.co.nz

w. stevelockefencing.co.nz

Steve Williamson Fencing (Timaru)

Steve Williamson

t. 03 686 4779

m. 027 455 3385

e. shwilliamson@actrix.co.nz

Tight Wire Fencing Ltd (Taupō)

Rex Graham

t. 07 378 5572

m. 027 318 8665

e. tightwirefencing@xtra.co.nz

West Otago Fencing Ltd (Tapanui)

Grant & Wendy Harris

t. 03 204 8285

m. 0272 866 576

e. harris29@xtra.co.nz

White Fencing Ltd (Papakura)

Tony White

t. 09 292 8064

m. 027 495 7868

e. admin@whitefencing.co.nz w. whitefencing.co.nz

Wilson Fencing (Havelock North)

Brendon Wilson

t. 06 877 9844

m. 027 657 4588

e. b.m.wilson@xtra.co.nz

If you are interested in joining you can either email Jeanette at admin@fcanz.org.nz or visit our website fcanz.org.nz 0508 4 32269 | PO Box 3232, Greerton, 3142

PHIL CORNELIUS (PRESIDENT)

m. 027 274 4188

e. phil@fcanz.org.nz

FCANZ Board

JANINE SWANSSON

e. janine@fcanz.org.nz

DEBBIE WHITE (VICE-PRESIDENT)

m. 027 495 7033

e. debbie@fcanz.org.nz

SHANE BEETS (TREASURER)

m. 027 625 5383

e. shane@fcanz.org.nz

DONNA UPTON

m. 021 761 022

e. donna@fcanz.org.nz

FCANZ Operations Team

NICK TERRY

m. 021 614 100

e. nick@fcanz.org.nz

MAX WALTON

m. 027 240 1100

e. max@fcanz.org.nz

JAIME BIGWOOD

Communications and Marketing Manager

m. 022 317 7118

e: communications@fcanz.org.nz

JEANETTE MILLER

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