New faces enjoy new events at Conference 2021

It’s hard to believe it’s been over a month since we all got together in Paihia. How lucky were we to be all together given the change in circumstances now. A huge thanks to those members and partners who joined us for a very successful few days. For those who couldn’t make it, here’s what you missed out on.

Wednesday afternoon saw the Copthorne Hotel bar area abuzz at 4pm with old friends catching up after two years absence and new acquaintances being made. The group made their way to the Waitangi jetty where we boarded the Fullers ferry for the 15-minute trip across to Russell for our Mix ‘n’ Mingle at the iconic Duke of Marlborough – ‘refreshing Rascals and Reprobates since 1827’. Bronze Partner Mt Pokaka shouted us a welcome drink on arrival, while we enjoyed the last of the sun on the Duke’s wind protected balcony. After a very tasty meal at the Duke and more liquid refreshments, we returned to the Copthorne on the ferry at 9pm, ready for the early start the following morning.

Thursday morning was an early start, with the AGM kicking off at 8.30am. With no Board election required, the Association said farewell to Board member Stephen Mee, who stepped down after four years on the Board, and welcomed Max Walton. Phil Cornelius was also re-elected for a further two years.

FCNZ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Your Fencing Contractors NZ Executive Committee for 2021/2022 is now Shane Beets, Phil Cornelius, Shaun Davies, Mike Renner, Donna Upton, Max Walton and Debbie White. Contact details for each can be found on page 54.

After the formalities of the AGM were over, the Board welcomed those individuals who had never been to a FCNZ Conference before. It was fantastic to see 29 new faces in the audience, who by the end of Conference had established some new friends and connections in the industry and across the country.

The Board led an hour-long forum discussion which covered several topics, including addressing the labour shortage, Best Practice Days, training and qualifications, and the increasing cost of materials. Our thanks to Warren McSkimming (Stockade), Stan Clark (Pacific Steel), Warwick Clark (PermaPine), David Chamberlin (Topuni Timber) and Andrew Thoms (Bayonet) for contributing to the latter discussion.

WORKSHOPS

After a quick break for morning tea, Sue Pickering led a workshop on Leadership, introducing the group to the VARK learning style and how, as business owners, to identify the type of learner your employees are (and partner/spouse) and recognising the difference in how each type learns and communicates. Perhaps unsurprisingly, of the four categories (Visual, Aural, Read/Write or Kinesthetic) the majority of people in the room had strong Kinesthetic preferences – being those that learn by doing, rather than listening, watching or reading. The session highlighted how leaders/business owners could adapt their training and feedback to employees to ensure communication and learning remained effective within the business.

Sue Pickering

After lunch the group heard from Todd Sherbudd, who shared his experience of a life-changing medical event that happened exactly a year prior. Todd encouraged all in the room to listen to their bodies, not to put off checking in with the doctor, and to make the time to enjoy life.

Todd Sherbudd

Pete Gregory and Graeme Bratty then led our second workshop for the day, on Nailing your Quotes to Optimise Profits. As Pete was a former fencing contractor (and member of FCNZ) and Graeme a former CFO for a large electrical and manufacturing company, the duo offered great insights into both the practical elements of fencing and the financial considerations of running a fencing business. Graeme has kindly written an overview of their presentation, which can be found on page 22 of the September WIRED magazine.

Graeme Bratty and Pete Gregory

Having endured 6 hours of being seated, most of the group were more than ready to get out in the fresh air for a tour of some local sites. The group split up and visited both the Stone Store in Kerikeri (one of the country’s oldest surviving buildings) and the Makana Chocolate Factory, before meeting up again at the Mt Pokaka Timber Mill, where Hadley Todd and Albie George offered some tasty refreshments while talking through the history and operation of the Mill.

Outside the Stone Store, Kerikeri

Looking out across the Mt Pokaka Timber Mill

Hadley Todd and Albie George, Mt Pokaka

STOCKADE HAPPY HOUR

It was back to the Copthorne in time for the Stockade Happy Hour, with Stockade running a competition during the hour for an impressive duffel bag full of goodies (to be eventually won by Isaac Johnston) while everyone quenched their thirst.

Isaac Johnston winning the Stockade Happy Hour prize

Our Thursday evening entertainment involved the Charity Auction dinner (more on page 25 of the September WIRED magazine) where, with the help of members and partners, we raised an impressive $18,790 for the Northern Emergency Services Trust (Northern Rescue Helicopters).

The Auction table was overflowing

Steve Couchman and Nick Scott provided an insight as to life as a Rescue Helicopter Pilot and Intensive Care Paramedic

NATIONAL FENCING FIELD DAY

Friday dawned a beautiful day and another bus trip saw the group arrive at our inaugural National Fencing Field Day at the Waimate North Showgrounds, with the car park starting to fill up nicely. After a heavy rain shower which threatened to make the day rather soggy and grim, the weather gods shined on the event for the rest of the day. A full report on the day is available on page 26 of the September WIRED magazine. The event had been advertised in the local paper and radio stations and the additional promotion was rewarded with fencing contractors and farmers from the area who stopped by to see what it was all about.

The day offered plenty of opportunity to exercise that fencing contractor competitiveness, through the hammer throw (ladies and mens), guess the strainer weight, stride competitions, wire tying and battening competitions. A table centrepiece competition also took place in the showgrounds hall, with an impressive display of creativity shown ahead of the evening’s Gala Dinner.

WINE TASTING

At the conclusion of the National Fencing Field Day and after the prize giving, conference delegates were offered the opportunity to return to the Copthorne, or stop via the Marsden Estate for a wine tasting session. Around 15 members opted for the latter, enjoying a sunny corner of the Marsden Estate patio to sample both red, white and rose wines, along with a few delicious platters.

On returning to the hotel, guests ditched their hi-vis for shirts and jackets (and even some ties), before enjoying the Bayonet Happy Hour. Friday night’s Conference Gala Dinner was held at the Waitaha Events Centre with entertainment provided by the band JPG. It was a great opportunity to unwind after a busy couple of days.

FEEDBACK SESSION

On Saturday morning members and partners participated in a feedback session which focused mainly on the Certification process and availability of qualifications.

We appreciate the input and comments received from those at the meeting and will be working hard to get the Certification RETAIL PARTNER (and provisional Certification) process in place as soon as possible.

FCNZ CONFERENCE 2022

The last decision of the event was to decide the location for Conference 2022 – Dunedin here we come! Keep an eye out for announcements soon on dates and details.

Thanks again to everyone who came and made the Conference the success it was. We look forward to hosting many more of you next year.