WIRED - June 2023

WIRED

ISSUE 69 / JUNE 2023

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President's Report

Welcome to the latest edition of WIRED magazine.

Haven’t we seen some excellent duck shooting weather – if you call a 26.8 million ha (the size of NZ) sporadic pond excellent. Unfortunately, you can’t control the weather, so hopefully everyone is managing to work around it and get some productive work done.

The Association has been working hard behind the scenes on the recruitment of a new Executive Director. This was an open market recruitment process, with our Marketing and Communications Manager Jaime Bigwood, being one of the five applicants we interviewed. Jaime was awarded the position. We welcome Jaime into the role where she will be working in a greater capacity for the Association, alongside the Board and our Administration Manager. Jaime has a wealth of knowledge in not only marketing and communications, but in strategic planning and execution and has worked alongside NGO’s and other departments which will benefit us well.

The Best Practice days in Hamilton and Hawke’s Bay attracted a great turn out. Security was the theme in Hamilton and we thank Gallagher for hosting FCANZ and our members and Partners at their head office site. Thanks to Noksee and the Barakat team for leading the day.

Hawke’s Bay looked slightly different and wasn’t so much about best practice but more about helping and supporting a region in need. Understandably this is just a small inroad into the mammoth task ahead, but every little bit helps. Being immersed in the area and learning with our members and

Partners about what is going to be required going forward with regard to supply chain and manpower is a key component.

Thanks to our Patron Craig Wiggins for helping with the “Help and Mate, Buy a Gate” initiative, which is gaining traction and is a great way to help in lieu of manpower. I’d like to thank Sarah Foley-Smith at Geraldine High School in the South Island whose students and team raised over $5,500 for their donation, a massive effort. There have been many key people in the area contribute, too many to thank by name, but I thank everyone for their time and effort. We are looking to hold something similar in Gisborne in July so that we can catch up with our members in the region and gauge what will be required going forward.

The 2023 AGM, Conference and National Fencing Field Day have been launched and we are looking forward to catching up with everyone in New Plymouth. We have some great things lined up and some awesome competitions and awards this year.

Training is also well underway with 17 learners undertaking the pilot of the Level 4 Certificate in Fencing. This course kicked off in April and is an online and work-based training programme. It uses live examples of what you are working on within your

business and can be completed outside of your general work programme. The next Level 4 course is available at the end of July, so enrol now. Level 3 courses are loaded for enrolment. Remember, if there are more than 10 learners in a region, we can look to tailor the course to that area. The areas Te Pūkenga have loaded on their website are just a guide. These courses lead into the finalised FCANZ Certified and Accredited framework which is now available.

With all that info, 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

Where has the year gone?! It’s alarming, especially coupled with the weather events and general wet weather in the North Island and its impact on production output being felt at all levels of the industry.

Board activity

Back to the Board – there’s been a lot going on with regard to Conference organising, with Jaime nailing down the details. Local knowledge has helped pave the way, along with a couple of visits.

Industry Awards have been on the Board’s agenda for a while now and Debbie “opened the gate” by putting forward a proposal to the Board for the inaugural 2023 awards to take place during the WIREMARK® Gala Dinner at this years’ Conference, and a continuance of growth in the awards for the 2024 Conference. Donna has been working on the trainee award and we have brought in Craig Wiggins as a Facilitator for the independent selection panel.

Cyclone Gabrielle has been weighing heavily on the Board’s mind, so many regions affected and so many areas completely devastated. The need to help has seen a Gabrielle response happening instead of our planned Best Practice Day in Hawke’s Bay.

Shane and Phil have taken part in Zoom meetings with MPI, Rural Contractors, Federated Farmers, Civil Contractors, and the Fruit Federation. The purpose being to represent FCANZ and find out how MPI was managing the response, how the different Associations could fit into the recovery, what each Association was doing on their own bat, trying to find out what and where the need was, how FCANZ could join with Federated Farmers around databases and resources. A number of our members have been struggling to keep moving forward with the extra work and

the humanitarian crisis that this event has brought about, and we have reached out and asked which of our members require help in these badly effected areas. It has been gratifying to see how many of our members responded with help and have put their names forward to help with the long journey ahead.

New Executive Director

The Board is like the rest of you, running businesses, dealing with daily challenges, and we sacrifice a lot of time to promote the growth of the industry. It was recognised some years ago that given this reality that administration assistance was required, first with an Administration Manager, and then the Operations Manager role. This Board has recognised the need to grow the Association to the next level, hence the Executive Director role. It’s been an enlightening process, and we are pleased to announce that the appointee is Jaime Bigwood, who threw her hat into the ring. We look forward to progressing with some solid implementation of the Strategic plan.

Training

On the training front, Donna is implementing an initiative with Primary ITO on a pop-up type training course to be utilised in places like the Hawke’s Bay and any areas affected whereby, anyone wanting to be of use, but unsure, can do short sharp training with a Primary ITO tutor and attain NZQA credits along the way. This will enable them to learn the basics in wire tying, hand tools, electric fencing etc. This will be of benefit to people during the rebuild that may have been displaced from other industries. Also, the Managed Apprenticeship is still tracking along behind the scenes, Donna has had further meetings with Primary ITO and Muka Tangata management in late May to keep the lines of communication open and the fencing industry forefront of mind.

Board sub-committees

$500

Our vision of subcommittees to enable different sector growth and help establish sector best practice standards has been slow on member uptake offering assistance. It’s disappointing, as there is a depth of knowledge amongst many of you, and the workload is more than

Future Post – Bronze Partner

FCANZ is delighted to welcome Future Post to the FCANZ partner family as a Bronze Partner.

Future Post is an innovative, awardwinning company recycling a broad range of plastic types and converting around 180,000 kgs of waste plastic into fence posts every month. Future Post recycle domestic and commercial mixed grade waste plastic including “difficult to recycle” types 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of all colours, into premium 100% recycled, UV stabilised products.

As strong as a timber post but with additional flexibility, Future Post fence posts can be post-driven, cut, drilled, nailed, screwed, bolted and stapled and they are consistent in size and grade. Future Post fence posts offer performance benefits such as no moisture, splitting, warping, cracking or rotting. They are used in conventional and specialised farming sectors such as agricultural farming, vineyards and the equine sector. Future Post fence posts are impenetrable by water, frosts, insects and fungi.

manageable – 2-3 Zoom meetings a year. Following feedback, we will also be holding member forums on topics, allowing Gold Partners to take part as part of the discussion group. Relevant points will be taken through to the subcommittees, Board and Executive Director. An easy way to have your say and find out what your peers are thinking.

National Fieldays

National Fieldays are looming again – it was only held in late November/early December!). Jaime has been tasked with putting together a membership drive that will be used as a promotion at Fieldays. We look forward to catching up with our members and partners onsite and encourage you to support the guys participating in the fencing competitions.

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Industry Awards 2023

The FCANZ Board has had industry Awards on our radar, and 2023 is the year that we will introduce the inaugural FCANZ Awards, to be presented during the Friday night WIREMARK® Gala Dinner at the FCANZ 2023 Conference.

FCANZ has been active in encouraging the uptake of industry qualifications, and recognises the challenges our members face in attracting workers (of any age) to the fencing industry. Making the industry an attractive career choice for youth is particularly important for the future of this profession.

To this end, the inaugural FCANZ industry Awards targets training and youth as an industry showcase.

FCANZ Trainee Award

This award recognises a worker who was enrolled in a NZQA National Certificate in Fencing Level 3 course during 2022 and who has demonstrated to the tutor that they have an excellent knowledge and skills with regards to fence line installation.

Criteria

• Enrolled in NZQA Level 3 course during 2022

• Employer is a FCANZ member (including during the period the trainee was enrolled in the course)

• Nominated by the course tutor

• Shows excellent knowledge of fence line practices, and it is evident that they have been trained well by their employer

Selection process

• 1 nominee per course, put forward by the course tutor

• Craig Wiggins to facilitate the selection process, with three independent selectors

• Nominees attend FCANZ Gala Dinner where the winner is announced

FCANZ Youth Emerging Talent Award

(Limit – 5 nominees)

This award is for those in the industry who have demonstrated a commitment to fencing as a career opportunity and demonstrated growth and excellence in their workplace.

Criteria

• Under 25 years of age

• Employed in the industry by a FCANZ member

• Been employed by the employer for a minimum of two years

Signed Employer Declaration confirming worker:

• has demonstrated good work habits

• is punctual and reliable

• demonstrates interest in the job and a willingness to learn

• has demonstrated good uptake and understanding of fence line systems

• has good uptake of Health and Safety and demonstrates willingness to engage Selection process

• Via independent selectors

• A physical and knowledge-based test at the FCANZ National Fencing Field Day. Nominees will have pre-driven strainers and inline posts and will need to carry out end assembly work, a swing foot, wirework and tensioning, and electrics. Nomination forms for the FCANZ Youth Emerging Talent Award can be found on the FCANZ website (www.fcanz.org.nz/ awards). The deadline for nominations is Friday 7 July.

FCANZ Legacy Award

FCANZ has given out two life member awards in its history; the first went to the legendary Bill Schuler and the second went to Frank Prince. The FCANZ Board feels it’s time to recognise again those who are to be admired for their workmanship and the special role they play in the promotion of the industry.

This Award is for those individuals of the highest calibre - the best of the best - who are recognised as having significantly contributed to the growth of the industry by their own deeds, in a giving capacity. A Legacy Award will be a special and infrequently awarded honour. Recipients will receive honorary Life Membership.

Criteria

(Based on historical FCANZ Life Membership criteria)

• Member of FCANZ

• Contributed to the industry with a “lifetime” involvement

• Calibre of person – well regarded

• Displayed a high level of workmanship and recognised as such

• In-depth knowledge of the application of industry best practice

• Nominated and awarded by the FCANZ Board

We look forward to your submissions.

Phil Cornelius President

Board nominations sought

The Executive Board of FCANZ has a critical role to play in lifting the profile of the Association and the standard of fencing and fencing contractors in New Zealand.

As a result of the Association’s ‘retirement by rotation’ policy, two of our elected Board members are scheduled to retire at the AGM but may offer themselves for re-election.

FCANZ is therefore seeking nominations to fill two Executive Board positions, and confirm the appointment of a new member who stepped in mid-term. Positions have a tenure of two years. Should more than two nominations be received, an election process will take place at the Annual General Meeting whereby each Member present will vote for up to 2 nominees. The 2 nominees with the most votes will be elected.

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

As part of the team, you’ll be happy to commit for two years to make improvements for the industry and our members. You’ll not only be aware of the ins and outs of the industry, you’ll be passionate about making it better for professional

fencers. Being reasonably tech-savvy is a plus, as much of the Board’s work is carried out online.

You’ll need to be happy to commit to contributing to regular meetings, attending events and showcasing best practice.

The application process

Nominations for the Executive Board need to be completed online (www.fcanz. org.nz/board-nomination) and submitted by Wednesday 26th July 2023.

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

The Executive Board of FCANZ has a maximum of seven elected directors and, in the event that the Association receives more nominations than there are positions available, a Board Election will be held at the AGM (3rd August) whereby the members in attendance will elect the three nominees they wish to represent them on the Board.

If you have any questions regarding the nomination process, or the role of a Board member, please get in touch with Jeanette Miller (027 432 2033) or FCANZ President Phil Cornelius (027 274 4188).

Notice of 2023 Annual General Meeting

Members are advised that the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand, will be held at the Novotel Hotel, Cnr Hobson & Leach Streets, New Plymouth on Thursday 3rd August 2023 at 8.30am as part of the Annual Conference programme.

The purpose of the AGM is for members to:

1. approve the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting;

2. receive the Annual Report;

3. receive and approve the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023;

4. receive a report from the President on the previous years’ activities and plans for the coming year;

5. appoint the Board members for the ensuing term;

6. consider any other business on the agenda.

Members and interested parties who wish to attend are asked to register online at www.fcanz.org.nz/conference-agm or by emailing admin@fcanz.org.nz

The Agenda for the AGM and supporting documentation will be made available via the FCANZ website – www.fcanz.org.nz – in due course.

Partnership aims for better rural mental health

Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ), the industry body for fencing contractors, has partnered with rural mental health and wellbeing advocate Craig "Wiggy" Wiggins. Wiggy has stepped up as a Patron for the Association in a move that is expected to bring greater support to those living and working in rural communities.

Phil Cornelius, FCANZ President, says that the partnership with Wiggy is important for the industry and the rural sector. “As an Association we represent the fencing industry as a whole, but our roots are very rural, and the majority of our members are still strongly connected with the rural sector. Rural mental health has always been a challenge, but even more so now in light of the unprecedented destruction caused by the extreme weather events of the first two months of 2023.”

Whatever With Wiggy founder Craig Wiggins is well known for his rural mental health initiatives including “Lean on a

gate, talk to a mate” and his Whatever With Wiggy Facebook group. Established in response to the 2020 COVID lockdown, the Whatever With Wiggy Charitable Trust seeks to maintain and build connections within the rural community.

Initially Whatever With Wiggy consisted of a Zoom meeting every Thursday night, with up to 80 plus attendees, discussing everything from Covid to politics, to mental health and all issues affecting rural communities. Now, as part of the ongoing advocacy work for mental health and wellness in rural communities Wiggy’s work also includes nationwide Rural Health and Wellbeing checks with the Carr Family Foundation, checking farmers' overall health and wellbeing at rural events, and Agriconnect, providing mental health seminars for the rural service industry and rural professionals.

“Being invited to be a Patron for FCANZ is an exciting time. It allows us another way to connect with another important part of the rural community – and means that we can continue supporting those who need it. We’re already hearing about the stresses that rural fencing contractors are under trying to support their existing clients, while servicing all of the insurance

assessments coming through – not to mention dealing with the impact that the cyclone has had on their own personal and business lives. There are challenging times ahead.”

FCANZ has always had a connection with Wiggy, so this partnership is not unexpected. In 2022 Association members raised $15,000 for the Whatever With Wiggy charitable trust in an impromptu charity auction at their annual conference. “This level of un-prompted support shows just how important our members and industry partners feel Wiggy’s work is. We’re excited to have him on board as our Patron and we look forward to working with him further”

FCANZ will be holding a charity auction at their conference this year in New Plymouth and hope to meet or beat the $15,000 raised last year.

Anyone who is interested can reach out for support though the Whatever With Wiggy Facebook page at www.facebook. com/whateverwithwiggy

To learn more about FCANZ or find a fencing contractor in your area visit www.fcanz.org.nz

Craig Wiggins (far right) with the Rural Health & Wellness caravan

Career pathway finalised for rural fencers

FCANZ are delighted to have officially launched the finalised career pathway and qualification structure for the rural sector of the fencing industry.

Made up of the NZQA Certificate in Fencing (Levels 3 & 4), and the Certified Fencer and Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsements, the qualifications provide expectations of quality standards for the industry and, therefore, surety for those who engage FCANZ endorsed contractors.

FCANZ President Phil Cornelius says, “As a fencing industry body, the FCANZ mission is to increase the profile of fencing as a recognised profession and encourage a high level of workmanship through knowledge and standards. This career pathway and especially the Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsement go a long way to achieving this.”

“Fencing contractors come from all walks of life, with many joining the industry from primary industries, other trades, or by choosing to specialise in the fencing part of their current business. These

qualifications and endorsements provide a clear route to being an industry leader.”

The pathway begins with the NZQArecognised NZ Certificate in Fencing, delivered by NorthTec Te Pūkenga at both Level 3 and Level 4. Created in association with FCANZ, these courses are designed with the hands-on workers of the industry in mind, with qualifications gained through a combination of in-work, site visits, online, and block course learning.

Individuals who have achieved NZ Certificate in Fencing Level 4 can apply for the FCANZ Certified Fencer endorsement. This annually renewed endorsement is for those who can prove they have the ability to operate as a foreman, supervising staff and overseeing the quality of rural fencing jobs.

The Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsement is available to more established businesses and is subject to stringent requirements and a renewal audit. Businesses that have achieved Accredited Fencing Contractor status have proven to the assessment panel that they model industry and business best practice in all facets of their company,

including quality of workmanship, health and safety behaviours, and management of employees and sub-contractors. The business principal must hold a New Zealand Certificate in Fencing (Level 4) and cannot transfer the business accreditation should they sell their fencing business.

Clients who engage Accredited Fencing Contractors are using a business that undertakes ongoing professional development, agrees to abide by the FCANZ Code of Conduct and has provided references for previous work that has been verified by the panel.

Phil goes on to say that “Property owners can have some peace of mind about work quality by hiring Certified Fencers and Accredited Fencing Contractors to do work on their property – and it’s a brilliant selling point for those businesses who have done the work to achieve endorsement.”

Information about the NZQA Level 3 and 4 Certificate in Fencing and the application forms for Certified Fencer and Accredited Fencing Contractor can be found on the FCANZ website – www.fcanz.org.nz

Approved Career Pathway and Qualification Structure

The below fencing career pathway and qualification structure has been approved by the Board of Fencing Contractors Association NZ, following consultation with members.

Master Fencer

Details

• Proposed endorsement for future use

• Originally used by Fletcher Steel NZ Ltd, FCANZ has permission to use the term

Master Fencer Accredited Fencing actor Contr Certified Fencer

NZQACertificate inFencingLevel3&4

Accredited Fencing Contractor

Details

• Business entity endorsement

• Subject to five-year renewal audit

• Not transferable on sale of the business, unless specific criteria are met

• Application process – refer to criteria list below

Requirements

• FCANZ current member for a minimum of 2 years

• One of the ‘Principals’ of the business must have NZQA National Certificate in Fencing Level 4

• Three client testimonials (including contact details)

• Signed declaration and agreement to comply with the Accredited Fencing Contractor programme, FCANZ Rules and Standards

• Professional Development: Attendance at two FCANZ Best Practice Days and one FCANZ Conference over five year period (evidence required for renewal)

• Must provide evidence of:

- A minimum of three years in business

- A current First Aid Certificate

- A working health and safety manual audited by an external auditor, OR, a Health and Safety external prequalification

- Employment contracts

- Sub-contractor contracts (if used)

- Public Liability Insurance (minimum $2 Million)

Certified Fencer

Details

• Individual endorsement

• Foreman level or business owner

• Annually renewed

Requirements

• Individual or employer is a current FCANZ member

• NZQA National Certificate in Fencing Level 4

• Employer verification confirming that the fencer is a foreman or capable of running a job

National Fencing Field Day

Best Practice Fencing Techniques | Practical Demonstrations | Competitions

Tools, Machinery & Vehicles | Activities for all

Wednesday 2 August 2023

10.00am - 3.00pm

Stratford

A & P Showgrounds

FCANZ Conference delegates – Free

FCANZ members $15

Public: $20 | Students (5-18yrs) $5

Under 5s – Free

• Fencing technique demonstrations and discussions

• Fencing and machinery exhibitions – come along and talk to their reps

• New product releases

• Interactive competitions

Stratford

• Be in to WIN the Best Ute Toolbox competition! Two categories: FCANZ Members and FCANZ Conference attendees

• FCANZ Emerging Talent Award competition

Marketing and Events update

Win with FCANZ!

In May we launched our first monthly member draw to recognize our existing members, and thanks to our Partners, the monthly draw for $500 worth of prizes more than covers your annual membership fee.

Open to all current full FCANZ members, the draw is made in the middle of the month using a database export and random selector website (www.wheelofnames.com). Winners are announced on FCANZ social channels and will also receive an email.

What do you need to do to be in the draw? Nothing, other than being a paidup full FCANZ member!

The finer points:

• Prizes are not redeemable for cash

• Open to paid-up full FCANZ members (not employee or student members)

• The draw is being managed by the FCANZ operations team and is, therefore, open to Board members as well.

Good luck!

Events Update

Organising Conference 2023 has been a priority task for the Ops team during the first six months of the year. The schedule looks fantastic, and we look forward to seeing our FCANZ members and Partners in New Plymouth at what has become an annual trip for many people. Fingers crossed for weather that was as great as it was in Dunedin last year!

A big thank you to Sue and Jeff Rawson, Mike Udy and Ian Murphy for the local knowledge they have provided during the planning stages.

Our Business Staples webinar schedule has been delayed slightly this year due to speaker availability. We’re in the process of getting back on track so keep an eye on your emails, and the FCANZ website and Facebook page for confirmed dates.

Women in the Industry feature proves popular

The Women in the Industry feature articles from the March WIRED have been incredibly popular on our social media channels. These posts are some of the best performers of the last 24 months. It seems that people love to hear about our people!

If you are interested in having your story told, please get in touch. It is also another excellent opportunity for your business to be promoted. All we ask is a bit of time to be interviewed and some photos.

Please contact wired@fcanz.org.nz if you’ve worked on an interesting project lately.

Events Calendar 2023

14-17 Jun National Fieldays

2 Aug National Fencing Field Day, New Plymouth

3-5 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

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Future Post’s future: South Island factory opening in July

With New Zealand’s waste plastic volumes far exceeding the available recycling options and strong demand for a more environmentally friendly post product that offers unique benefits to different sectors, the decision to expand Future Post’s operations to a second factory was an obvious one.

Future Post is delighted to announce that it plans to open its first South Island factory in Blenheim in July 2023. This will mark an exciting development for New Zealand recycling and the fencing industry. From small beginnings over five years ago, Jerome Wenzlick - founder, fencer and farmer - always had a long-term vision of helping New Zealand’s national waste problem when he recognised the issue of buried plastics first-hand while fencing around an old landfill site.

Future Post is now an innovative, awardwinning company recycling a broad range of plastic types and converting around 180,000 kgs of waste plastic into fence posts every month. That is the equivalent of over 2.2 million milk bottles and 10.2 million plastic bread bags! These volumes will double once the second factory is running at full capacity and, with the matching increase in post output, will result in a very welcome shortening of

delivery lead-times which, over the last few years, has at times been pushed out as far as six months due to the overwhelming demand.

Why Blenheim, you ask? Hundreds of thousands of broken, chemically treated vineyard posts and a strong interest in a better alternative are the main reasons behind the decision to set up in this picturesque South Island township. With an average of 2-5% broken every year through mechanical harvesting, tractor knocks and strong winds, interest from grape growers has fuelled the demand for a more durable, CCA-free product that can overcome these common challenges while freeing up time, labour and the large monetary cost involved with putting in replacement timber posts.

Both domestically and internationally, end-consumers are demanding more sustainable products to satisfy their environmental concerns. More and more vineyards (and other primary

sector producers) are recognising the necessity of responding to these consumer concerns and are focusing on the sustainability of their inputs and business practices. The ability of Future Post to recycle winery, agriculture and horticulture waste plastics such as dripper pipe, vine sleeves, drums and packaging into long-lasting posts is a very popular option to support these organisations’ environmental goals. To put things in perspective, a single 116mm diameter, 2.4m long vineyard

“ Future Post is now an innovative, award-winning company recycling a broad range of plastic types and converting around 180,000 kgs of waste plastic into fence posts every month

Future Post contains the equivalent of around 280 milk bottles and 1,300 bread bags – all diverted from landfills, chipped, mixed, UV stabilised and repurposed into a solid, durable post. To complete the circularity journey, if Future Posts are ever not needed, they can be returned to the company and re-processed into another post!

Future Post’s Blenheim factory will cater to the recycling needs of the wider South Island while enabling Southerners closer access to the finished post products. In addition to vineyard posts, this site will produce 125mm/1.8m “Number 1” round posts for everyday fencing, plus its very popular 135mm recycled squares in 1.8m and 2.4m lengths which are great for feature fencing, garden boxes and landscaping projects where the no rot, no leach benefits really come to the fore.

Demand from other markets such as general farming, equine properties and Council projects has also continued to increase. Because the plastic doesn’t conduct electricity, farmers like the savings from not having to use insulators – hot wires can be secured to the post by staples – while horse lovers have always been attracted to the classic “Equestrian Black” look of Future Posts. The fact that the posts include carbon black for UV stability means they cater to this need nicely without any expensive, ongoing painting or staining. Another major benefit for that market is that horses do

not chew the posts, which adds to the posts’ long-lasting looks.

Waikato fencer Bryan Henry from Maara Grange Fencing is a real fan of Future Posts for this sector.

“I’ve been installing Future Posts for over 2 years now and have many clients around the Waikato very happy with the results” says Bryan. “The posts are particularly ideal for equine properties for the no chew feature, which keeps things looking very smart and tidy from both a property owner’s and a fencer’s perspective! I’ve had no trouble with installation and find the posts great to use. Also love the great service and chats with the Future Post team.”

Future Post’s regional demo days and trade show sites always gain a lot of interest from fencers, farmers, commercial businesses and lifestylers. The company has recently joined as a partner of FCANZ and is planning to increase the number of opportunities for fencers to learn more about the advantages of the posts by attending FCANZ Best Practise Days, as well as getting hands-on advice for best installation techniques during our own regional demo days.

One of the most frequently asked questions about the posts is: can the posts be hand stapled? The answer is “absolutely”, but some changes to usual fencing techniques or tools will make the process easier!

“As a fencer myself, I’ve found there are a few small changes that make a big difference to hand stapling and installing the posts” says Jerome. “It’s a total fallacy for people to say they are impossible to staple. Even Hayley, Diana and Angela, our sales and office team, who are not fencers, can do it!”.

“Definitely a 40mm x 4mm slice cut staple with sharp tips helps a lot, and one with a nice parallel shape to go into this high-density product, for example NZ Wire staples. Tap to get the staple started, then hit it in like

normal. Creating a slight concave on your hammer head can be useful too, but it’s really that simple and people just have to remember these posts are not timber and adjust accordingly” says Jerome. “I’ve never been to a farm install or trade site event where anyone had any trouble stapling when using these tips”.

Future Post values the opportunity to educate people on all aspects of this innovative new product. An open day is being planned for the new South Island factory in July and, prior to that, Future Post will be exhibiting at Fieldays Mystery Creek in June at a new corner site (G6).

If you would like to learn more about the products or to register your interest in forthcoming demonstration days, call or email the Future Post team at (09) 2380199 or info@futurepost.co.nz

Article supplied by:

“ Because the plastic doesn’t conduct electricity, farmers like the savings from not having to use insulators – hot wires can be secured to the post by staples – while horse lovers have always been attracted to the classic Equestrian Black look

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

BECAUSE YOU DESERVE THE BEST.

AVAILABLE THROUGH YOUR LOCAL MERCHANT

Ribbed Post & Batten Staples.

Look out for Strainrite’s new fencing specialist

Scott Colquhoun is Strainrite’s newly appointed Territory Manager for the Central and Upper North Island, based in Patumahoe, a small rural village near Pukekohe.

Scott has 20 years of experience in and around the rural fencing market, having worked for a number of key manufacturing wholesalers and Rural Merchant Stores during this period. Scott will find himself at home working alongside a cornerstone brand such as Strainrite.

“Like many of us, I have attended many Regional and National Field Days and have always watched the fencing competitions with interest while meeting a few of the competitors and then at other times joining them in their day-to-day life in the field. I have certainly met some of the fencing industry’s true characters over many years.”

Scott is a motorcycle nut and loves fishing, caravanning, camping and his two mini-Schnauzers. Scott is a very customer-centric operator and knows the value of ensuring customers’ needs are met at all times.

“There have been many occasions where I have enjoyed working in the field with fencing contractors and farmers. I watch in awe at the ‘artistry’ of the fence being constructed. With my career choice, every day feels like a school day. I am looking forward to learning more and more about the fencing industry and meeting new contractors, merchants and farm owners along the way.”

“The one tool that I have used many times myself, and I think is a requirement for all farm owners and contractors, is the Easy Wire Puller. It is such a quick and efficient tool to get good strain on wire and netting around a post before you staple it off. This tool is the cheapest extra pair of hands you will ever have.”

With a smooth, gripped wire clamp, Strainrite’s Easy Wire Puller can easily staple wire while preventing wire damage. Strainrite’s Easy Wire Puller quickly

tensions either fencing or netting wire around strainer posts, helping to improve your fencing productivity.

You will see Scott out and about at your local fencing supply store and at FCANZ events.

Article supplied by:

RETAIL GOLD PARTNER NATIONAL RETAIL PARTNER

A new dimension in battery chainsaws

As a professional fencer, you know that having the right equipment can make all the difference in the quality and efficiency of your work. And when it comes to chainsaws, the new STIHL MSA 300 is a game-changer.

With its impressive power and speed, the MSA 300 is currently the most powerful battery chainsaw in the STIHL range. Its maximum chain speed of 30 m/s makes it perfect for tasks such as fast and efficient cutting of timber in a wide range of applications from felling to fencing, this power is available at a push of a button for jobs that are start/stop. And thanks to its low noise emissions, it’s also a great choice for use in noise-sensitive areas.

But power isn’t everything, and the MSA 300 delivers on ergonomics, durability, and safety as well. Its electronic operating and notification cockpit with LED display makes it easy and intuitive to use, while the anti-vibration system reduces the transmission of vibrations and reduces fatigue. The slim design, excellent balance,

and low weight also make it comfortable to use for extended periods.

The MSA 300 should be used with the new STIHL AP 500 S battery, a battery which has twice the number of charging cycles and a significant increase in service life compared to conventional Li-ion batteries. This new battery tech is compatible with STIHL Smart Connector 2A, which can help you manage the maintenance and stats of the chainsaw.

unaffected by rain and wet conditions, and its integrated cooling air filter protects the motor and electronics for a long service life. And with features such as lateral chain tensioning and captive bar nuts, chain changes are quick and easy.

Overall, the STIHL MSA 300 chainsaw is an excellent choice for professional fencers who demand power, efficiency, and reliability from their equipment. So if you want to take your fencing work to the next level, consider adding the MSA 300 to your toolbox today.

Article supplied by:

It was shared around various fencing pages and we received a message from Alex from AM Ag Fence in Pennsylvania. “Good afternoon, I’m interested in a Post Driver over here in the US. Do you have any dealers over here?”

Fast forward a few months and many ‘fencing chat’ phone calls later, Alex landed in Auckland on a cloudy Autumn’s day. His main objectives were to put his hands on a FENCEQUIP Post Driver and to see what New Zealand fencing was all about. We quickly realised we knew the same people in the Fencing world (thanks to social media) and the common ground we had due to fencing and also farming. I gave him a basic idea of what the plan was for the next week: meeting a few fencers that run our machines, a tour of the FENCEQUIP factory, driving in a few fence lines with the

Visits from afar

It all started when Kiwi fencer Braden Anderson moved from Southland, New Zealand to Wyoming, USA and shipped his FENCEQUIP Post Driver over to join him. Once his new fencing company, Black Fern Fencing LLC, was up and running Braden posted a video on his business’s Facebook page of his Post Driver working.

HD Telescopic and showcasing a bit of the New Zealand outdoors.

Once on the road our first stop was to see father and son team, Peter and William Gasson, from Gasson Fencing, who were building a tricky post and rail fence around a driveway in Pokeno. They were coming to the end of a lifestyle block job where they also had built a retaining wall and some post and batten. Next, we were off to the Future Post factory in Waiuku to see how recycled plastic posts are made.

On Alex’s first full day on New Zealand soil, we spent the morning at the factory showing him where the magic happens. Since the wind was due to pick up in the coming days, we decided to cut the factory tour short and spent the afternoon fishing on the Hauraki Gulf. We accidentally stitched Alex up by leaving the plastic

“ Good afternoon, I’m interested in a Post Driver over here in the US. Do you have any dealers over here?

protector on the fishing lure hook. He was wondering why we were all catching fish and he was only getting a few bites but not landing them… whoops! All and all, it was a great afternoon.

The next few days consisted of demonstrating the HD Telescopic with a 700mm Multi-Option Side Mount on our neighbour’s Skid Steer (Alex currently runs a Protech P240 on a Bobcat 770 Skid Steer). A friend of ours had about 180m of post and batten to replace, so

one afternoon was spent tearing out a fence line ready to thump. The next day was a perfect opportunity for Alex to get his hands on the machine as well as learn to build a classic Kiwi fence. He has never come across this style of fencing in Pennsylvania before. Although Alex builds

a lot of fences at home with the same knots and end assemblies that we use, it was great to show him some tricks us Kiwi fencers take for granted, as they are commonly taught here, unlike in the US.

On his last full day in New Zealand, we were off to Tomarata near Mangawhai to see Gareth, Karl and Caleb from GT Fencing. They were working on flood damage repairs after the recent cyclones. The sections they were working on were completely washed away by the floods. We then drove over the hill to Gareth’s parent’s farm to show Alex a classic Kiwi rotational grazing setup. We ended the day with a few drinks at the new Te Arai Links Golf Course (and yes, we were well and truly underdressed).

The week went at lightning speed and the next thing Alex was off home with a promise to return to see what the South Island has to offer. Even though it was a quick trip, it was a great way to start a working relationship, as Alex is going to be our dealer for the Eastern side of the USA. We will be sending machines to suit the Skid Steer market.

Hopefully there will be a future article about me travelling over to the US. Watch this space.

Article by Troy Knudsen:

“ Although Alex builds a lot of fences at home with the same knots and end assemblies that we use, it was great to show him some tricks us kiwi fencers take for granted, as they are commonly taught here, unlike in the US

The ultimate front-end loader combo

The team at Kyne Equipment are always innovating ways to make your job on the fence line easier, safer, more efficient, and profitable every day.

We understand the balancing act to get all your tools, gear and equipment out to the fence line easily. How awesome would it be to have a spinning wire jenny with a place to carry spare coils of wire, fence posts and a tool tray all-in-one on your front-end loader?

Look no further, we’ve designed an attachment that does just that. An allin-one versatile storage spinning jenny combination.

Introducing the all-new Kyne front-end loader mounted spinning wire jenny with wire coil holders, a post rack and a good size toolbox unit: the Kyne WPT Jenny = Wire, Posts, Tools. The ultimate front-end loader combo on the fence line.

The WPT has an 8 or 10 Wire Jenny that is mounted to keep the weight nice and low

Key

• 8 or 10 Wire Spinning Jenny dispenser

• Adjustable comb to keep the wire away from the tractor

• Easy swing out arms for reloading the Jenny rotors

• Spare wire coil holders

• Good size post rack

• Large tool tray

to the ground, also save your back and make it easier to reload with coils of wire.

The WPT Jenny has an adjustable comb to keep the wires away from getting tangled up with the tractor, this can be used on either the right-hand or left-hand side.

It also has the versatility of being able to carry extra posts with you and a tool tray for all your tools, lunch and other items needed on the line.

The Bayonet display trailer ready to hit the road and travel the country

NEW FLEX RAIL ELECTR C

Waratah Flex RailTM Electric offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional timber fencing. Made using UV stabilised polymer, bonded with a highly conductive carbon compound, delivering superior electrical conductivity along the length of the fence line. With heavy duty insulated components to match, you can be sure Waratah’s equine systems are made for Australian conditions.

WIREMARK® and the Golden

New Zealand made wire has been involved with the Farm Fencing Competitions ever since the first New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays were birthed in June 1969, at Te Rapa Racecourse.

Since that glorious mid winter’s week and of humble beginnings, both Fieldays and the Fencing Competitions alike have had name changes, and been propelled onto the world stage, with the Golden Pliers® being very much recognised internationally.

From 1969 through to 1976, the Competition was sponsored by GKN New Zealand Ltd, which stands for Guest, Keen and Nettlefold. The company was

with every fencer wanting to be in the elite club of showcasing that prestigious Golden Pliers® on their respective mantlepieces or wall. Today that elite club is home to only 15 of us. I struggle to think which other sport has only that number of champions over 53 years. It certainly goes to show the toughness of this elite sport. The renaming in 1982 certainly launched this competition into a new era and entries at record levels, with 1984 capped

This British based company operated a wire drawing plant from 1961 until 1976 which Fletcher Holdings and Pacific Steel each held a 12.50% equity in. The wire

Pliers®: Through the decades

out at 50 entries. Much was the desire for competitors to not so much as to attain that elusive Golden Pliers, but to be one of the eight finalists and then proudly say as part of their advertising and promotional campaigns, “Golden Pliers Finalist”, which I know some that do just that. Qualifying is certainly not easy. I personally know more than one ex-competitor that religiously tried year on year and finally retired after nearly 20 attempts.

As there are few champions over the 53 years, so are there finalists, with well short of 100.

The Golden Pliers certainly became a fencing benchmark and has become the symbol of excellence, as it has gained a fair amount of traction in the industry.

In 1990, NZ Wire Industries Ltd, changed to Wiremakers which sponsored the Golden Pliers until 1992. After that someone had the bright idea that these guys could get a touch thirsty, so DB Draught and Waikato Draught – in conjunction with Cyclone® – sponsored the competition through to 2007.

From 2008 and on to the present day, WIREMARK® have been the main sponsor and the longest standing I might add. Good on you WIREMARK®, we all certainly are extremely grateful.

Of course, fencing competitions are not every one’s passion and I know there are very good Fencers out there doing an excellent job and leaving a trail of very high-quality work. These guys need to be recognised for what they do, so with the advent of Government funded training institutes, we now have New Zealand Certificate in Fencing, Level 3 and Level 4. I am heavily involved with this programme as a Tutor and Assessor and have come across some very capable contractors, doing amazing work. Although this programme is certainly gaining traction, I still notice that the Golden Pliers® is the pinnacle of attainment in the fencing

arena, with many past champions being involved in some very high-profile fencing positions.

I am heavily involved with demonstrating and judging fencing competitions in New Zealand and have also been on the Judging Team for the World Championships in Germany, and the UK competitions in England.

As I wrap up this article, a testament to the impact the Golden Pliers® competition has had on the industry: not long after I started competing and my standards had inevitably changed immensely, a fellow contractor and others saw my work and proceeded to apply what they saw in their day-to-day work. This guy eventually became a Golden Pliers Finalist. You could say it is contagious!

Article written by Nick Liefting

“ The Golden Pliers certainly became a fencing benchmark and has become the symbol of excellence, as it has gained a fair amount of traction in the industry

“ The renaming to the ‘Golden Pliers Fencing Championships’ in 1982 certainly launched this competition into a new era and entries at record levels, with 1984 capped out at 50 entries

NATIONAL RETAIL PARTNER

No week the same for Gisborne-based horticultural fencer

There’s no typical week for Roger, who has been running the business for 25 years, and his team of four. On Sunday, he’ll have work lined up for the week, but will usually get a few calls from clients needing something sorted at short notice.

“So often there’s a juggle before Monday morning even starts.”

For example, recently it was all hands on deck when a long-term client at Te Karaka was hit hard by Cyclone Gabrielle and lost almost everything; the house, the vehicles, the tractors and forklifts.

“Two days after the cyclone hit, we were on his block, knee-deep in silt, standing up grape posts and plants and fixing fence lines.

“We also sowed grass and oats in the silt to assist with the pending grape and kiwifruit harvest. He managed to harvest both his grape and kiwifruit crops after the cyclone, and I am proud our team

played an integral part in making this happen for him.”

He’ll also spend time Monday morning sorting out where staff will be heading for the week.

He admits staff management had been a massive learning curve and the source of the most stress related to running his own business.

He started out with two staff, and as the business grew the staff numbers increased up to 14, but more recently he has happily reduced to a team of four.

“Some staff are a dream to have on board and others seem to go from one drama to another.

“Last minute absences are the hardest thing to manage and can often require a complete reshuffle of the day’s or week’s plans.”

Throughout the week he is thinking ahead as to what materials are needed, and where. This has become harder as materials have been scarcer.

“In the last couple of years, I have found sourcing materials has changed and forward planning has become critical.

“Our local suppliers no longer carry many items on the shelf, so being organised and ordering in advance is vital. I find having good relationships with suppliers important. Loyalty has served me well.”

The secret was being adaptable and flexible, he said.

“The horticultural industry is fluid, and as a contractor I need to be too, in order to service the demands as they change.”

to handle site inductions, toolbox talks, inspections and reporting via an app.

“The team meet up at the workshop each morning for a toolbox meeting. We go over the jobs for that day, covering the tasks, risks and hazards.

“We check over the tools, recording any repairs and maintenance required and then pack up the utes.”

Conveniently, most of their corporate clients use OnSide, which is app based.

“We are required to sign in when we enter their site, read through their risks and hazards on the worksite, it also enables us to see who else is working on the site and then sign out at the end of the day.”

On Sunday night there’s often invoicing to be done.

“We have good systems in place, but there are still some late Sunday nights spent working on quotes and invoices.”

“A couple of years ago, we moved to seven-day payment terms for our invoicing which has improved cash flow. Being a small business, we understand the importance of cash flow and make a point of paying our bills quickly too.”

When it comes to administration, Roger suggests outsourcing.

“My wife Suzanne has a background in horticultural administration and finance and manages that part of the business. If you are like me and do not enjoy admin, then employ someone who does early on. You can work as hard as you like on the fence line, but if you do not have the books in order, you are not going to progress very far.”

Outside of the week’s working hours, Roger says he is getting better at relaxing and enjoying time with family.

“As I was building my business, life after work for me used to be more work!

Breaking this habit has been hard for me, as I still love what I do.

“However, as I move closer to 60 and am now a proud grandparent of one (soon to be two). I make time for the fun things in life like family, relaxation and travel.”

Article written by Rosa Watson

Daily health and safety checks are carried out through a local company called ThinkSafe, who guide Roger and team through operating sound Health and Safety systems. This allows them

Being fluid and ready to change tack in any given work day is a key part of success for Gisborne-based horticultural fencing contractor Roger Hyde.

“ We have good systems in place, but there are still some late Sunday nights spent working on quotes and invoices

Pulling broken grape post out of ground

Good days, bad day

A phone call to Tony Brady caught him off guard but willing and able to contribute. Some quick-fire questions followed, not allowing Tony much time to compose his thoughts (but the sustenance at lunchtime helped).

Tell me about a good day… left Tony thinking “what a stupid question,” followed by a reply “most days are a good day, that’s why we do it. There’s nothing like perfect weather, perfect posting conditions, the metres churning out”. Tony’s been fencing for 37 years, so that speaks well for fencing as a career choice. Having started out by lending a hand to another fencer in Pleasant Point after flood damage, Tony started

his own fencing business in 1993 and has never looked back. Tony fences with Massey Ferguson tractors and Kinghitter post drivers, having recently purchased a Kinghitter Terminator Series II. Tony currently has himself and two other workers.

The question ‘what about a bad day?’ had a more instant response: “Well, there was the time…”

Having brought a second-hand Same Explorer from a North Island dealer about five years ago, Tony found himself involved in a long litigation saga that he’d really like to forget. Thinking he’d asked all the right questions when going through the purchase process and having received quite a few phone calls of reassurance from the dealer, when the

tractor arrived, it had a lot more rust than the dealer had indicated, leaving Tony aggrieved and disappointed in the sale.

“It got to the point - months later - after not getting anywhere with recourse with the dealer, I thought ‘stuff it, I just wanted to get on with life’, so I got the Same set up for fencing and one of the first jobs was fencing around a duck pond.”

Partway through the job, the landowner decided he wanted some posts driven for his maimai. ‘Not a problem’ thought Tony. Cutting through the inside of the electrified portion of the fence, he headed for the proposed location. He casually drove across a grassy bit of the pond, unbeknown to him that a clay portion was going to pull the tractor off to the right and into deeper water. The little maimai

not-a-problem job, suddenly turned into a Big Problem Job, as water started filling the cab floor on one side. With no cell reception, Tony had to climb a hill, with luck being that he knew a neighbour had a 22-ton digger. Some considerable time later, the excavation began by stropping up the tractor to half lift, to partially slide it back onto firm ground.

Tony’s crew still say five years later that they’d never seen him so stressed, so that’s a good indicator that the good days outweigh the bad days. Keep that in mind the next time the job doesn’t quite go to plan, it rains, or you have a breakdown.

Don’t we all know it?

Article written by Debbie White

Educating the next generation of fencers

As the alarm goes off at 3:30am, “Why?” is the only word that comes to mind.

“Come to school on the bus,” I said, “no rush, we’ll cut a track once you all arrive,” I said. Then we entered the South Island Agricultural Field Days Doubles Fencing competition in Kirwee and our timeline changed somewhat. Fortunately, Outdoor Education needed to pop a tramp on the school calendar, which reduced our 16 favourite friends to 6, but with the first pickup in Pleasant Point, she was a bit of an early start.

Optimistically the gear list for the day included blanky and pillow, but the teenagers were unexpectedly alive so early in the morning and therefore it was tunes of a similarly unexpected genre through to Rakaia. “Singing” Katy Perry,

Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus at the top of their delicate wee voices had the superior driver begging for another strike day. It was with desperation that a light bulb moment ensued - feed them! Can’t sing if they’re eating. So it was pies all round at the Rakaia Bakehouse, followed by a brief period of blissful silence as we boosted through to Kirwee.

A grand arrival

It had been raining and the Bear Grylls of the Primary Industries Academy (PIA) had organised gumboots and a tow rope. Smiling nicely and batting our eyelashes at the gate to the Field Days got us into the restricted parking area. A sea of mud left, right and sideways off all tracks had our superior driver questioning the pushing power of the teenagers.

The desire to make a good impression overcame the perks of a good park, and we unloaded fence side and headed off to park in a paddock far far away…. and more appropriate for 2-wheel drive vehicles. Inconspicuously parking amongst EVs and nana cars, our team leader parked and made a hasty exit through to the 4WD area to enter the grounds alongside other mud-gripping vehicle owners. Now is a good time to remind the GD Community Bus Trust of my request for a 4WD van please... am batting eyelashes!

Quinn Foley-Smith and Aidan Christie are entering the Doubles Fencing Competition. This is a big deal. To explain: It is the only qualifying round in the South Island for the National Finals. Contestants generally are hard-out, experienced fencing contractors. So a couple of teenagers from Geraldine High School looked right at home.

The set up

Our fencers met us there (apparently it’s not the done thing to arrive in a minivan and towing a trailer?) Quinn had packed two of every power tool known to man, an impressive line-up for some school kids. Did I mention it was cold? Very! Luckily PIA is kitted out head to toe by Highstreet, topped off with Woolworks beanies. We were on site just after 7am to get our bearings, set up and start making friends. We had been doing a bit of practice at school and are very grateful for the help received from Struan Moore from Strainrite, the team at Stockade plus Toby How Fencing & Ben Haugh Fencing.

Holding their own in the competition

The lads had to build two fences, one with a pivot crossing and the second a 5-wire electric, angle and box stays; build and hang a gate; build a boarded section; dig in 3 posts and ram Y posts. We had a plan and agreed that it was more important to finish the build and get good feedback rather than worrying too much about time. We certainly lost points on time, but the feedback and experience was invaluable.

The great thing about the fencing contractors’ community is that they are all so helpful and generous in sharing their time and expertise, which we certainly made the most of. While we didn’t (and didn’t expect to) place, we certainly didn’t disgrace ourselves in the big boys’ world, managing to hold our own in a few sections including: Box assembly, angle stay, gate build and rails. The compère was quite impressed that the lads had gone to such extremes in order to get a day off school and that their reason for entering was that ‘Mum\Sarah made me’. Good job!

Exploring the Field Days

Meanwhile…. The intrepid PIA “A” team were let loose around the Field Days, gleefully returning to describe the other school students onsite in formal uniform and school shoes in the ankle-deep mud. Maps were distributed with a carefully highlighted plan of attack - sites to visit and homework to get completedincluding photos and thankyous to all of our sponsors, and research into how to spend the PIA budget. Fortunately, the Buy button couldn’t leave the fencing.

Tanker Challenge

Completion of the fencing saw a two-hour power shop ahead of us, beginning at Fonterra (PIA sponsors). Joy! There was a tanker driving simulator: MFS (Mrs FoleySmith) leaps into the driver’s seat, ready to have confirmed her driving expertise is of epic proportions, only to be informed that you have to be over 16. Damn, ID’s at home. So the hot seat is given up to Lydia, Charlotte and finally Ella. The first two were able to clearly demonstrate the superiority of female drivers worldwide, with Ella experiencing a brief “male” moment in stalling, familiarising herself with verge-side driving and climaxing in a roll. A small bribe saw Ella’s score deleted from all records and a more acceptable ranking reinstated. We have Goody’s Driving School on speed dial and several

“ The great thing about the fencing contractors’ community is that they are all so helpful and generous in sharing their time and expertise which we certainly made the most of

sessions are now booked. After relaxing in the members-only area, it was off to introduce ourselves to Animal Tanning Services, whom we are visiting next term in Invercargill. Amongst the wide variety of plush skins and rugs we found a cat. OMG, thoughts abound as to the uses of Fluffy beyond the grave.

Next steps

Back to fencing for the prizegiving and pack up. Our next step is the Cadet Fencing competition in June at the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek, so getting judged and receiving great feedback from official judges and sorting a plan of attack for the next level was awesome. A massive thank you to the FCANZ team, Nick Terry, Leanne & Nick Stanger, Collin and Noksee for running such a great day, looking after and including us - and sharing your talent and expertise. And a huge thank you to our sponsors: Stihl, Strainrite & Stockade. Man, we learnt heaps.

16 hours after pickup, the class were tucked up at home. Teenagers are amazing, never ceasing to amaze me with their knowledge and attitude.

About the Primary Industries Academy

A bit about Geraldine High’s PIA team: we are a practical class running from year 11-13. A typical week sees us outside fencing, on farm for work experience, and usually there is either a trip or a course on during the week and over the weekend. We do a large amount of volunteer work at A&P shows, local schools and in the community, including sending students to the Hawke’s Bay for cyclone recovery fencing, with some students clocking up more than 250 Student Volunteer Army hours in two years. We enter Young Farmer and fencing competitions. All students fundraise for the extras, which include clothing, resources and equipment, disaster recovery and overnight trips away. We are fortunate enough to have an amazing community and group of parents behind us, without whom our course would not be one of the top schools in New Zealand for practical primary sector education. In a nut shell, we are really, really good at getting stuff done.

My Why

Like most part-time teachers, my working hours are largely voluntary. So what’s the driver? The wonder that is teenagers: their passion, humour and skills. That every day is different and exciting. The desire to squeeze as many opportunities as possible into each week. Watching that light bulb moment when a student discovers that thing they are good at, when they are acknowledged for their success for the first time in their school life. Being able to offer a meaningful subject for all the practically minded students and show that a career path in the Primary Sector is something to be proud of. Running into ex-students and hearing them proudly tell me about life after school.

In 11 years in the PIA driving seat, the most valuable thing I have learnt is Attitude. With the right attitude, the world is at your feet regardless of background, qualifications or experience.

Article written by Sarah Foley-Smith Primary Industries Academy Geraldine High School

“ Watching that light bulb moment when a student discovers that thing they are good at, when they are acknowledged for their success for the first time in their school life

The truck is my office

Being a Territory Manager can be a challenging, but very rewarding career choice. These individuals are responsible for representing our company, interacting with stakeholders, and pushing our products within their region.

To get a better understanding of what a week in the life of a Territory Manager looks like, we spoke with Mark O’Keefe, a successful sales and account management professional who has been working in the agricultural fencing and construction sectors for over 7 years. Mark starts his days by checking his email and calendar to see what appointments he has scheduled for the week. He typically has several meetings set up with existing clients. This may be with contractors, farmers, or our merchant stores, as well as a few new prospects to engage with. Before heading out, he makes sure to have all the necessary materials with him, including samples (fencing wire, fabricated netting, and reinforcing steel), brochures, and training materials.

His meetings are frequently with long-time clients who are interested in placing another order for their business, discussing new products, or seeking technical assistance. Mark spends time catching up with these clients, discussing how their business is doing and any challenges they may be facing, and working through solutions or ways we may be of assistance. He then shows them the latest products and explains how they can benefit their business. After having a yarn for a while, Mark schedules a follow-up call to check in on how the products are working out and heads to his next destination. Mark looks

after the top half of the South Island –from Ashburton north in Canterbury, Marlborough, Tasman, the West Coast, and everything in between. He spends most of his time on the road, regularly clocking up over 1000km in a week, and refers to his truck as ‘his office’. This time on the road is spent answering calls, as well as soaking in the beautiful vistas of this stunning stretch of New Zealand. Mark not only visits clients to promote sales, he also attends events to engage with the end-user of our products. He has always enjoyed being involved with the FCANZ Best Practice Days, where he gets to meet with contractors, view their techniques, and discuss developments in the fencing industry. Mark believes that fencing contractors are the best people to learn from and consults them on what we can improve and change in our products to make their jobs easier. This involvement with contractors allows Mark to expand his connections and build lasting relationships.

As the day winds down, Mark spends time updating his notes and preparing for his

schedule the next day. He also checks in with his manager to give an update on his meetings and any potential new business, before heading home or to one of the motels that are his “home on the road”. He sends follow-up emails to his clients, thanking them for their time and reiterating the key points discussed during the meetings.

Being a Territory Manager is not always easy, there are many challenges and pressures to surmount on a daily basis, but it is ultimately very rewarding. It requires a combination of strong communication skills, industry knowledge, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with clients. Mark’s weekly routine is a testament to his commitment to the company and, despite being offered office positions, he maintains that being out on the road, engaging with contractors, is where he prefers to be. Mark enjoys being part of a team dedicated to being the best supplier we can be, and to helping our customers succeed.

Article written by Dylan McIntosh Summit Steel & Wire

Mark O’Keefe

My day starts at 7

A typical day for Todd Sherburd starts at 6.00am, with a 35-minute trip to the Fencing Solutions Waikato yard in Te Rapa. Staff will either assemble at the yard, or, if closer, will drive directly to the job. The yard will be prepared for the day’s work: materials and tools are loaded onto the work vehicles and off they go.

Like most business owners, the very next action for the day is reading emails and checking for any new leads that have come in overnight.

“The beauty of online is that people can do their browsing at any hour of the day, send an email and expect a reply in due course,” says Todd. Fencing Solutions Waikato use the data collection system Tradify to track jobs from initial enquiry to sign-off. Having previously used spreadsheets to track everything, Todd appreciates how the system links the entire project.

“We can write quotes, get them accepted, create a job from those, add notes and plans for the staff to have all the information they need, we can track materials and labour against each job. The

best part is turning it into an invoice and getting paid.”

With 20-odd years of rural and highway fencing experience already under his belt, Todd established Fencing Solutions Waikato Ltd (FSW) in 2008. Accredited in 2009, FSW now specialises in residential and commercial fencing and gates.

Based in Hamilton, FSW hold significant commercial and civil contracts across the upper North Island and have been responsible for the fencing at many large commercial sites from Whakatane to Whangarei, including McDonald’s, Farm Source and various dairy factories. They currently have a crew working at the new McDonald’s site at Silverdale, alongside all the other tradies and asphalters. A second FSW crew are currently on-site at Tokoroa’s new milk processing plant,and preparations are being made for the fencing of a new Power Farming site in Papamoa.

On the residential side, pool fencing keeps the team busy in autumn. Todd has also seen an uptake in the installation

“ Employment contracts are important, they’ve got to be correct, but the best employment contracts you have are the ones you put in the drawer, and everyone gets on and does the job

of automated gates, from an increasing number of customers becoming more security conscious.

A typical day is split between managing incoming work, planning,and data loading. This includes staff training and the everincreasing amounts of health and safety requirements.

“There are many companies, including multi nationals and government agencies, who demand an extremely high level of health and safety. It pays to keep up with it otherwise it will get the better of you, and

at the end of the day we have minimised our injury risk considerably.”

Staff training is generally done on the job, with the exception of first aid. Health and safety is managed internally but Todd seeks expert advice regularly to ensure the business remains compliant. “We’ve just recently talked to Debbie Robertson from Rural Safe, to give us some templates on what we should be doing to tidy things up. You run the systems for a while, and then the requirements change for companies, so you’ve got to reshape what you do. You’ve got to be proactive with it.”

HR is managed in-house and FSW benefits from the expert advice of Todd’s sister, a corporate HR professional. “Employment contracts are important, they’ve got to be correct, but the best employment contracts you have are the ones you put in the drawer, and everyone gets on and does the job.”

“I’ve been lucky over the years to have a good and consistent staff, one of my employees having worked with me for 20 years. We try to make a good working environment and one that they want to work in, if they have a problem, I want them to be able to talk about it.”

Todd’s son Jared and Jared’s fiancé Danielle have come on board with the Fencing Solutions Waikato business and are in the process of setting up their own line of product importing. Their complementary business Modern Fence Supplies offers customers a custom-built product in a variety of fence and gate styles, aimed at higher-end residential properties.

Todd enjoys sharing the workload. “The administration has now been shared three ways, with Danielle being a huge asset in getting data filed, quotes out on time, and up to the minute accounting, one thing that I did loathe.”

A big chunk of Todd’s day is seeing clients and arranging meetings.

“This can be very time-consuming and you can feel busy by driving around the town and country and discussing sometimes at length the issues of a boundary fence or a new swimming pool fence or the logistics of a commercial site.” Luckily, there are an increasing number of tools to enable fencing contractors to do a considerable amount of work from the computer screen.

A good day sees Todd getting out into the workshop or onto the fence line.

“It’s good to keep in with the boys, and that also doubles up with training or instruction onsite.They get to know the ways you think, and hey, it’s not always that I’m right, I’ll put it out there and try and get them to problem solve. That way they’re taking ownership of the work.”

“I started out on the fence line, not in the office, and being out on the fence line is what I enjoy the most. Although my back doesn’t thank me after a few hours of poring a concrete mowing strip. Hopefully my usefulness will still keep me active each day.”

Along with running the business, Todd is active in his community, having recently prepared an audio-visual presentation for the 70-odd attendees of the Anzac Dawn Service in Tahuna, on behalf of the local fire brigade.

Having had a health scare several years ago, and with the upheaval of Covid, Todd also recognises the importance of keeping life in balance; physical and mental wellbeing are an important part of a healthy life. Todd’s wife Denise is an integral part of that.

“She’s been beside me every step of the journey. I couldn’t do this without a supportive family. A bit of R&R will include weekends away, and the odd fishing trip. We make plans for not only fencing, but for a normal life as well.”

Article

written by Heather Kawan

Above: The various stages of a McDonald’s site

“ I started out on the fence line, not in the office, and being out on the fence line is what I enjoy the most

Conference Programme

TUESDAY 1 AUGUST

If you arrive early, you are more than welcome to join us for dinner at The Rooftop Bar and Eatery, starting at 6pm (make sure to let us know when you register). This dinner is not included in your Conference package.

WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST

Wednesday will see the return of the National Fencing Field Day, held at the Stratford A&P Showgrounds from 10am – 2.30pm. This event will be open to the public and will showcase the best products, services and equipment available to the fencing and farming communities, including tools, machinery, vehicles, clothing and personal protection equipment. The day’s programme will include competitions and product demonstrations.

Entry and transport to the National Fencing Field Day is included in the Conference package.

Returning to the Novotel Hotel in New Plymouth, members will have a chance to grab their Conference packs and have a bit of downtime before joining the Board and Operations team at 5 pm for a Mix and Mingle evening at the fantastic Mike’s Brewery Bistro. NB: this dinner is not included in your Conference package.

Conference Programme

THURSDAY 3 AUGUST

A bright and early start to Conference 2023, kicking off at 8.30 am, with the Annual General Meeting before we delve into the Conference programme for the day. First up, is the member feedback forum followed by the Building Better Business workshops with enigmatic speaker (and quiz-master supreme) Stephen Caunter

FCANZ Conference 2023 workshops will look at how to build a better business that will be consistently resilient through the good times – and the bad. Investigate how fencing contractors can contribute to the industry as a whole, as well as to the business (or businesses) they are involved in. Whether trainee, office manager, or business owner, every person involved in building even the smallest of fences has a part to play in how the industry is perceived, and the success of the industry.

Quick-fire quiz and Happy Hour

Thursday afternoon will see an outing to the historic Butlers Reef Bar for a competitive quick-fire quiz and Happy Hour thanks to Bayonet.

On our return to the Novotel, we’ll have some downtime then sit down to a delicious dinner and what is guaranteed to be an entertaining Charity Auction, raising funds for the Whatever With Wiggy Charitable Trust.

Workshop sessions

Session 1: Having a great team

• How to be respected in the community you are in, and a valued member of the teams you are working for (such as farmers, developers, councils, DOC etc)

• Retaining and finding staff

• Keeping compliant

Workshop: Reward & recognition – engaging with your staff

Session 2: Creating a bulletproof business

• How to create a more profitable business that is easier to manage and more valuable for sale

• Become a little more bulletproof in any economic conditions

• Putting up your prices

• Managing Cashflow

Workshop: How to manage price increases within your business and with your clients

FRIDAY 4 AUGUST

Friday sees the “famous” organised tour during which attendees visit local sites of interest including fencing operations and locations specific to the region. This year you get to choose which activity you’ll do for the morning before we all come back together for a delicious lunch and a fabulous surprise afternoon activity.

You will need to get in quickly though as places are limited to 40 for each activity! Choose from:

She’ll be coming ’round the mountain

Head out to Actionaki and spend three hours with Paddy and the team shooting stuff – clay bird shooting, rifle shooting and archery. If the weather is ok you may even get in some golf frisbee! This activity includes a full trip around the mountain so expect to spend an hour on the bus.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

You’ll visit three of the quirkiest transportrelated collections in the area, at the Hillsborough Holden Museum, Taranaki Aviation Technology and Transport Museum and the Maketawa Tractor Museum. You’ll also get to play on a luge if the weather is good enough!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner

Teams will face off to see who is the smartest by solving the puzzles and escaping from the pirate, zombie invasion or train-themed escape rooms at Escapemasters. You’ll then head to Bowlarama and face off again at ten-pin bowling, black-light mini putt and laser tag.

Returning to the hotel at around 3.30 pm, you’ll have a bit of downtime to rest and relax before we enjoy Happy Hour and then celebrate a successful Conference with a fabulous gala dinner and the inaugural FCANZ Awards Ceremony.

SATURDAY 5 AUGUST

Join the Board for a “last hurrah” breakfast between 8am and 10am before heading home.

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Conference Accommodation & Rates

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION & ROOM RATES

New Plymouth is a vibrant and contemporary city, known for its sunny climate, art galleries, picturesque parks, decadent dining, and family-friendly fun. The conical shape of Taranaki Maunga provides a dramatic backdrop to the city, a constant reminder that the hiking trails of Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki are just a short drive away. Expect good shopping and an impressive selection of bars and restaurants throughout New Plymouth.

Conference 2023 will be based at the Novotel Hotel, New Plymouth

Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki is New Plymouth’s premier accommodation and hotel facility and is part of the global Accor hotel network. The hotel features 85 spacious and stylishly appointed studio and executive rooms as well as one and two-bedroom apartments and offers complimentary Wi-Fi, In Balance Gym and Sauna along with complimentary undercover car parking and mountain bikes.

Haukai Bistro & Bar is fast becoming one of New Plymouth’s most popular restaurants with a focus on regional cuisine, highlighting the very best of local produce from around the Taranaki region.

To book your accommodation:

• Make an online booking at https://novotelnewplymouth.com/

• Enter the dates and promo code FCANZ23 then check availability.

• Room options will be listed.

• Breakfast can be selected as an extra once the booking details are entered

1

2 Bedroom Apartment $345

Buffet Breakfast (pre-booked) $25 per person

CONFERENCE 2023 PRICING

• Bookings can also be made by emailing reservations@ novotelnewplymouth.com or by phoning 06 769 9724

Rooms are subject to availability

Conference 2023 is open to all current FCANZ members. Early Bird Special (ends 30 June 2023) $390.00 plus GST per person. Full price (from 1 July 2023) $450.00 plus GST per person.

• Includes National Fencing Field Day

• Includes all Thursday events

• Includes lunch and dinner Thursday

• Includes all Friday events

• Includes lunch and Gala Dinner Friday

Registrations close at midnight

23 July 2023

Register NOW online at https://fcanz.org.nz/conference-agm

Please fill out a form for each person attending Conference. If you have any questions please get in touch: admin@fcanz.org.nz

Thanks to Conference 2023 Sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSOR: ELITE SPONSORS:

KEY SPONSOR:

History in the making

This year history will be made at the 55th National Fieldays® in Hamilton, with UK Tornedo Fencing competition winners Mark Evans and Nic Quan to compete in the Fieldays® Silver Spades™ Doubles championship, as part of the prize package they won in July last year. Up to now, Silver Spades™ has only ever had resident Kiwis competing.

They are coming with a reasonable amount of competition success under their respective belts, having won the last five competitions entered. All I can say is Wow, come on Kiwis, start sharpening those spades and augers.

They arrive on June 5th and will stay in South Auckland for the first few days, to get familiar with the tools that NZFC members will be supplying, and will go to our training camp for hands-on practice. Both Mark and Nic, ages 42 and 35 respectively, have their own businesses. Mark lives in rural Herefordshire, West Midlands, and Nic lives further west in Hereford, not far from Wales.

They both use Tracked Protech Post Drivers, with drills, and encounter varying ground conditions, e.g., soft clay, very hard limestone, chalk, sandstone, etc. They predominantly do farm fencing for farmers, lifestyle blocks, estates (like our stations), and National Trust.

Mark is married with two children and is bringing his 13 year old son, Will, with him, whereas Nic lives with his fiancé and two year old daughter and is tying the knot this coming August – we wish them all the best.

For all three of them, it is their first time in New Zealand and they are keen to see our beautiful countryside and meet the guys and gals that fence it.

It is very much a whirlwind trip, with them leaving on June 26th. During their stay, we have arranged for them to work on the fence lines with various contractors, which is what they requested.

When you see them at the Fieldays, certainly introduce yourselves, and if their terminology is baffling you somewhat, this might help:

KIWI ENGLISH

Angle Post Turning Post

Ground Floor

Paddock Field

Post Driver Knocker

Workers Lads (pronounced Luds)

Stay Strut

Truck Lorry

Manually working Grafting

Mark and Nic Podium

Mark Evans

Nic with his post hole borer

Cyclone recovery

Always on the lookout for the next challenge, when FCANZ put the call out for volunteers to help after Cyclone Gabrielle, it was a no-brainer for us. I tend to be good at volunteering our help and worrying about how to make it work afterwards. It always seems to pan out.

We are sitting on the most underutilised and underestimated workforce in the country with our amazingly talented teenagers. It’s hard to make people understand how super awesome the PIA (Primary Industry Academy) kids are, but having seen them in action, one of the farmers said, “they are experienced beyond their years”.

We had already held the Hangi and sent the $5,500 raised off to FCANZ, so this time we turned our hand to apple-picking to raise the airfares needed for Quinn Foley-Smith, Bryn Chisholm & Jacob Muff to head up to Hawke’s Bay in the last week of the school holidays.

The PIA (Primary Industry Academy) students - from the moment they are accepted into the course - start working as part of a team and learn all the skills that go with this: work ethic, communication, problem-solving under pressure, the ability to suck it up when things don’t go our way, work ethic etc. We have a big volunteer focus for the course, which helps develop these skills. This, coupled with our practical skills (e.g. fencing) means that we are able to provide a pretty good work-ready team when needed. We learnt this during the Rangitata floods when we helped our farmers out, so we knew we could be helpful in the North Island.

There were a few tense moments in the leadup over which tools to take and then what could fit in suitcases, with a sneaky wee repack at the airport.

The students, thanks to Gerard Hickey, worked on two farms during the week, digging out slips, realigning fences, digging in posts, rewiring and straining up. Pretty hard work, but they were well looked after and have now developed a taste for wagyu beef!

Our tired teens report that they have all been offered jobs, with the farmers amazed at what they achieved and how tidy the work was (NB: the parents would love this attitude applied to bedrooms on the lads’ return).

So Quinn, Bryn & Jacob have certainly put PIA and Geraldine High School on the map up North, with people they have been working with saying they are “ahead of their years in terms of experience”.

We must be doing something right hanging out at the school fence line!

Article written by Sarah Foley

“ Our tired teens report that they have all been offered jobs, with the farmers amazed at what they achieved and how tidy the work was

NorthTec | Te Pūkenga Student Profile

Wilton Weeks has years of experience in fencing and farming, enough that he felt confident setting out on his own and starting his own fencing business. However, he knew he would need more than just fencing know-how to make it work. That’s why he enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Fencing (Level 4) at NorthTec | Te Pūkenga.

“Everything in the course relates to what I’m doing and the running of my business,” says Wilton. “All the assessments are based around different types of fences, projects, and jobs that you do in the day-to-day. A lot of it is similar to what you would normally do anyway, but it’s just documenting it and presenting it.”

“I want to get Accredited with the Fencing Contractors Association, and the course is one of the requirements for that. I am also using it as a means of upskilling myself and improving the business.

For me personally, I think you go into it knowing what you do about fencing but not necessarily much about business, and it’s been really good from that aspect.”

Despite working full-time, and living in Manawatu, Wilton hasn’t had any issues keeping up with study.

“It fits in perfectly around my life, and it helps teach me further time management skills which is another bonus. We have weekly Zoom sessions, and the tutor David is great. He’s very easy to work with.”

“I highly recommend this course to people currently running their own fencing business or who want to run their own business, it teaches you all the skills you need to get going and grow your business.”

Interested in developing your business or are you just starting out? Check out fencing programmes at NorthTec | Te Pūkenga!

https://www.northtec.ac.nz/ programmes/new-zealand-certificatein-fencing-level-4

How to: Gravity Retaining Walls

In our fifth instalment of our retaining walls feature, Nick Liefting takes us through the complexities of Gravity Walls.

In the article, I would like to explain the types of Gravity Wall, also known as Mass Walls, and their respective applications.

Different Types:

1. Masonry Block Wall

2. Mass Block Wall

3. Gabion Wall

4. Segmental Wall

5. Crib Wall

6. Mechanically Stabilised Earth Wall (MSE)

7. Cast-in-situ Concrete Wall

Applications:

• Where drilling holes is not easily achievable, e.g., rock

• Where ground conditions are showing high KPA (ground strength) readings

• Aesthetic reasons

• Able to achieve heights higher than cantilever walls

1. Masonry Block Wall

This wall construction is based on your standard hollow core masonry concrete blocks, which come in 100, 150, 200, and 250 series, which applies to the thickness. The length is always 400mm, as is the height, 200mm. Retaining walls are mostly constructed using series 200 and/or 250, which is the thickness in mm.

Masonry Block retaining walls are the most common wall used in conjunction with buildings, e.g. split level. This is due to various factors:

• It is the only retaining wall that is built plumb

• It has the ability, if tanked well, to have zero moisture egress

• It has a smooth and appealing face to facilitate painting But it is also the only gravity wall with the lowest design height, due to the

vertical retaining bars anchored into a concrete footing.

The specifications for constructing block walls are that the height and relative surcharge, if any, is directly related to the size of the footing.

A 1.0m high wall specifications, depending on ground KPA and surcharge could be:

• Footing – 1.00m wide by 200mm thick with a 200x300 key under the front of footing

• Reinforcing:

– HD12 at 300 spacing lengthways along the footing

– HD12 at 600 spacing across footing bent to go up into blocks

– HD12 at 400 spacing horizontally in blocks with the top course having a reinforcing bar

• Block fill – All blocks filled with block fill grout into 200 series blocks

• A 2.0m high wall specifications, depending on ground KPA and surcharge could be:

• Footing – 2.20m wide by 300mm thick with a 300x200 key under the front of footing

• Reinforcing:

– Two layers HD20 at 200 spacing each way

– HD20 cross reinforcing bars on the top layer to bend up into blocks at 400 spacing, to be placed 30mm back from the back of 250 series blocks

– Horizontal wall reinforcing HD16 at 400 spacing with the top course having a reinforcing bar

• Block fill – All blocks filled with block fill grout

Constructing a Stonebloc wall featuring excavator assitance

For walls that can be higher and/or with a surcharge, the specifications can be increased, e.g. the vertical HD20 reinforcing bars in the blocks can be closed up to 200mm centres. At 600mm centres the block is at 90° to the wall, and two reinforcing bars are placed in this column. It starts to become a block layers nightmare. The vertical bars only need to be 1.0m above the concrete footing, and once blocks are placed, the lap bars are installed.

A handy hint – reinforcing steel lapping distance is 50D, which is fifty times the steel diameter.

These vertical bars must be tied to the base of the starter bars coming out of the concrete footing. To enable this to be done, washouts need to be cut in the bottom course. It is also a good practice to do exactly what these cut-outs say, and that the inside of the blocks can be washed out of any debris prior to block filling. These washouts can be blocked off with timber and well braced, as the two metre plus concrete lift, applies an incredible force.

A couple of handy things to remember: a masonry block is basically a veneer and, on its own, is very weak, as it is made up of pumice sand and cement, and relies on the block fill to give the strength. Make sure the block fill grout is really flowable and makes its way to the bottom course, as if there is large steel closely placed, there can be restrictions.

NEVER use a pencil vibrator on block fill – maybe use a length of rebar or timber to help persuade the fill to move.

I know an Engineer who insisted that the contractor vibrate the block fill, which he did whilst watching, and the side of the blocks blew out!

It is also a good idea to have these walls designed by a Structural Engineer.

Finishing the top of a block wall on grade to follow the ground line is quite simple. Simply mark the line and cut the top course, then mortar on the caps. In situations like this, I do not like to see them stepped. There are also cases when a fence needs to be installed at the top of the wall. The easiest way is to

grout 75mm or thereabouts, PVC pipes at the desired spacing into the blocks when grout filling.

Backfilling – Backfilling masonry block walls is a very important procedure, as there should be zero moisture passing through to the front of the wall. There are valid reasons for that:

• The wall can often be inside a building with moisture causing dampness, mould, health issues

• Also, if outside, the moisture can often create mould etc.

The procedure is as follows:

• Make sure that when constructing the wall footing, that the top is at least 100mm below any finished front level

• Paint a generous coating of a tar type product, e.g., Flintkote or Mulseal, to the back of the wall

• Once sufficiently dry, place sheets of Harditex or similar over the Flintkote

• Now place the perforated drain coil at the base and fill with drainage material, e.g. 50/20 or similar. Make sure it has no fines. The idea of the Harditex sheets is to protect the Flintkote from being scratched and therefore creating areas of little protection. A product better than Flintkote is Bituthene, which comes in a 1.00m wide roll and is adhesive. When backfilling and using a plate compactor, the vibrate should be disengaged within half a metre of the wall, so as not to add unnecessary load to the wall.

“

couple of handy things to remember: a masonry block is basically a veneer and, on its own, is very weak, as it is made up of pumice sand and cement, and relies on the block fill to give the strength

A

Typical cross-section of a Stonebloc wall

Stonebloc used in a residential situation

2. Mass Block Walls

These walls have become ever more popular in recent years and are now manufactured in various forms and shapes. The main ones are:

• Massbloc

• Stonebloc

• Interbloc

• Magnum Stone

The nature of these blocks is that they are of various sizes and weights, ranging from a 800x400x200 weighing 150kg capping block to a 1800x600x600 standard wall block weighing 1500kg. As you can well imagine, an excavator capable of lifting these blocks is a very important part of the kit.

The construction principles for different types of blocs remain very much the same.

• Footing – I have found when constructing these walls that the time spent on the accuracy of the footing is paramount.

– Install boxing 150mm either side of the designated width of the base of the wall, and have the footing a minimum of 100mm compacted hardfill on firm ground. I have always found that applying a thin layer of GAP7 or fines over the hardfill and accurately screeding it, makes the bloc installation hassle free. The straightness of the boxing is irrelevant, whereas the level is paramount

• Bloc’s – Set up a string line, say 100mm offset close to the base, and start placing the blocks with the relevant sized excavator.

As with all segmental walls, the base course is always the slowest. Once this course is placed and true to line, the next courses simply fall into place as the blocks generally are joined with cast-inpigots. Always make sure to brush the blocks before the next one is lowered on.

– Most manufacturers have a range of block shapes and sizes in stock, however, prior to construction, I would give them the plans and they will give you all the required blocks, complete with a detailed plan of what goes where. If at all possible, you don’t want to have to cut the blocks.

– There is also a range of different bloc face textures to meet the clients’ preferences.

• Wall Height – As with most segmental walls, reasonable heights can be achieved.

– The bloc suppliers/manufacturers often have their own engineers and can design the wall for you.

– What is common is the base bloc’s will be placed across the wall giving a 1200mm wide base, which could continue further up and decrease, depending on wall height.

– These bloc’s are like a Meccano set and lock in every which way –very convenient.

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

It won’t happen to me

First frost of the year has arrived, the leaves are changing quickly as we prepare for the winter change. The ground has become a place of concern, with tracks becoming slippery and water levels increasing in some places.

It is great to hear of the support our fencing and other agricultural contracting colleagues have been providing the East Coast and Hawke’s Bay in a time of need as I travel up that way currently. There is a lot of hard work ahead of these guys, and our thoughts are with the farmers that have lost much from the cyclone. Reach out and talk to your friends over there; they would appreciate a friendly ear, I’m sure.

On the safety front

We have had several serious harm incidents that are of concern when using tools, vehicles, and machinery.

WorkSafe is urging farmers and contractors to lose the “it won’t happen to me” mentality, following a spate of machinery-related fatalities this year.

According to figures supplied by WorkSafe NZ, five people died in farm accidents in the first ten weeks of 2023. In that period, there were also 30 notifiable injuries. This year’s deaths are

predominately the result of tractor and quad bike rollovers.

WorkSafe is conscious of the “unprecedented stress” some farmers are under, particularly those affected by the recent cyclones. When under stress, it is even more important that farmers and contractors take time to plan for how to deal with the aftermath.

slippery and he fell while trying to insert grease into the required location. With no gloves on, the grease fired into his hand. The pain was almost immediate but hard to see.

The day turned to a helicopter rescue and a hospital stay, with extreme pain. An injection of the grease into the hand has caused life-changing effects and amputation of the finger that received the

The simple grease gun is not so simple anymore

One such event, involving a Grease Gun for an excavator contractor, has had terrible outcome for the user. A quick check over, fuel up and a grease to the machine, like any normal day. The day was a bit wet and slippery, and the contractor was running behind, with plenty of work building up. He slipped while trying to get the jump on the day’s work - pushing in tracks with his excavator. The tracks were

Initial injury: first treatment to clean out grease. This didn’t work as the injury was too severe

injury. The grease had made a pin hole entry into the hand, penetrated the bone and travelled swiftly up the arm cavity. Initially in the finger, but the damage was severe.

hands experience this type of injury, which is most likely to occur when a hose ruptures. Also, some lubrication applications require needle-type accessories that can lead to an injury if used improperly.

An injection injury may be very small and essentially painless, and the injured person may be tempted to continue working. However, if you receive any type of injection injury, you should seek medical attention immediately.

The lubricant will need to be removed and treatment initiated to prevent infection. If possible, provide the medical technician with the brand of grease or oil involved so that the manufacturer can be

Personal safety

Stay alert while using a grease gun. You should never operate any tool if you are tired or impaired by a substance, as a moment of inattention may result in serious personal injury.

Although the use of grease guns is widespread, these tools deserve respect and should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s safety guidelines to avoid injury. They are not to be used in jest: be careful where you point them and how they are used.

How to operate a grease gun safely

There are four main types of grease guns: manual, battery-operated, air-powered and AC electric.

Each type has its own specific set of guidelines, but many general rules are applicable to all, such as training, proper tool use and care, work area safety and personal safety.

Proper tool use and care

Whether you are using a manual, batteryoperated, air-powered or AC electric grease gun, the high pressure developed by the tool should be considered. High pressure can develop in different ways.

High-pressure injection injuries may be caused by accidental injection of grease through the skin and into the underlying tissue. Generally, fingers or

contacted regarding the possible toxicity of the lubricant.

Keep grease guns clean and working correctly. All repairs should be performed by a competent person. When lubrication tasks are performed, grease often gets on your hands, so be sure to wash them to remove any chemical residue.

Ensure the use of PPE at all times - good gloves are essential, and eye protection. Use hearing protection if using a battery, or compressor type of grease gun.

Manual grease guns include lever-action and pistol-grip models. These popular tools are widely used and are the most economical type of grease gun. Manual grease guns can achieve pressures up to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi), while plug-valve sealant guns can reach 15,000 psi.

Battery-operated grease guns are ideal for speeding up routine lubrication tasks. Using this type of grease gun can also help to minimise operator fatigue. These grease guns are rated anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 psi, depending on the model.

Air-powered or pneumatic grease guns use compressed air to apply pressure to an air piston, which drives the grease piston and forces lubricant out of the coupler into a grease fitting. By depressing the gun’s trigger, a steady flow of lubricant is dispensed. Typically, pneumatic grease guns are rated up to 6,000 psi.

AC electric or corded grease guns provide a consistent flow of grease and are often used as an alternative to airpowered tools. AC electric grease guns generally are rated up to 7,000 psi.

Training

Effective lubrication requires specific training, ranging from the actual physical activity of applying the lubricant to the effects of misapplication, including spills and damage to machinery. The

“ Stay alert while using a grease gun. You should never operate any tool if you are tired or impaired by a substance

After four days of treatment, the length of the arm was operated on to remove the grease from the cavity of the arm, and undertake an amputation of the finger penetrated

operator should be trained on each piece of equipment to be lubricated, as well as each grease gun that will be used to accomplish the task.

Some general rules of lubrication also should be considered.

1. DO NOT apply lubricants to a machine in operation unless the fittings are located in a safe place.

2. Never reach over, under, through or past moving parts of the equipment to complete your task. You should maintain proper footing and balance at all times to facilitate better control of the tool in unexpected situations.

Work Area Safety

Regardless of the type of grease gun, it is important to keep your work area clean and well lit.

Wipe up lubricant spills immediately, or use absorbent drying pads or granules. Sources of lubricant leaks should be repaired to maintain a safe environment.

If you are using a power tool, make sure that the area is free of flammable liquids, gases, or dust, which may be ignited if the tool creates a spark.

In addition, power tools should not be exposed to rain or wet conditions, and care should be taken to prevent cord damage, as this can increase the risk of electric shock.

Minimise distractions, such as bystanders, while operating your grease gun, as they may divert your attention from the task at hand. NEVER PLAY AROUND WITH OR USE A GREASE GUN FOR PRACTICAL JOKES.

Safety features are available, and precautions can be taken to minimise the risk involved in using high-pressure grease guns.

The key is to use the right tool for the job.

DO NOT improvise or change the grease gun configuration for any purpose other than that which was intended.

It is critical that all of the components utilised are rated for the amount of pressure being applied, so you should use only hoses specified by the grease gun manufacturer. For example, if your grease gun is rated at 10,000 psi and your hose is only rated at 1,500 psi, the situation can become hazardous very quickly.

Inspect the hose between the grease gun and the coupler before each use, if there are any signs of wear or damage on the hose, do not use it. When a grease cartridge is loaded into the grease gun, the follower rod should be securely latched to the end cap, so it doesn’t spring back unexpectedly.

Use care when removing the pull-tab on the cartridge to prevent getting cut by the tab’s sharp edges. In addition, always aim the grease coupler away from your body when loading and priming the grease gun. You don’t want to take any chances that grease may get into your eyes. Grease guns are equipped with safety devices, but their effectiveness may be limited by the positioning of grease nipples on certain cars and trucks. Grease guns with needles should have a protective shroud or cover that prevents this type of accidental injury.

Battery-operated grease guns have a few safety guidelines of their own.

• The power switch should be in the off position before inserting the battery pack.

• The battery pack should always be disconnected from the grease gun before changing accessories or unscrewing the grease cylinder from the gun. Never attempt to open the battery pack or expose it to water.

• When not in use, keep the battery pack away from metal objects such as paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small items that can make a connection from one terminal to another.

• When using a battery charger, use only the charger specified by the manufacturer. Ensure that the cord is situated so it will not be stepped on,

tripped over or otherwise subjected to stress.

• DO NOT operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug, or if it has received a sharp blow or been dropped. You should also refrain from charging batteries or using any electrical (corded) grease gun in damp areas.

• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using your grease gun. Avoid kinking hoses, as this can weaken them and make them more susceptible to ruptures.

Battery-operated, air-powered and AC electric grease guns can build extreme pressures, which may not be evident to the user. Therefore, extra caution should be taken with these tools. Never exceed the maximum input air pressure on pneumatic tools.

Most of these grease guns run at a 40-to-1 grease pressure to air ratio, so substantial pressure is created with a relatively low input air pressure.

Read your manual and have emergency items to get help: Personal Locator Beacons, first aid items.

Whatever your tool, ensure the safety and training to use is front of mind – always. One slip is all it takes to change the day.

‘The standard you walk past in safety, is the standard you set.’

Take care out there team.

Deb and RuralSafe team

www.ruralsafe.co.nz

5 cashflow strategies you need to know

If you have a team of one or thousands, cashflow is an essential key to having a successful business. It’s also an area a lot of tradies struggle with.

Studies from ANZ Bank showed that 82 percent of SMEs fail due to cashflow issues, 69 percent of these businesses were profitable.

In other words, 69 percent of those businesses failed not because they were making losses but because they ran out of money to pay suppliers, wages, and other expenses to keep going. With better cashflow many of those businesses likely would have survived.

Doctors know that without oxygen, water, and food you cannot survive. Without oxygen, you will last around 3 minutes, without water for 3 days and without food, 3 weeks. It doesn’t matter how fit or healthy you are now, without these 3 essentials you will not survive.

Cash is the oxygen that keeps your business going. Not convinced? How

many days will your business last without cash in the bank?

Here are 5 proven cashflow strategies all tradies need to keep your bank account full and stress levels low

1. Watch the canary in your coal mine

Coal mine workers would always take a canary in a cage into the mine to see if it was safe. This was their early warning sign, if there was a lack of oxygen and or dangerous gases, the canary was the first one to be affected. If the canary died or looked unwell, they would drop tools and act immediately while there was still time. With cash flow in your business, there are also early warning signs. The canary for you might be that you seem to be always behind with bills every single week, too many overdue accounts, or that warning letter from the IRD. These are all signs that need immediate attention. It might be making an arrangement with the IRD, chasing overdue invoices, or getting more work. But don’t leave it, act now before cash flow gets out of control.

Look for the warning signs early. With our clients, we always equip them with our tradie dashboard, which gives a snapshot of each important part of the business and identifies the early warning signs where cashflow will be affected and needs attention.

2. Ensure your rhythm supports your cash flow

In music, the rhythm is defined as “the underlying structure that all the other elements of music are held together by”. In your business, you also have a rhythm for cash flow. But is it one that supports or hinders your business?

Are you always scrambling to pay wages every month, chasing the next dollar to stay ahead for another month? Waking up at 3am realising that you forgot that the GST is due tomorrow?

“ Cashflow is the oxygen of your business, make sure you get it right and your business will thrive

Or is it a symphony where your business is predictable, with a steady flow of cash to pay all the bills and then some? Where large jobs have payment terms structured with cash flow in mind, invoices are always sent out on time, a team member regularly follows up payments, and there is a healthy cash buffer in both your cheque and tax accounts.

With the right systems in place, key team members taking responsibility, and regular check-in points, you can have a predictable rhythm with much less stress and a healthy cash buffer.

3. The numbers are your guide

The numbers will show you how much cash you have available and what is required in the future.

You should be watching your cash position (if you collect all the money owed and paid everyone, what’s left), cashflow forecast (tells you what your bank account is going to look like over the next few weeks/months), overdues, Profit and Loss (are you making money or digging a hole).

Be careful to make sure your numbers are accurate. I often see a lot of builders who have profit figures that look great one month and then terrible the next. This can be a timing issue when deposits are taken or invoicing stages on larger projects. Which can really skew your figures big time. We usually have a work in progress calculation added to the profit and loss to allow for this.

One of the first things I always do when working with clients is check if their numbers are correct and show them which ones are most important. Over 50% of the time their numbers are wrong.

Wrong information leads to bad decisions. You don’t want to be buying that new ute with cash and then discovering there is not enough to pay the taxes due next month.

4. Make sure you have the right map

Now that you have the numbers, identify your location and where you want to go. A map will show the way.

If you are travelling from Auckland to Dunedin by car, and you only have

a map of Canada that’s not going to help. Many tradies are using the wrong map or no map at all for their cash flow.

One of my clients had plenty of work on but was worried about increasing the team even though the work was profitable. The problem is they were using the old map from last time, which was ‘grab anyone you have available and hope it works out’. It didn’t.

This time it’s different. They have the right map now, a system for attracting and identifying the right team members, a cashflow forecast (so there are no surprises when payroll comes around), have identified the best and most profitable jobs, and are building a cash buffer for the first few weeks while the new team members get up to speed. All geared to optimising cash flow.

The right map will guide you on the direct path, without all the wrong detours in between.

5. Don’t let your emotions tank your bank account

Do you go into a tailspin every morning when you check the bank account and get crazy frustrated at having to follow up with the late payers yet again? That voice in your head starts playing again. It’s just not fair…we work so hard... why us...

Or maybe you know you need to get into the office and do that invoicing you have been putting off all month, but decide to stay on the tools this afternoon instead. Get home and argue with your partner (who pays the bills) about why there is no money in the account, and then feel guilty for the rest of the night that you still haven’t done the invoicing.

Procrastination kills momentum, splits your focus, and creates emotional thinking rather than being strategic.

The bank account doesn’t care how you feel or how hard you work, ultimately it’s just a reflection of the choices (good and bad) you have made in the past, the systems you have put in place for collection, the clients you decided to work with, the overdraft facility you arranged or the types of jobs you took on.

When you replace emotion with strategy, cashflow gets much simpler and less stressful. You make time in your week for the important things like invoicing, following up on overdues, getting your team in sync and cash flow forecasting. Now you have laser focus on what needs to be done and when and who is responsible for completion.

Master this game and your business and bank account will improve significantly.

These strategies work best when you use them consistently and are even more important as you grow your business. But also be aware that as your business and the economy changes you will need to keep adjusting. Many things can disrupt short-term cash flow, as the last couple of years have proven with shifting schedules, material shortages, losing or adding key team members, holidays, lockdowns, sick leave, or maybe you are in a growth phase. These all affect cashflow.

With the current uncertain environment, it’s essential to have plans in place to handle cash flow. One of my largest clients is very profitable and has grown significantly over the past few years, at times they still struggle with cash flow. But because these principles and systems we have put in place they have been much better equipped to handle the surprises that have come their way.

Cashflow is the oxygen of your business, make sure you get it right and your business will thrive.

Then book a session with me at www. nextleveltradie.co.nz/nextstep

Daniel Fitzpatrick

Everything you need to get your job done. Everything you need to get your job done. Everything you need to get your job done. Everything you need to get your job done.

Contractor spotlight

Dan Woodney Fencing is based in Te Kuiti and currently has 4 full-time staff, operating two tractor and rammer setups. They cover the Waitomo, Central King Country, & Southern Waikato Areas.

After leaving the military, Dan Woodney had planned to do fencing with his father, but after his father became ill and died, Dan decided to jump into the deep end and start his own fencing contracting company. Now, nearly four years after taking the plunge, Dan shares three key points for those looking to go out on their own:

1. Equipment

“Good equipment is paramount - If you invest in good equipment early, it will definitely save you time and money in the long run – and in this game, time is profit.”

2.

Business Plan

“I sat down with my accountant and my bank manager, and we talked about what my business would look like, what the model would look like. I had some good financial advice, and I also spoke to other fencing contractors prior to going out on my own.”

3. Staff

“Now that I am an employer and have quite a few guys working for me, it’s making sure that staff come first always, and that you have a really good working relationship with your staff. If they are looked after, your business is looked after.”

While working in the steep King Country Region, there’s been a few scares for Dan and his team.

“I remember one time working out of Taumarunui and it had been raining, or drizzling I should say... and a few hours had ticked on by and we hadn’t really kept a close eye on what the weather was doing, and before we knew it, the tractor was sliding off down the hill with one of the guys in it.

The conditions had changed, and we hadn’t really taken notice of how that had impacted the terrain around us, or the environment. It had become quite wet, quite slippery and we hadn’t factored that into what we were doing – as a result, it could have been quite a sad end to the day. What we did take away from that, was making sure that when the weather does change, we adapt what we’re doing – fencing areas that are more suitable to the weather and conditions.”

Dan recognises that it’s not all about putting posts in the ground, and that fencing contractors need to have a really clear vision for their business. “Spend a bit of time talking with an

and

bank manager, and we talked about what my business would look like, what the model would look like

accountant, talking with other fencers, and understanding the fencing trade as a business - not just as a job.”

“Invest early in good gear, don’t waste your time with sub-par equipment. Invest in your business from the get-go, and it will pay dividends down the road.”

As a full-time fencer, Dan enjoys looking back at the end of a substantial job and seeing the transformation of the property. Dan and his team have also spent a lot of time doing riparian fencing.

“It’s been good going back and looking at those jobs over the last couple of years, especially the early ones – and we’ve seen a massive transformation in the land, and in the areas which we’ve been working.” Scan the QR code to check out what Dan Woodney Fencing has to say about his FencePro equipment and his experience dealing with the FencePro team.

Article supplied by:

Dan Woodney with his Fencing Crew

RETAIL

One of the crew using the side tilt to ram a stay-block

“

“I sat down with my accountant

my

From mountain rescue to high country and alpine fencing

In 2021 Andy Tindal and Lucia Chiclana purchased C. A. Fencing and registered their new business as Otago Fencing Services Ltd. They quickly brought on four new crew allowing them to take on large scale work like the current high-country job at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds, a facility used for automotive testing of some of the world’s highest performing vehicles.

When Stockade caught up with Andy, it was a brisk clear morning in the South. He was heading to work in the Cardrona Valley where he reckons it is generally six degrees colder compared with nearby Wanaka and the wind can be fierce.

“We are right up at the top of the mountain, working at about 1500 metres above sea level. I am looking up at Mt Aspiring so that’s a pretty nice way to start the day.”

“It’s chilly – but stunning views this morning.”

The Otago Fencing Services crew spend a good two or three months every year up at the Proving Grounds. They’ve already clipped on seven kilometres of triple barbed wire perimeter fencing this year.

Then there’s a lot of snow fencing, deer fence and repairs and maintenance.

Andy is no stranger to working at altitude. Mountains have played a big part in his life. He spent years as a guide and running the Aoraki Mt Cook Search and Rescue team. When he and Lucia started a family, they reconsidered their adrenalin pumping life as mountain guides.

Lucia says they were looking for a balance between work and fun and family. Fencing had a lot of potential and the great outdoors.

“The opportunity for fencing came, and Andy was really keen... so we jumped in and made it happen.”

For Andy and Lucia, buying an established business hasn’t been the smoothest transition they’d hoped for but proving

themselves on large-scale and staged projects gives a lot more certainty and promise for the business. The large-scale jobs also offer plenty of variety for the crew who tend to work together as one fencing gang. And Andy is keeping his eye out for new staff.

Andy is also no stranger to the fence line. He worked shepherding and fencing across the Otago and McKenzie Country high country a decade or so ago. He says the high hill country and alpine fencing has its own considerations.

At the Proving Ground, above ground it’s the wind and snow.

“The wind is super strong. When it starts to carry wet snow that can put a huge weight on your posts and wire and push things over. Really solid posts are key. And you’ve got to take your time with getting

your post placements right and fixing the timber on to make sure to lock it in tight.”

Andy is using 2.7m x1.40 or 1.60 posts as intermediates and on occasion up to 3.5–4m strainer posts in soft terrain.

Underground is a really mixed bag.

“Generally it’s really tight ground. Most of the time, around the roads, drilling post holes can be slow. You can’t use a rock spike often because the surface is so hard on your equipment.”

“ The large-scale jobs also offer plenty of variety for the crew who tend to work together as one fencing gang. And Andy is keeping his eye out for new staff

“Away from tracked areas, it is often very soft.”

Services are another consideration. Andy says there are “a heap of services” running beneath the snow and before starting any job on the Proving Ground, a ground radar is used to scan for any pipes, services, gas— or anything. Then, gas and power are turned off while the crew completes each section on the mountain.

Then there’s a super fine dust that gets into the equipment and everything else.

“Drills and everything up here can die really fast.”

Andy says the Stockade ST400i stapler has gone great the whole way through. “Never missed a beat. An asset!”

The Stockade power stapler came on board at Otago Fences Services not long after Andy and Lucia had started running their fencing business and arrived to help them pick up speed on jobs, especially with a small crew.

Andy’s favourite thing is the simplicity of the tool. “You can hand it to anyone, and they can use it within a minute of instruction – and it is fast, safe and very reliable— and it is super easy to clean.”

Next year, the crew will be looking at seven kilometres of deer fencing on the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds. Up at the high-performance testing ground, Andy expects the ST400i to fly through the deer fencing – and says his crew won’t be so fatigued at the end of the day.

Article supplied by:

RETAIL GOLD PARTNER

NATIONAL RETAIL PARTNER

Shane on the Wire

A real blue day

With all the problems in the world these days, one could be forgiven for thinking that the workplace might be getting a bit stale and monotonous. So, when the opportunity presents itself, and as stupid as it may seem, I take the chance to lighten the mood.

For those of you who know nothing about kiddie programs, Bluey is about a cartoon family of Aussie Kelpies. Dad, Mum, Bluey and Bluey’s sister, Bingo. This one is definitely Aussie made, not stolen from us. When the grandkids come over, they always watch Bluey, and if I have a minute or two, I will join them on the couch for some Bluey therapy. I actually enjoy watching Bluey. Just genuine lighthearted kids’ comedy with a great storyline and the grandkids love Bluey, so what the heck, Poppa likes Bluey too.

Only recently I found out that young Leroy has a Bluey soft toy and unfortunately, he left it at Poppa’s place after a weekend stay.

So as the opportunity presented itself and after a quick chat with Bluey and a warning from Nana about keeping Bluey clean, he got placed on my lunch bag ready to head out for a day’s work. A photo duly was taken of Bluey sitting on the lunch bag, waiting to head out to Poppa’s ute. With trepidation, the photo was sent to the grandchildren for their feedback. Their mother reported back that they both screeched “Bluey,” realising that the toy had been left at Nana and Poppa’s place.

Next Bluey was seat belted into the passenger seat of Poppa’s work ute and another photo was taken and sent off to the Grandchildren. Obviously, I had to keep it real, it wouldn’t be a good look for Bluey or me if he had no seatbelt on.

And off to work we went...

The first few photos entailed Bluey attending the tailgate meeting and checking out the work done to date on site.

A little later on Bluey was photographed in the tractor and sitting on the post grab, which of course instigated a health and safety violation and a warning about safe practices on the job site. Bluey took

it with a grain of salt. What did I really expect...although he did put on Poppa’s helmet and earmuffs when he had a go with the post driver, and I must say he did a pretty good job as a trainee.

Come morning smoko time, Bluey got his own chair to sit down on and join the boys, who were most likely thinking ‘has the boss gone stark raving mad?’ But, no, they joined in on the fun, maybe at my expense.

By this time the client, an older retired lady, had been watching what was going on. She of course was wondering what the heck I was up to, dragging a soft toy dog around all morning.

Fortunately, she had the nerve to ask, still shaking her head in disbelief, that a grown man, her fencing contractor, a business owner no less was dragging a kid’s toy around. I gave her a laugh and explained what I was up to. Being a grandparent herself, she totally understood but still couldn’t believe that some old dude had the brass to cart around a toy dog.

As the day wore on, the reports I got back were the kids were loving seeing what their toy Bluey was up to next and could not wait to see more photos come through.

The final photo for the day sent, Bluey lying down in the front seat, asleep after the long day. Success in my book.

A bit of lighthearted fun sometimes takes the hard edge off life and makes us see a bit of fun for what it is. Although, the boys never did tell me what they really thought of the boss having a Bluey day. I probably shouldn’t ask...

Straight posts and tight wires.

Bluey lying down in the front seat, asleep after the long day

Article written by Shane Beets Shane Co-owns A1FenceworX, and builds fences in Northland

A Wife’s Tale

I was asked to write about ‘A Day in the Life of’ me, a wife and business partner however, my days are never the same, so I’ll tell you what I did today.

At 6.40am I made a cup of tea and from my kitchen window I watched the guys start rolling into work. Eleven guys, five utes, the dump truck and the digger all getting loaded up and ready to go. I watched them making coffees from our makeshift kitchen in our home shed, dodging boxes of storage, junk and the lazy farm cat sleeping in the middle of the floor to get to it. I smiled at the absurdity of how much money gets created from such a modest and literal ‘backyard’ operation.

I did 30 minutes of online yoga, then my morning rounds of feeding farm animals, and then exchanged my Swazi gear for a nice dress, ready to take our Office Manager out for lunch for her 6 monthly review. I had messaged Shaun earlier and asked him to pick up a bunch of appreciation flowers.

At 10.30am the Office Manager and I drove to the café, and there’s Shaun, standing out front, proud as punch with the flowers he ceremoniously hands her. I noticed myself take an internal sigh as he once again takes credit for my ideas. (Let it go Ange).

We order delicious food and begin our informal review. We always start with what we appreciate, and for our Office Manager, there was LOTS. We asked her what she enjoys about the job, what she’s proud of, her suggestions for how we can improve our systems and also how we can support her better. While this sounds quite serious, it was done with a lot of laughs and bad jokes, which Shaun is pretty good at instigating. We both made sure that she knew the heartfelt gratitude we have for her and what she brings to Davies Fencing and Construction.

Some might say that admin is easy donkey’s work, but I know from my (bad) past experiences how integral it is to have someone efficient, organized, positive and dedicated to making this side of the business flow. She also does wages, HR, Health & Safety, and the occasional life

mentoring when people come into the office (which is a tiny 4x6 cabin on the farm which also houses Shaun and our Project Manager. It’s cozy). She replaced me a year and a half ago and her skills far exceed mine in this area. Best decision we ever made.

Our conversation drifted to an ongoing issue that we have with one of our guys. Early 20’s, hard worker, but a total stoner with regular no-shows and no communication. Today was one of those days. While deep in discussion about this, Shaun’s phone rings.

“It’s him,” Shaun laughed.

“What? Nah, it’s not,” I laughed back at him. Shaun taps to answer the call and says “Hello [guy’s name]”.

I look across at our Office Manager and our eyes bulge, mouths drop open at the synchronicity of this. Further evidence that what you think about and talk about is what comes about.

Shaun arranges a meeting with him for an hour’s time, hangs up the phone and tells us we are needed at this meeting, as if we didn’t have anything else on. Spontaneity is my husband’s first name.

At 1pm we retreated to the office and our Project Manager joined us. The four of us work closely now which provides wonderful diverse ideas and approaches. Our guy turns up and I noticed his usual cocky demeanor had disappeared, anticipating what was coming.

We all sat outside, the guys rolled their ciggies and Shaun delivers the news: a third and final warning, but with no gruff arrogance or authoritarianism, only directness and genuine support. I raised possible reasons for the current situation - namely addictions - and we all offered him some kind of service or advice on how he could turn his life around. We made him know that we care about him and wanted him to stay.

This could be an unconventional approach in our industry – this amount of care and support - but it’s something that resonates with Shaun and I and our family business. We care deeply about our team and their wellbeing really matters to us. There are always reasons for why people act (or don’t act) the way they do, and if you use compassion and support, you can retain good staff who have rough patches.

Research says that the main role of the leader is people and culture, which is where Shaun and I sit in our business these days. Although Shaun will also sit in his beloved digger whenever he can as well.

At 2.30pm I decided to walk home from the office to clear my head, meandering through the paddocks, said hi to my lambs, picked some daisies and pondered my day. Some days there’s no reason for me to be involved at all in the business and other days, like today, my presence in a leadership position is an essential and fulfilling part.

Article written by Angelena Davies

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

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

Noksee Fencing (Motueka)

John Noakes

t. 03 5286388

m. 027 446 4413

e. noakesjc@gmail.com

CERTIFIED FENCER

Affiliates, Trusts and Training Institutes

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

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

FCANZ Membership

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

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

MEMBERSHIP PRICING:

General Member $325.00 +GST (for the period to 31 March 2024)

Employee Member $70.00 +GST (for 12 months)

WIRED Only (NZ Residents) $70.00 +GST (for 12 months)

0508 4 32269 | admin@fcanz.org.nz fcanz.org.nz

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

Executive Director

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