The 2025 FCANZ Annual General Meeting saw a couple of changes to the Executive Committee (Board). A motion was passed to increase the maximum number of Board Officers from 7 to 9. Nick Terry stepped down, and we welcomed Scott Heasley, Burne Maxted and Ruben Connelly. Explore the perspectives and vision of both our newly appointed and reappointed Board members.
PHIL CORNELIUS
PRESIDENT
CPC Fencing, Whangārei
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
I am the Director of CPC Fencing Limited and manage – alongside my wife – crews ranging from 10 to 20 staff, depending on work programmes, although we have been trying to restructure this to be less. I have been fencing for 30 years and completed alongside many others, the original Level 3 and 4 fencing qualifications. Before I started fencing I was in the USA working on and managing a couple of ranches, breaking in cutting horses and worked as a farrier.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
I joined the Executive Committee 7 years ago, to give back to an industry that has been good to me, and to see the endorsement of Certified and Accredited be executed and to support our Association Partners in their endeavours alongside the members. Being on the Association’s Executive Board has created new friendships and lifelong connections with people that live similarly to myself.
What skills do you bring to the Association?
I like to think I represent the Association and industry in a positive way and put my best foot forward. I stick to my decisions and feel I have a clear direction in supporting the strategic goals of the industry body.
What do you do for fun?
When I am not working and organising crews or doing the work for the Association, I like spending time at home with the family, riding our motorbikes, helping my wife with her horses as I no longer compete, hunting, and working towards getting away in our offroad caravan more.
JANINE SWANSSON
VICE-PRESIDENT
Bang It Fencing, Pahiatua
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
Along with my husband David, we run Bang It Fencing. I have enjoyed taking part in opportunities with FCANZ and NZFC since starting our fencing contracting business and love the industry and networking opportunities. I take every opportunity to catch up with fencers and take an interest in where they are at and where they are heading, considering what will help to benefit them most. It was a real privilege to host a successful FCANZ Best Practice Day on our property with 88 in attendance ( in 2024 ). I have been involved with the Rural Games, Central Districts Field Days and several High School events. I was heavily involved in the response & recovery of Cyclone Gabrielle and a highlight was attending the Wairoa Expo, Great Gate Giveaway, fencing working bee and linking farmers with fencers.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
I thoroughly enjoy contributing to the Association for the benefit of the fencers and partners with special interests on Board productivity, efficiency, HR, and importantly Board culture for a positive progressive future. I am extremely passionate about people, business growth and the future of the fencing industry, creating opportunities for all those involved.
What skills do you bring to the Association?
With 30+ years of experience in the Primary Industries, I bring a robust blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and a true passion for people, business, and innovation. My diverse background spans farm ownership, banking, sales, and consulting, equipping me with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the industry’s multifaceted nature. Known for leading with empathy and fostering growth through constructive and progressive methods, I am dedicated to driving positive productivity and achieving sustainable results.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with our kids and grandkids, getting outdoors on the farm, enjoying local walks, swimming and kayaking! We enjoy holidays to Castlepoint and more recently Motuopa, just south of Taupō.
DONNA UPTON
TREASURER
CPC Fencing, Whangārei
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
I am married to a Fencing Contractor and run a fencing business with staff ranging from (depending on the scale of jobs) 10 to 20 staff units. We have a presence in the Forestry industry – our business was the first to be recognised in Forestry excellence from an industry outside of forestry. I manage the health, safety, and operational side of the business.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
My background is in Rural Banking for the past 20 years, where I worked for Rabobank for 16 of those. I resigned from that career during COVID times to manage our business, and I was also helping FCANZ navigate the COVID mechanism as it hit. In the banking industry, I would visit clients, and their disregard for the fencing profession got me thinking we could do things better. That’s when I joined the Board to help with the process of recognising Fencing as a profession. I am the training liaison for FCANZ and the National Training Coordinator for NorthTec. I enjoy continuing to support the training and upskilling of our members and their staff, and I want to see the Certified and Accredited endorsements fully embedded. I want to help our members be recognised for the effort they continually put into themselves and their businesses.
What skills do you bring to the Association?
I am efficient and have a can-do attitude, which I believe is the best attribute for people to have. I have a passion to see the industry be recognised as a valued trade. I believe I have good business sense and strive for business and fiscal excellence. I am an approachable and honest people person. Growing up and working in a predominantly male sector, I have learnt how to communicate with a wide range of people.
What do you do for fun?
For fun, I love spending time with all the blue people in my life (husband and three boys aged 9 to 18). We all get out on the motorbikes and often go hunting together in my favourite place up the Ohuka. I have always ridden horses and have several, competing in A&Ps and hunting in the winter in Northland and further afield. I play squash when I need to hit something really hard.
DEBBIE WHITE
White Fencing, Clevedon
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
I have extensive experience within the fencing industry, having been an FCANZ Board member on two occasions, the first being when FCANZ was relatively newly formed. This is the second occasion is over the past 5 years. I am active in the wider fencing industry, including New Zealand Fencing Competitions.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
I am on the Board to continue the work I’ve started/undertaken and ensure that the polices and procedures that are being developed are adhered to, with a collective Board approach towards the desired objectives.
What skills do you bring to the Association?
My skills include conceptualisation and strategic thinking, with the ability to see the wider picture and how strategies and different undertakings fit together. I always consider wider implications, pros and cons, and incorporate other viewpoints into the end result. I can draw up processes and document them into workable formats. Other strengths include event organising, having organised industry-specific events over the years, and marketing. Thinking outside the box and always on the lookout for new avenues comes easily.
BEN FISHER
Fisher Fencing, Gisborne
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
Growing up, fencing was part of farming and something you just learnt and knew how to do, and as time went on, the skills and scope grew. In the shearing off seasons, it was back out for a bit of casual fencing, until 2008, when fencing became the main focus. From there, it has just grown: knowledge, skills, tools, gear, and more gear. Completing Level 3 and 4 in fencing, which took our operation up another level.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
Over the last few years, we have had more dealings with FCANZ, receiving advice and support on a range of issues, including employment, training, contracts, and support for our clients and community after Cyclone Gabby. This has really opened my eyes to how important it is to have the Association there. To be a part of it further will be great, and to add what I can and grow it further.
What skills do you bring to the Association?
Born and bred in the rural game, I’ve seen a lot of the country and understand the diversity throughout. 16+ years contracting. I’ll give anything a go and keep my mind open, and be willing to change and adapt. I am keen to see the training in the industry grow, I want to see young fullas look at it as a career, not just a job.
What do you do for fun?
The best part of life is with the family. Hunting, camping, fishing, and out on the farm for adventures. If the kids are loving it, I’m sold. Sneaking into the pub on the way home is not too bad either.
BURNE MAXTED
Maxted Fencing, Feilding
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
Been a full-time fencer since 2016, where I worked for Alan Rennie until 2018 and Craig Shortall till the end of 2020. I have been self-employed ever since. I’ve been to quite a few best practice days over the years, and have done the Level 3 course. I’ve also been a regular competitor in NZFC competitions over the last 4+ years, which, all in all, has grown me into the fencer I am today.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
I have a strong passion for this industry and would like to help carry on all the hard work in promoting best practice, quality workmanship, and help the industry grow.
What skills do you bring to the Association?
I seem to know a lot of people within the industry, whether it be a local material representative, through to contractors spread across our country. I get on very well with the majority of the people I meet and deal with through my fencing career, and I believe that would help in promoting what FCANZ has worked hard to promote and maintain.
What do you do for fun?
My weekends are usually spent with my two young boys working on DIY projects or hitting the farm on the motorbikes.
RUBEN CONNELLY
Precise Contracting, Otago
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
I run a fencing business in Central Otago, focused on rural and commercial projects. I’m hands-on with quoting, planning, building, and leading a team, while also training up young fencers coming into the trade.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
I want to help grow the professionalism of our industry and support FCANZ in promoting fencing as a skilled trade. I’m passionate about lifting standards and giving back to the industry that’s supported me.
What skills do you bring to the Association?
I bring practical experience, leadership, and a strong understanding of what contractors face day-to-day. I’m good at mentoring, problem-solving, and bringing energy and structure to the work I take on.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy keeping fit through multisport, coaching kids’ rugby, and spending time outdoors with family and mates.
SCOTT HEASLEY
Heasley Fencing, Canterbury
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
I have run a fencing earthworks business for over 30 years through all the highs and lows in the economy. We’ve done large and small fencing jobs all over the South Island, including tenurereview work, high country station fencing, earthquake red zone fencing in Christchurch, large deer farms in Te Anau, and dairy farms on the West Coast for Landcorp. Plenty of vineyard work and, more recently, Security fencing. Plenty for local councils’ contracts. Staff numbers have varied over the years, up to 12.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
I have a lot to offer the industry, especially mentoring young people starting out. I have enjoyed being involved with the best practice days, training staff for the Level 3Certificate in Fencing, and attending FCANZ conferences. I really like the way FCANZ is promoting Industry standards and upskilling the people in it. I have some good ideas for the good practice days and help promote some aspects of South Island Fencing.
What skills do you bring to the Association?
I have 30 years of fencing experience, and I am keen to share. I get on well with people, and I’m a bit of a straight shooter. I’m happy to say what I think. I enjoy working in a team. I think it’s good to give back to FCANZ because I have got a lot from it.
What do you do for fun?
I love my hunting and fishing. I ampassionate about the outdoors. Very keen pig hunter. I love the alpine environment, in particular, Tahr hunting. I love a bit of adventure travel and tramping with my wife Anna. I enjoy hunting and fishing with my boys, Liam and Campbell, watching my boys play rugby, and supporting the Crusaders and the All Blacks.
