At the AGM held during Conference24 in Christchurch, we introduced the 2024/25
FCANZ Board. 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 5 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 catchup 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 recently host a successful FCANZ Best Practice Day
on our property with 88 in attendance. 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 sought re-election this year to continue 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 and 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 sought re-election this year because I want to continue supporting the training and upskilling of our members and their staff, and see the Certified and Accredited endorsements 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 8 to 17). 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 a FCANZ Board member on two occasions, the first being when FCANZ was relatively newly formed. The second occasion over the past 4 years. I am active in the wider fencing industry, including New Zealand Fencing Competitions.
I have formulated member benefits to the Association over the past 4 years including:
- the concept and formatting of the member industry survey
- the webinar business development series
- the concept and need for sector as built drawings and developing sector portfolios
- developing the Accredited Fencing Contractor auditing procedure and forms
- sourcing demonstrators for FCANZ BPDs
- organising alongside the FCANZ Admin and ED the Kerikeri, Dunedin and New Plymouth National Fencing Field Days, and formulating the layout
- Conceptualised the FCANZ 4WD trip in November last year, with another one being planned for the Wairarapa near
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
I stood for re-election this year 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 incorporating other viewpoints into the end result.
I have the ability to 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 outlook for new avenues comes easily.
NICK TERRY
Custom Fencing, Otago
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
I’m the managing director of Custom Fencing Ltd. I’ve been running my own fencing business since 2011.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
I was planning on stepping down from my local rugby club as President and was looking for a new challenge in life. Still the President so life is still a challenge!
What skills do you bring to the Association?
Good knowledge of what it takes to put up a good fence, industry knowledge and plenty of Dad jokes.
What do you do for fun?
Rugby, fishing, scuba diving and 2 children.
CRAIG SINCLAIR
Craig Sinclair Fencing, South Otago
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
I operate Craig Sinclair Fencing based just south of Balclutha in South Otago. I started out on my own after working for another contractor since the day I left school.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
I enjoy being a part of the Board for the physical and practical aspects of Board commitments; I’m proud to see the milestones the team is achieving; and laughing at Nick’s dad jokes.
What do you do for fun?
For fun I’m usually hunting, fishing, diving, or jet boating, but our young one has made free time much more family orientated.
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?
After the last few years having more dealings with FCANZ, through getting advice and support on a range of issues, from employment, training, contracts and the support to 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, out on the farm for adventures. If the kids are loving it, I’m sold. Sneaking in the pub on the way home is not too bad either.
