First Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsements awarded under new system

Three fencing contractors from around New Zealand have recently become the country’s new Accredited Fencing Contractors. These contractors have proven that they not only know how to build a great fence but they also run a safe and ethical business.

“Fencing is still relatively unregulated, and this means that there aren’t any simple ways for a potential customer to easily identify a quality fencing contractor. These endorsements go a long way towards addressing that,” says FCANZ President Phil Cornelius.

There are also important benefits to your business of becoming an endorsed fencing business. Accredited Fencing Contractors are listed at the top of their relevant “Find a Fencing Contractor” web directory page. And, when they become an Accredited Fencing Contractor, their business gets a shoutout across our social channels and e-news.

Certified Fencers also enjoy some perks from achieving an endorsement, with the Certified Fencer logo on their “Find a Fencing Contractor” web directory listing.

The business details for members who hold either endorsement are listed in a specially created section within WIRED magazine, which is widely distributed – and particularly popular at the events we attend. They are also sent a bumper sticker and cap relevant to the endorsement level achieved. We encourage those who achieve either endorsement to shout about it through their own channels, using the logo whenever and wherever they can.

But the endorsements aren’t just about the benefit to the individual contractor. Not only do the Accredited Fencing Contractor and Certified Fencer endorsements raise the profile of an individual business, they also go a long way to continue to prove that fencing is a skilled trade.

In the coming months, FCANZ will be launching a campaign whereby we reach out to each territorial authority to ensure they know that Accredited Fencing Contractors are the fencers they should be looking to engage with for any fencing project.

Additionally, a series of technical drawings that are currently being finalised will be made available so that it is simple for any party to understand what industry minimum standards are. This will assist with fairly judging both tender submissions and the quality of any work that has been completed.

“We’re working to educate the large organisations who contract out the fencing component of their work or project, as well as the wider public, about what the industry minimums should be. We want them to be thinking about not only the cost, but whether they will actually get a fence that is built to last. It’s time for quality fencers to really shine, and for the cowboys to be concerned,” says Phil.

In addition, FCANZ is also able to offer a fencing inspection service to territorial authorities. A suitably qualified FCANZ member will visit any areas of concern, and will use a pre-formatted inspection template, their knowledge of industry best practice and the technical drawings that are soon to be released, to provide guidance on the quality of the work. This service is not for the purpose of finger-pointing but rather to reinforce the Association’s goal of ensuring fencing is recognised as a trade, and to raise the profile of quality fencers.

Emile de Greeuw of Omata Fencing in Pahiatua posted this on their business page: “We are the FIRST Lower North Island Fencing Contractor to be Accredited by FCANZ – Fencing Contractors New Zealand, under their new strict requirements. A credit to the team at FCANZ for raising the professionalism of our industry – it was a pretty rigorous process and took us a few runs at it. This has been a goal for the business for a long time, so it feels pretty good to finally tick it off!”

Meanwhile, Scott Graham from Specialist Rural Services in Rotorua said, “I’ve been fencing for nearly 20 years and just became Accredited. We know we run a good business, but now everyone else does too. It’s great to have a way for the industry to recognise best practice.

Phil wrapped up with, “Let’s face it – in this market any advantage is one worth taking.”

Find out more about FCANZ endorsements at fcanz.org.nz/training/

Written by Jaime Bigwood

The Association would like to formally congratulate all businesses who have achieved the Certified Fencer or Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsement, and acknowledge those who are currently going through the process.