Taylor Finlayson grew up on a dairy farm near Whangarei, where early mornings, calf rearing, and break feeding were a way of life. Watching her parents work hard every day, Taylor absorbed that same work ethic – she never shied away from the physical side of farm life, and she still doesn’t.
After three years in dairy farming, Taylor made the move into fencing at 23, drawn by the outdoors and the satisfaction of hands-on work. “I don’t need a gym – this job keeps me fit,” she laughs.
Taylor spent her first three years in fencing with a company in Wellsford before joining CPC Fencing in Northland, where she’s now been for four years. Over that time, she’s worked her way up from pulling wires and stapling to now handling everything from battening to post bangers and railing.
She’s currently working towards her Level Four Certificate in Fencing, aiming to become the first female in New Zealand to earn the qualification after its relaunch in 2023. “I wanted to broaden my knowledge and keep challenging myself.”
Working between two crews at CPC, Taylor floats wherever she’s needed. She appreciates the camaraderie. “The team was welcoming from the start. I enjoy the banter, and the variety of our work keeps things interesting.”
Her job takes her across the region – from steep hill country to coastal farms. One highlight was a job on the Purerua Peninsula. “The outlook across the ocean was incredible. And on that terrain, you’ve got to stay sharp – it keeps you thinking.”
Outside of work, Taylor runs a small equestrian business, giving lessons and schooling horses. She also competes in show jumping on her two horses. Her family recently bought a new farm, and she’s taking the lead in setting up the horse paddocks and stables. “It’s exciting – I love building something from the ground up.”
For Taylor, fencing is more than a job – it’s about solving problems and doing meaningful work in the great outdoors. “There is something very satisfying about seeing a fence come together, no two days are the same, that’s what I love most,” she said.
Written by Alice Scott
Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ
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