It was a soggy, blustery day in the Waikato, the kind of weather that would have many choosing to stay indoors. Yet around 40 dedicated fencing contractors and their teams gathered at the paddocks behind Gallagher’s head office site, ready to get hands-on with the tools of the trade.
Among them was a team from Northland – Dave Lloyd (D B L Contractors) and his crew – making the long drive south. The weather may have been wet, but spirits were high.
Leading the charge was Neil Robertson, an Accredited Fencer with an impressive 50-year track record. Assisted by other skilled fencers, Neil demonstrated a full suite of fencing techniques, bringing theory to life in a way only decades of experience can.
Attendees watched as stays and blocks were expertly cut and fitted with chainsaws, breast blocks installed for strainers, and end-of-strain insulators tied with precision. Wire tensioning, joining methods, insulator installation with staple guns and hammers, footing in soft soil, and end straining were all demonstrated – each skill a masterclass in efficiency, safety, and adaptability.
Safety was woven into every demonstration. Attendees were reminded of the importance of eye protection, chainsaw PPE, wire end control, and terrain awareness. Neil stressed that quality tools make a difference – not just for results, but for personal safety. The subtleties of precision in joins, the right tension in wires, and footing techniques were all dissected in real time, giving contractors practical insights they could take straight back to the fence line.
Questions flowed freely. “How do you cut the correct angle for a stay in the strainer post?” one attendee asked. “How many twists are enough for wire tension?” asked another. Topics ranged from knot strength under extreme tension to handling loose blocks in soft ground and encouraging staff to adopt PPE. Neil and the team shared tips from decades in the field, including techniques for difficult terrain, effective end straining, and hands-on solutions to common challenges.
FCANZ Partners were also on hand – Beattie Insulators, Waratah, Gallagher, Farmlands, Summit Steel & Wire, Bayonet, Kyne and Mitchpine – bringing products, expertise, and hands-on support. They discussed insulator types, wire options, and electric fence units, giving attendees the chance to see modern fencing tools in action and ask direct questions. Their engagement highlighted the value of collaboration between industry bodies and contractors in raising professional standards.
Despite the mud, wind, and rain, the day was filled with laughter and camaraderie. The factory tour was a hit, and the hot lunch provided a welcome break from the wet conditions. Anecdotes were shared, jokes cracked, and practical wisdom passed from one generation of fencers to the next.
The day reinforced a simple truth: active engagement, hands-on practice, and knowledge-sharing are vital for developing skills and confidence. Fencing continues to evolve, and events like this, endorsed by FCANZ, demonstrate the tangible benefits of practical training, industry collaboration, and a shared commitment to safety and excellence. By the end of the day, it was clear that even in the wettest, windiest conditions, the fencing community thrives on connection, learning, and a shared love for the craft.
It was great to have Phil Cornelius, Jeanette Miller, Ben Fisher (FCANZ crew), and Debbie Robertson (Rural Safe) helping with set up and tidy up of the event. Without this support, these events would not happen. Thanks team.
Written by Neil Robertson
Published in WIRED issue 79/December 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ
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