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A week in the life of Nick Terry, Custom Fencing Owner/Operator and Shareholder, Custom Construction

Getting the day started

My alarm usually goes off around 5am. If all’s quiet in the house, I’ll get in a solid hour or so in the office before the kids are up and about. That’s the ideal scenario – but with young kids, it doesn’t always play out like that. If I’ve been up during the night with them, that early start doesn’t always happen.

Business as usual

I run Custom Fencing, and I’m a shareholder in Custom Construction. Like most contractors with a few staff, every day is different, and no two weeks ever really look the same. A fair chunk of my week is spent quoting new jobs, sorting crews, and checking in on progress across our sites. I’ve learned over the years that if I don’t write something down in my calendar, it just won’t happen – it goes in one ear and straight out the other. So the phone calendar is sacred.

Last week gives a pretty good snapshot of what life looks like at the moment. I was pricing up a job in Mosgiel, which is about a 45-minute drive from home. I try not to waste a trip out that way – so I tied that in with some work we had going at HeliOtago, where we were installing and commissioning a new electric gate. That job ended up taking up a good half of the week.

Midweek was also month-end, which meant I was back in the office sorting invoices and sending them out. Paperwork might not be glamorous, but it’s got to be done. I’ve been in business since 2011 – I kicked things off as a one-man band at the age of 26. Back then, it was just me, my ute, and my tools. Things have grown a fair bit since, but the hands-on stuff, including quoting and admin, still comes back to me. I would love to employ someone to do the bookwork, but by the time I have spent 20 minutes discussing the pricing of a job, I could have just done the work myself.

Juggling the workload

I’ll be honest – I’m not one of those people with a perfect work-life balance routine. There are no hard-and-fast rules for when I clock on or off. Some days I’ll choose to be outside doing something physical when I probably should be inside sorting paperwork. Then I find myself up at 10pm finishing the office stuff I put off – and kick myself for not being a bit more disciplined. But I’ve also learned that you can’t afford to sit and stew on things too long. It’s better to just get stuck in and get it done – otherwise your brain’s in overdrive when you should be sleeping.

We’ve now got 10 full-time staff in the fencing business, split into three crews working at different locations most days. It’s a great team – I’m lucky with the crew I’ve built over the years. They’re all great guys, but yeah, there’s always something that crops up. Just this morning, I got a message from one of the guys saying his little one was sick and he’d need the day off tomorrow. That’s life – we just reshuffle a few things and keep the wheels turning.

Workload-wise this year has been flat out. It’s a good problem to have – even if it’s a bit painful at times. This time last year, I was running around like a blue-arsed fly trying to line up enough work to keep the team busy. At any one time, we’d only have a couple of weeks ahead of us – and that’s a stressful way to operate when you’ve got mouths to feed and wages to cover. So, while we’re now dealing with a big volume of jobs on the go, I’d take this situation over last year’s any day.

Team culture

Once a month, we bring the whole team together – fencing and construction – for a full-group toolbox meeting. If everyone’s got their paperwork up to date, I’ll take them all to the local café and shout them. If not, it’s just at the shed with our thermos. At those meetings, we’ll run through any health and safety issues, near misses, incidents, maintenance needs, or equipment breakdowns. Each crew also holds their own weekly toolbox meetings, and we use an app to keep everyone accountable – logging hours, job updates, and health and safety notes on the go.

“We’ve now got 10 full-time staff in the fencing business, split into three crews working at different locations most days. It’s a great team”

Logistics is a big part of my week. Most clients will show us where they want a fenceline and then leave us to it, so part of my role is making sure crews have what they need, where they need it. Most days, the teams will load up from our yard and head out – but sometimes I’ll be running gear or materials out to sites, especially if it’s something urgent or forgotten. That’s the nature of this kind of work – there’s always an unexpected turn.

“Upskilling my team has always been a priority for me, and I encourage them to get along to fencing competition days and learn from the best”

Growing the industry

Upskilling my team has always been a priority for me, and I encourage them to get along to fencing competition days and learn from the best. Tomorrow I’m heading up to the FCANZ National Conference and Awards, and I’m taking one of our guys who has entered the Emerging Talent award. He doesn’t know it yet – but by the time this story comes out, he’ll know that he’s won it. He’s entered the last couple of years and hasn’t quite got over the line, so he’ll be chuffed to take it out this year.

A couple of years ago, I joined the FCANZ Board, and I really enjoy being part of a group of like-minded people who want to raise standards and build community within the fencing industry.

Community support

Being a small business in a tight-knit rural area also means I’m often asked to sponsor events, fundraisers, and local clubs. I don’t really have a set budget for it – I just go with what feels right. If a client is involved in a community project and I know they’ve supported us in return, I’m more than happy to help where I can. But you can’t say yes to everything, and it also depends on cash flow at the time.

Family and community are a big part of my life. My wife Anna and I have two young kids – Alf, who’s five, and Maeley, who’s three. They’re full of energy, and life at home is pretty full-on. I coach Alf’s Year 1 Rippa rugby team, which is chaotic but a heap of fun. It’s great seeing the kids run around, building their confidence and having a laugh.

Anna and I are also part-owners of a couple of harness racehorses with some mates. It’s something we’ve really enjoyed getting into over the past few years. Cup Week in Christchurch is a highlight on the calendar, and over summer we love heading to race days around Central Otago. Last year, both of our horses won consecutive races, including one winning the Cromwell Cup – that was an absolute buzz and a great day out with good people. It’s a nice way to step away from work and switch off.

I’m also involved in our local rugby club and have served a stint as president. These days I’m still on the committee. The Eastern Rugby Club is a great community hub – it’s family-friendly, well-supported, and a place where everyone chips in. It’s good to be involved in something bigger than just business.

When I’m not running the business, you’ll find me out on my dad’s farm, which is nearby. If he’s away or tied up, I’ll jump in to shift a break, feed out, or lend a hand where needed. Just this morning, I spent a few hours carting baleage. It’s always good to muck in – it helps keep the bigger picture in perspective.

Final thoughts

Looking back on where the business started and seeing how it’s grown year on year is something I’m proud of. I’m not really one to sit around and pat myself on the back – there’s always the next job, the next crew to organise, or the next invoice to sort. But every now and then, I guess it’s good to take stock and be grateful for the ride.

As told by Alice Scott

Published in WIRED issue 78/September 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

You may also like: Five-way yards a Magnus Opus for Eastern Otago fencer

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A week in the life of Barakat Contractors Limited AKA Barakat Fencing

“Many hands make light work,” and that is the idea we have from running our fencing business week in and week out. We have a lot of struggles in different areas, including managing the old generation vs new generation dynamic of running the business.

Dale and Carl are the owners of the business and are also a father-son duo. They get along extremely well due to Dale being very patient and having a placid nature, and Carl, with his problem-solving can-do attitude – but they still have their differences at times when trying to keep things running.

Dale’s partner, Lisa, and Carl’s wife, Emma, also work in the business and are vital to keeping the business running efficiently. Although at times Emma would say that working together in the office can present its own challenges – especially still being able to talk to each other come dinner each night.

“For both Dale and Carl, their phones are nonstop – averaging anywhere from 30 to 50 phone calls a day”

With all the dynamics that we have, it is very important that everyone is on the same page, as we all are key in making this business work.

Average week for Barakat Fencing

To prepare for the following week, Dale, Carl and Lisa sit down together (or over the phone if Carl is working on site), planning the following week(s) depending on job durations. Friday is often planning time so that everyone knows their jobs for the following week – although this often changes with staff absences, or inclement weather, over the weekend. It is the basis for Dale and Carl to be able to go into the weekend knowing that all staff and jobs are ready. This planning time also helps with notifying clients, client inductions, booking concrete, material fabrication, accommodation if required, preparing safety packs, and sorting job requirements that are needed for the following week.

Come Monday, often plans have changed – mainly due to staff absences or client delays – so it can be hectic first thing. But from time to time, it goes to plan and the week starts smoothly.

For Dale, every morning starts with an early morning walk down the farm to clear his head for the day. He takes this time to write notes of things to tick off and prepare for organising the staff in the yard, who start arriving around 6.30am. Dale does a lot of roles put together, but often he is on the road meeting with clients, quoting, ordering materials, organising, and doing accounts. Being out of the office and on the road creates catch-up time in the office. Dale often works weekends in the office when it’s quieter and his phone is not interrupting his workflow.

Carl is still physically on the tools – problem solving, quality checking and running a crew/job wherever he is needed. Carl is spending more time in the office quoting higher-spec jobs, problem solving and drafting the drawings of gates, out-of-the-ordinary steel posts, etc. to keep our fabrication guys ahead of the work.

For both Dale and Carl, their phones are nonstop – averaging anywhere from 30 to 50 phone calls a day – from managing staff, clients, machinery maintenance, product orders, suppliers/reps, among other things. This takes a large amount of their time and a lot of follow-up, as every phone call often requires an action.

Our foremen are given jobs ahead of time – a few days out – so they can be loaded up and ready to go. But for them, it is often managing the staff under them and making sure they are on track for concrete bookings, client requirements, and checking in with Dale or Carl to make sure the job is being built to spec.

The following are some key areas we at Barakat Fencing have in place to help our week run as smoothly as possible:

• Logistics – sourcing materials and getting materials, gear, and machinery onsite.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficient logistics play a crucial role in the success of our operation. One of the fundamental aspects of logistics is sourcing materials, fencing gear, and machinery effectively between jobs in a timely manner.

Our yard is well stocked with materials, and we also have two full-time staff working in the workshop fabricating. We have tried to make our business as self-sufficient as possible, so we are not relying on other suppliers or contractors. We have multiple machinery assets – trucks, diggers, loaders, tractors with rammers, vehicles, trailers – including our own Portaloo. These are a key part of running a successful operation and make organising easier when we don’t have to outsource and rely on other parties for completing our work.

• Staff management and wellbeing – managing crews, absences, recruitment

We employ 25 staff, including three Project Managers, six Foremen, two Technicians, two Fabricators, and 11 staff ranging in ability levels, and three casual staff members. Dale and Carl (Directors/Project Managers) are also actively working in the business. We have been fortunate to have most of our Project Managers, Foremen and Technicians with us for 20-plus years, and they are a huge part of Barakat Fencing’s success.

Having several staff at times can be challenging – trying to make sure we can keep them happy and make sure we are looking after their well-being. Having a larger number of staff gives us the flexibility to be able to rotate staff when absences and sickness happen, although this is still challenging when dealing with commercial clients and ensuring staff are compliant and trained for their site.

We recruit staff from time to time, but most have come to us directly or through word of mouth from existing staff. Recruiting staff can be a challenge, as fencing is often associated with just the rural sector. Security fencing is a big part of our business, and we often have to train staff in this area. It also involves a lot more compliance when working on these sites.

We have an open-door policy for our staff and find that with the four of us (Dale, Carl, Lisa and Emma), this works for our staff to communicate with whom they feel most comfortable talking to. It also helps to build strong relationships with them.

• Health and safety – site plans, H&S management, toolbox talks, incident/near miss reporting

Dealing with a number of commercial clients over the years, we have learnt a lot and had to implement a range of different systems to make sure we are compliant. We have built strong relationships with our clients, and this, in turn, has also helped us implement systems that future clients have required from us.

“Dale started this business with his father, and there was a lot less paperwork back then compared to what he manages now”

Lisa and Emma deal with a lot of the health and safety for the business, and are often looking at ways to help our staff understand their obligations and ensure that they are looking after themselves. We hold monthly meetings with all staff, and this is where we do a lot of reporting, check-ins, and cover key points for health and safety management.

Our health and safety systems are still paper-based rather than app-based, as we believe there are some key benefits to having a paper trail and having staff actively reviewing documents rather than on their phones doing ‘tick-box compliance’. This, in turn, has helped us maintain good filing systems so we can track and locate information when required.

We’ve learnt to be adaptable over the years, with clients requiring health and safety done their way – which is why having someone with strong technology skills has been a must for our business. For many of our commercial clients, there are online portals that require individual accounts for each staff member. These portals are used for a range of purposes – from inductions and health & safety documents, to invoicing and account management.

• Operations/Admin – payroll, paperwork, quotes/estimates

Being a multi-generational company, it takes time to make changes, and in the past two years, Barakat Fencing has undergone a lot of administrative changes, by adopting online platforms to speed up processes and ensure nothing gets missed.

Dale started this business with his father, and there was a lot less paperwork back then compared to what he manages now. Dale still does not operate a computer, so we have strong manual systems and follow up in place to make sure nothing gets missed. When the power goes down, Dale always says, “Well, my computer is still working.”

Carl works a lot from his phone for emailing and dealing with clients, but there have been some changes this year. Emma (Carl’s wife) has placed a computer on his desk so he can start utilising it and learning how the online platforms work – she says he’s more than capable!

We’ve used several different platforms over the years – Cashbook, Ace Payroll, MYOB, Xero – for accounting. Now, we’ve consolidated everything into one package: Xero. Emma manages all these areas and has found her computer skills invaluable in adapting and making the most of the software.

We run Word templates for our quotes, as this is the best way to manage the formatting for the two guys (Carl and Dale) doing the quotes. We also have spreadsheets for their workings and pricing sheets made specifically for the different quotes they do – still manually, with a calculator! This system has all the workings so that if someone like Lisa or Emma were to pick up their quote, they can quickly determine what’s required for ordering, or make minor client-requested changes efficiently.

Life after work

Work/Life balance is always a challenge when owning your own business, and this is an area that is a constant juggle for Dale and Carl.

Having the office based at Dale’s property can be a challenge, as it often means staff and clients turn up at all hours – at times, there’s not much privacy outside of work hours for Dale. For Dale and his partner Lisa, their beach house in Whitianga is a retreat where they spend as many weekends as possible – and can stay longer since they’re able to work from there. It’s a place where Dale can relax and go out fishing, which is a big hobby of his.

“We have an open-door policy for our staff and find that with the four of us (Dale, Carl, Lisa and Emma), this works for our staff to communicate with whom they feel most comfortable talking to”

Carl makes sure there’s time for life outside of work. He has many hobbies, but a big part of making this happen was moving his wife Emma and their three kids out to their hill-country farm, about a 30-minute drive from the yard. It’s where they can spend their time with the family in what they call ‘their piece of paradise’. While the farm is leased out because the fencing business is busy, they still get to enjoy the benefits of farm life on weekends – something both Carl and Emma love sharing with their kids.

Our long-standing staff also do a range of hobbies and often enjoy doing them with other Barakat Fencing team members, as many are friends outside of work. A big hobby among our staff is deer and duck shooting, and we often joke that we need to shut down for the months of April/May!

Barakat Fencing has been a multi-generational business, and Carl and Emma have the next generation coming through – their eldest son, aged 11, often helps out during the holidays.

Written by Emma Barakat

Published in WIRED issue 78/September 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

You may also like: Construction by numbers

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New Zealand’s best contractors know that the most important features of good quality wire are ease of use, consistency, and reliability.

With Waratah Longlife Blue® now available in 25kg coils, you can use quality wire to reflect your quality work. But don’t take our word for it – recently we spoke to some of the country’s best contractors about why they love to use Longlife Blue®!

John Noakes, from Noksee Fencing, based at the top of the south in Motueka, with over 20 years’ experience in the fencing industry, shares why he only uses Longlife Blue wire:
“I use Longlife Blue because I want to guarantee my work. I think if you want to be at the top of your game, it comes down to what products you use, and the right materials for me are Waratah. Once you use Longlife Blue, you won’t be using anything else. It’s top of the range.”

Scott Heasley, from Heasley Fencing and Earthworks, based in North Canterbury, has been in the fencing industry for over 35 years. With decades of experience under his belt, Scott has used a variety of fencing materials, but he’s found Waratah Longlife Blue wire to be unmatched:
“It’s nice, soft wire to tie, but you can tension it up and strain the hell out of it. It’s really good. We use it a lot on the coastal stuff, and it doesn’t oxidise the same as a lot of competitor wires do, so we find that really good. The wire doesn’t break – other wire can be inconsistent, and we find the Waratah wire very consistent; every coil is the same. Once you use Blue wire, I think you’re sold on it; it’s really good.”

Mike Renner, of Renner Fencing, a family-owned business, also had great things to say about Waratah Longlife Blue. With 32 years in the business, Mike knows the value of a reliable product. His most recent project involved installing a Waratah fence along a whale trail, where he used a combination of JiO® Star® posts and Longlife Blue wire:
“The blue wire is easier, and you can get a tighter and more consistent knot when tying it off. Hardly ever breaks, just way superior.”

For Mike, the choice is simple. “If you use a crap product, you have to go back and fix it. Using a superior product like Waratah Longlife Blue, it’s a no-brainer. Getting the clients to use them… once they get the feel of them and work with them, they just don’t go back.”

Waratah Longlife Blue 25kg coils have proven they are the contractors’ choice across New Zealand. With its consistent quality, reliability, and ease of use, it’s no wonder that top contractors like Noksee, Scott, and Mike continue to rely on Waratah for their fencing needs.

For more information and to place an order, visit www.waratahfencing.co.nz/products/wire or contact Brendon on 021 393 010

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Published in WIRED issue 78/September 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

You may also like: The contractor’s choice – Waratah® Longlife Blue® 25kg wire coils

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In the world of electric fencing, durability, performance, and sustainability are everything. Enter Durashield™ from Strainrite.

Durashield isn’t just another plastic shell. It’s the result of thoughtful – Strainrite – engineering, deep materials science, and real-world testing. Whether you’re upgrading an existing line or specifying your next build, Durashield is designed to make the job easier, the fence stronger, and the environmental impact smaller.

Redefining durability

Pre-fitted to Strainrite’s trusted Cliplock and XT1 strainers, Durashield delivers rugged performance – especially in wet conditions, where lesser insulators often fail. It significantly outperforms both our previous models and leading competitors in high-voltage testing, thanks to its unique interlocking join design and a body shape inspired by high-voltage transmission insulators.

The result? Less arcing, less breakdown, and longer service life – even under sustained exposure to harsh sun, rain, and dirt.

Retrofit ready

You don’t need to start from scratch to upgrade. Durashield can be retrofitted to existing Cliplock wire strainers, avoiding the cost and hassle of full replacement. And if a shell is damaged, just replace the shell – not the entire strainer. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to manage wear and tear in the field.

Material matters

Not all plastics are created equal. While some insulators still rely on basic polymers, Durashield is made from UV-stable ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) – a premium-grade material commonly used in exterior car parts, playgrounds, and window frames.

ASA is prized for its exceptional resistance to UV, moisture, impact, and temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use. And there’s more – 60% of the ASA in Durashield comes from post-consumer recycled material, supporting a more circular economy without compromising strength or reliability.

Debunking the “Join” myth

Some have raised concerns that the “join” in Durashield’s two-part shell might collect dirt and allow current to track. But real-world testing paints a different picture.

In extreme simulations of wet, dirty farm conditions, Durashield showed no failure through the front join – even at 12kV–15kV. That’s because the interlocking tabs in the front join create a long, non-linear tracking path, not an open gap. In short: no shortcuts for electricity.

Durashield consistently outperformed all plastic-bodied insulated strainers tested, including leading competitors.

The verdict

Durashield is more than just an insulator – it’s a smarter, stronger, and more sustainable way to build and maintain electric fencing. With its next-level wet weather performance, replaceable shells, and ASA-engineered durability, Durashield is made to last.

Durashield™. Built for the fence. Engineered for the future. Proudly made in New Zealand.

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Published in WIRED issue 78/September 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

You may also like: Strainrite’s game-changing Durashield

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A fencing contractor’s choice of prime mover is largely driven by capability, safety and fast, comfortable progress on the road between jobs.

The Deutz Fahr tractors offer a compelling package that calls on the history of the family-owned SDF Group, which, having been formed in the early part of the twentieth century, went on to become an early adopter of the diesel engine, offered the world’s first four-wheel drive in 1952 and today is a big hitter in global tractor sales.

Already well known in the sector, the Agrofarm Series offers a low centre of gravity, a mechanical four-wheel drive, true four-wheel braking and 100% locking diffs on both axles. These features offer the benefits of surefootedness, safety and the ability to overcome difficult terrains.

The Agrofarm 5105C and 5125C offer 106 and 125hp respectively, using the latest generation Farmotion, 4-cylinder, four-litre engines, with high torque reserves and unrivalled low fuel consumption, offering quiet operation and long working days.

A wet-clutch, powershuttle/powershift transmission allows precise matching of speed to conditions, with the 5125 model also offering a standard creep set for precise movement in tough conditions. Both models also feature the patented Stop-Go function, allowing the tractor to be brought to a stop just by pressing the brake pedal, then releasing it to move away again.

Oversized tyre equipment, complemented by adjustable wheels, allows a wider track width setting, to deliver stability on slopes, alongside improved balance for heavy, side-mounted post hitters. At the rear of the machine, the hydraulic system offers maximum lift capacities of up to 5,410 kg, three rear remote valves with flow regulation and an external lift control for added convenience.

Travelling between jobs is made easy and comfortable, with a 40kph road speed, a cabin mounted on silent-bloc suspension, complemented by air conditioning, an air-suspended seat, rubber floor mats and a high output lighting system for travel and work.

For those looking to handle heavier post-driver units, particularly those with rotational bases, the 6125C-RV Shift tractor offers power up to a max of 136hp, mated to a full 20+16 full powershift transmission, with working and transport modes, alongside automated powershifts. As always, safety is integral, with 4WD, 100% locking front and rear diffs and independent, integral four-wheel disc brakes and an electro-hydraulic park brake.

At the business end of the tractor, lift capacity is 7,000 kg, complemented by a load-sensing hydraulic pump, delivering up to 120L/min on demand, via three mechanically controlled external remotes. When travelling above 25 kph, the rear linkage locks out for safety, while at the same time, engaging a soft-ride function for smoother travelling.

Both Series are available with the German-built, Stoll FZ 39-27, self-levelling loaders, delivering a 3.8m lift height and 1,800 kg lift capacity, offering the ability to easily handle large post bundles. This is complemented by boom suspension for smooth travel on the road and when traversing difficult terrain, with a Euro hitch coupling for quick implement changes.

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Published in WIRED issue 78/September 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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Fencing in New Zealand demands gear that works with the land, not against it. Tight deadlines, tough terrain, and high customer expectations call for equipment that installs quickly, holds strong, and lasts the distance.

Tested in real-world environments, Gallagher products are built to help contractors work faster without compromising on strength or finish.

Voltage performance starts and ends with solid electrical connections. Gallagher’s heavy-duty joint clamp is built for dependable conductivity across multiple joins, maintaining consistent voltage along the fence line. “Poor connections can be incredibly hard to track down and fix, costing contractors time and potentially damaging their reputation,” Troy explains. “Our clamps are engineered to bite down and stay tight, so power stays where it’s needed.”

Gallagher’s end-of-line systems, such as the high strain insulator kit and insulated wire strainer kit, come pre-assembled with integrated insulators and wire rope, and a built-in heavy-duty joint clamp. This integration removes the need for hand-tying and separate clamps, improves finish consistency, and ensures uniform tension every time. “On a long run, the ability to clip, strain, and move on without extra tools can save hours on a project – and those efficiencies really stack up over a season,” says Troy Batters, Gallagher’s Fencing Product Manager.

In country that’s steep, wet, or coastal, Gallagher’s Insulated Line Posts make fencing possible where traditional methods may fall short. No separate insulators, and no need for heavy equipment – just drive them in and clip off. Their lightweight build makes them easy to carry over rough terrain, while the flexible fibreglass core maintains line integrity on uneven ground. Fully insulated and UV-stabilised, they stand up to tough weather and coastal conditions without rust or corrosion. Snap-on insulators mean no nails and no protruding parts, improving safety for both stock and handlers – a key reason they’re increasingly used for equine fencing. “Once you’ve worked with them, you quickly see how much time they save and how versatile they are,” says Troy, “They open up fencing options in places you might have thought were too difficult or expensive to tackle.”

For electric systems, earthing remains the foundation. Multiple rods, correctly spaced and driven deep, deliver the best results. In dry or sandy soils, pairing this with an earth return wire system ensures animals complete the circuit wherever they touch. Many performance issues can be traced back to poor earthing – getting it right from the start avoids troubleshooting later and keeps fences working at full strength.

At Gallagher, the measure of success is simple: fences that go in faster, perform better, and stand the test of time. It’s about delivering the kind of reliability contractors can build their reputation on – season after season.

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Published in WIRED issue 78/September 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

You may also like: Revolutionising remote fencing with Gallagher’s new ‘talking fence’

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In early 2025, PermaPine achieved FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certification – a milestone that speaks volumes about our commitment to sustainable timber sourcing.

For fencing contractors across Aotearoa, this is more than just a badge on the paperwork. It’s a signal that you can trust the wood in your hands from source to site.

The Forest Stewardship Council® is an international nongovernmental organization that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests.

Why FSC matters to the fencing sector

FSC certification is not handed out lightly. It requires rigorous checks across the entire supply chain, ensuring that every log harvested meets strict environmental, social, and economic standards. For contractors, it’s peace of mind that your posts and poles are sourced responsibly, supporting long-term forest health, legal harvesting practices, and community wellbeing.

We’re also seeing FSC requirements come up more often in tenders from local and central government, particularly councils, the Department of Conservation, and other agencies where environmental responsibility is front and centre. Having FSC certification puts our contractors in a stronger position to meet these evolving expectations.

There is also a growing concern that forests in New Zealand are being harvested faster than they are being replanted. FSC certification directly addresses this by requiring that forests are managed sustainably, ensuring long-term balance and continuity of supply.

At a time when customers are paying more attention to how and where materials are sourced, FSC gives you a clear edge. It is a quality marker that holds weight across rural, infrastructure, and lifestyle markets.

PermaPine’s commitment to contractors

Let’s be straight. We didn’t pursue FSC accreditation because we had to; we did it because we back better practice, and we know contractors do too. We’ve long invested in producing consistently high performing roundwood, guided by NZ standards like NZS 3605 and NZS 3640. FSC is another step in hat same direction.

For those on the tools, this means the products you spec or pick up from your local merchant come with full chain of custody transparency. From pine plantation to posthole, it’s the same quality timber, just with stronger assurance.

Sustainability without compromise

PermaPine’s FSC certified range includes all of our posts and poles, treated to specification and supplied through a national distribution network. We’ve always prided ourselves on the details: top-quality product, consistent treatment, reliable availability. FSC doesn’t change that, it reinforces it.

By offering certified products, we’re helping ensure that sustainable options are available and accessible, whether you’re fencing a lifestyle block, a council reserve, or a 1,000 hectare station.

What’s in it for FCANZ members?

• Confidence in supply that meets best practice forestry and environmental benchmarks
• Added value in tenders or contracts that call for sustainability credentials
• A trusted long-term partner who understands the demands of fencing in New Zealand

Let’s talk

If you’re keen to specify FSC certified product on your next project, or just want to know more about what it means in practice, get in touch with the PermaPine team. We’re proud to be raising the bar in the New Zealand fencing sector, and even prouder to support the contractors doing the work on the ground.

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Published in WIRED issue 78/September 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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Wherever you go, the STIHL KOA 20 Battery Air Compressor is your ultimate portable inflation companion. Whether you’re at home, on the road, or venturing off the beaten track, this compact yet powerful tool offers quick, effortless inflation and deflation wherever you need it.

Designed for convenience, reliability, and performance, the KOA 20 takes the hassle out of pumping up tyres, inflatables, and recreational gear, saving you time and effort.

With a maximum pressure of 150 psi, the KOA 20 is powerful enough for a wide range of tasks – from inflating car and bike tyres to topping up truck and trailer tyres. It’s also ideal for sporting enthusiasts, perfect for inflating basketballs, footballs, or netballs on the fly. If you enjoy outdoor adventures, you’ll love its ability to quickly inflate paddleboards, kayaks, and inflatable boats, making it an essential piece of gear for beach days, camping trips, or weekends away.

The KOA 20 truly shines in remote and rural settings. For those navigating rough terrain, such as accessing a hard-to-reach fence line or track, tyre deflation is often necessary to improve traction. With the KOA 20 in your vehicle, you can easily deflate and then reinflate your tyres once you’re back on the road. It’s the perfect tool for farmers, tradies, 4WD enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.

Portability meets practicality with the KOA 20’s compact design. It fits easily in the boot of your car, or even a backpack, making it an ideal companion for both planned trips and unexpected situations. Whether you’re inflating an air mattress at the campsite, a pool float at the beach, or simply keeping your car tyres at optimal pressure, the KOA 20 is always ready.

Its user-friendly interface features a top-facing digital display, allowing you to toggle between high-pressure and high-volume modes with ease. You can set your desired PSI, monitor battery life, and view real-time pressure feedback – all at the touch of a button. Once the target pressure is reached, the compressor automatically stops, ensuring consistent results and preventing over-inflation.

Additional features include a built-in LED light for use in low-light conditions, allowing you to work confidently at dusk, dawn, or even in emergencies. The automatic shut-off function activates after five minutes of inactivity, preserving battery life and maximising time between charges.

The KOA 20 comes equipped with multiple valve adapters and both high-pressure and high-volume hoses, all neatly stored on the unit itself for fast, easy access. This makes switching between different inflatables and tyres a breeze.

With a run time of up to 20 minutes using the STIHL AS 2 battery, you’ll have plenty of power to get the job done. Even better, the KOA 20 is part of the STIHL AS Battery Range – meaning the same battery and charger can be used across multiple STIHL tools for even more convenience and value.

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Published in WIRED issue 78/September 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)

After an amazing few days in Taupo attending the FCANZ Conference as your patron, the point was not lost on me that the FCANZ people are a great tribe to belong to.

When we talk about “your tribe”, they can be whoever you decide are your people; the ones who support you, watch you grow, and celebrate your success. They can be family, your sports mates, colleagues or workmates, or your chosen friends. There can be more than one tribe in different areas of your life, but basically, they are the ones you respect, the ones you trust with your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. They are also the ones you go to war with, and in return, they see the same in you.

Generosity in spades

My heartfelt gratitude to Strainrite for their donation of $1,500 from the sale of stock sticks at the Fieldays. The purchase of the leftover dozen by Shaun Davies of Davies Fencing at the FCANZ Conference was also welcomed, as we are a charity, and every dollar helps!

Lean on a Gate update

As the Conference progressed (well managed by the two Js at the wheel), I got time to explain what we had been up to with the ‘Lean on a Gate’ campaign. We have developed and signed off in Parliament, a Memorandum of Understanding with Mates in Construction, to be able to offer real mental health training to the rural sector. We will offer this to fencers through to fertiliser reps, vets to bank staff, agronomists to auctioneers, and the many other roles in between which make up our primary industries.

This project is something I, and others in the charity, have been working on for the last two years, as we have really seen the need. We also want more collaboration between the services available to rural New Zealand and hope to champion them. It has not been lost on me that the many thousands of dollars spent on celebrity speakers over the last few years have opened the door for people to seek help, or even offer help, but where to go is the issue.

Grassroots training to strengthen communities, with the backup of the many services Mates in Construction and others have, is where we need to spend the valuable dollars now. This was well supported by those attending the Taupo event, and to be honest, it meant the world to me. It became apparent to me, standing in front of the FCANZ members, that there was an emotive response from many in the room. It created an outpouring of gratitude and emotion from me. Or was there someone chopping onions in the kitchen next door?

The truth is, FCANZ supported me with some of the first donations to the charity, and has done so every year. I realised that my tribe – the FCANZ tribe – has enabled, supported and watched our kaupapa grow to where it is now a well-recognised support network, facilitating help, and adding strength to rural NZ. This is our journey, and I thank you! What it means to me was obvious – as I fought back the tears of relief – that we now have this partnership in the making with Mates.

Congratulations

I’d like to congratulate the award winners and nominees for the respective FCANZ industry awards. I always look forward to judging the Emerging Talent award, and feel privileged for the chance to MC the evening. We have some great people in the industry, and to have the sponsor’s reward them, and their peers to applaud them, is a worthy cause.

On the last day of Conference, I checked out, not before having a nice breakfast with Phil Cornelius and Donna Upton, the President and his Advisor. Their commitment to the industry is huge. It takes its toll and should be rewarded, even if only with the odd “thanks for what you do,” or the offer of a beer or coffee would go a long way in rewarding them for their efforts. They are people-orientated and driven to see the industry succeed – an asset that would not easily be replaced.

From a Patrons point of view, I think we are well served, and they have – at their own costs – represented us well. Let’s help them where possible to continue their great work!

Flying out of Taupo, I sat next to Joe Schmidt, the legendary rugby coach. I asked him what makes a good coach. His answer, “They won’t care about what you know, until they know you care.” This is what makes us humans: compassion and empathy, which equals support.

Arriving home and holding the couch down, I got a video call from Donna to tell me the good buggers at Conference had raised $8,000+ for the charity, to support us further. Again, those mysterious onions got in my eyes…
You’re a bloody good tribe – you’re my tribe, and I’m so very grateful!

 

Published in WIRED issue 78/September 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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