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The 2024 U.S. Platinum Strainer Doubles Championship is the USA’s first known farm/ranch handiwork competition. It was held in late August in Galax, Virginia, at the East Coast Fencing Rivalry (ECFR), a fencing event that was started three years ago by Derrick Cox. 

This year’s event saw twenty-five exhibitors, or ‘sponsors’ as they are termed, with attendees coming from a number of States. 

The fence line was designed to reflect the type of fencing US farm fencers undertake, taking into account local ground conditions (hard with rocks), with king posts (strainers) being pre-driven and the post holes predrilled to 24 inches (600 mms) width, backfilled and tampered. 

The Fence specifications were lines that were 100 feet in length (30 odd metres), Pre-driven king posts, driven to 50 inches in height. 8-foot long line posts were put in by hand, with post heights also 50 inches (1120 mm). 6 x strands of Bekaert brand 12.5 gauge high tensile wire with wire spacings measured from the top of the post down 10, 18, 26, 34 & 42 inches (look those up yourself) and wire tension 180 pounds (80 kgs). The brace assembly was a diagonal brace at each end with the top of the strut (stay) measuring 19 inches (48 mm) from the top of the king post down. In a homage to New Zealand fencing, oak wooden droppers with wire clips were used – to be installed evenly spaced between the posts. The king and line posts were sourced from Keystone Fence Supplies, and the oak droppers from Kencove Farm Supplies. 

There was a time limit of 3 hours. A time penalty was not applied on the competition as the intent was to focus on quality, especially for this first year. 

Three teams lined up, Alex Masser (Pennsylvania) and Jason Day (Virginia), Zachery Cordrey and David Jordan (both South Carolina), Luke Gibson (Indiana) and Sebron Jessrup (North Carolina).
Judges were Steve Sorrenson, who spent 21 years working for Bekaert, five years with Soldlock and four years with Kencove Farm Supplies; Bryce Taylor (Taylor Fencing), a one-time champion of the 2022 East Coast Fencing Rivalry machinery competition; Rory Halliburton (Halliburton Fencing), a fencing contractor from Tennessee; and Cody Cox, who worked alongside Derrick for a number of years. 

Impressive from the start was the lineup of pickups and the orderliness and range of the tools laid out behind the start line. You would think these guys were seasoned competitors, though Zachery and David admitted to picking up their post hole borer that morning.  The public was interested in what the competitors were doing and questioned the techniques, with a positive response. 

“It was a great experience, and we look forward to growing this competition and exhorting the merits of using these types of competitions to grow knowledge, and demonstrate the value of good workmanship. The aim of this competition is to bring out the best of American fencing” comments Derrick. 

The placings were: 

1st Alex Masser and Jason Day
2nd Luke Gibson and Sebron Jessup
3rd Zachery Cordrey and David Jordan 

The U.S. Platinum Strainer Doubles Championship is the United States qualifier event for an invitational line in the Fieldays® Silver Spades Doubles Competition, so the winners will be competing in New Zealand at the June 2024 Fieldays®. 

The next day, five teams competed in the East Coast Fencing Rivalry machinery fencing competition, which has been held over the past three years. Added to the previous day’s judging panel was Alex Masser. 

With a time-limit of 3 ½ hours, competitors had to start with sourcing their materials from stockpiles located at the bottom of the hill, so there was machinery movement in all directions while materials were laid and before the posting started. The fence line being erected was 135 feet (41 metres) with netting, plus a top barb wire, two end assemblies of the competitor’s own choice (the end assemblies only judged on whether they were installed correctly), and an 8-foot section of rail fencing at one end. 

The Doubles Championship placings were 

1st Luke Gibson (Indiana) and Sebron Jessup (North Carolina)
2nd Roger Rhodes and Rodney Rhodes (Indiana)
3rd Henry Shaull (Wisconsin) and Associate 

Article written by Debbie White 

Tony and Debbie White travelled to the ECFR where Tony demonstrated rail work. 

Published in Training & Events in WIRED Issue 71 / December 2023 by Fencing Contractors NZ

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While we’ve been busy as a husband and wife team running our business that we started in 2018, it has always been one of our goals to work towards becoming Accredited Fencing Contractors’ through FCANZ.  Last year, the September intake for the Certificate in Fencing (Level 3) course started in Karapiro, near Cambridge.  

We decided that this was our opportunity to get ourselves involved, and also offer this opportunity to our staff. So, before we knew it, we were enrolled with NorthTec Te Pukenga. Over the next 35 weeks, we then worked towards getting our qualifications.  

While some of you would think that it’s a risky game fencing with your husband, we actually work quite well together. In the early days, I struggled to even put on an insulator, but these days, I can just about do it in my sleep. So, it was very natural to decide to complete the fencing course together. It has its advantages as you can assist each other with taking photo/video evidence of each other’s work, and you can also plan who is taking the lead on what jobs to ensure that you document all the evidence required. 

Our written bookwork was a different story. We would often complete bookwork at the same time and share differing opinions on what the answer was, discussing where the other found the information for their answer. Doing the course has provided me with access to some excellent resources for when future staff complete the course. I printed the Power Fence Systems manual from the Gallagher website, as well as ordered a hard copy of the Fencing the Proven Way manual from WIREMARK®. I’m glad I did print these guides off, as we had a computer glitch and all our digital bookwork was lost, so I was able to help our staff member by giving him these so he could redo his bookwork. Thankfully, I’m more old school and had printed ours off, so I still had a hard copy. 

I found with the bookwork that often I would know how to do a task, but I didn’t always know the technical name or reasons behind it. Steve often had great satisfaction in telling me he already knew the answer, but that’s what 17 years in the fencing industry does to you. Steve’s had to learn to work it out as there wasn’t the training there is today. 

Getting staff involved in the course, not only helped to create a strong standard within the fencing industry but also had the bonus that staff could gain unit standards in things like chainsaws, tractors etc. Having some externally provided training is a bonus as it helps to back up any internal training we offer. 

If you’re a school lever and want to enter the fencing industry, I’d recommend calling around your local fencing contractors, mention that you want to complete this course and see if they will invest their time into your future and take you under their wing. This would give you the opportunity to gain some skills before completing the course, and it would give you a variety of work to help assist you in collating all the photo and video evidence required to pass the course.  

As for Steve and myself, we are extremely proud of ourselves and our staff member Arvind for putting in the hard work to gain the Certificate in Fencing (Level 3) qualification. Steve and I will definitely be enrolling in the Level 4 Certificate in Fencing course in 2024.  

Article written by Sarah Collins
S & S Fencing Contractors

Published in the Professional Development Feature in WIRED Issue 71 / December 2023 by Fencing Contractors NZ

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For a Board member and his wife, the lead up to the conference and National Fencing Field Day can be hectic and stressful. A winter holiday was just what was needed.

Trying to get fencing work finished and setting the staff up with easy stuff so they won’t need to ring you at an inconvenient time, like at happy hour! Making sure they have everything they need. Trying to keep the wife believing that you are really organised. Replying to the almost continuous flood of emails, flying back and forth between the FCANZ Board and admin team. Throwing clothes in some bags and stuffing gear in the back of the Ute, on the Sunday that you were driving down to New Plymouth, and not the day before like was planned. As I tell myself, and Angelina, just trying to get another fence finished. Not to mention the pesky little email from Heather, reminding us that we were supposed to get our Wired articles in before the Conference and not afterwards. Sorry Heather, but here it is.

To the stray delegate attending Fencing’s pinnacle event of the year, you probably think the Board is cruising around with not much to do and the admin team are as cool as cucumbers. We are pro’s at hiding how busy we are, and you have your head in the clouds. And, yes, for those that didn’t grace us with their presence, I can’t do much about the weather that happened on the Wednesday, but it is winter, and the rest of it was really good, but I’m not telling you anymore. You should have been there.

It’s really not much fun for the poor wife to be abandoned by her Board member husband every time something needed to be done. I really have to congratulate her. We hardly argued at all, and she even got an hour or so shopping time. Thank you Dear for being such a good wife.

As we headed off on Saturday morning after breakfast, packing and lots of goodbyes, we made the crazy decision to head south. Yes, we were stuffed, yes it would add another 3 hours to an already 6-hour drive, but we sometimes do out-there things.

I’m going to call it a mental health drive, and we have done it before. The plan was fairly casual. Head south to Whanganui, then follow the road to Raetihi, shoot across the pass to Ohakune, lunch at Waiouru, then home via Taupo.

The drive from Whanganui to Raetihi was the best part, lots of winding corners, steep ridgelines that meet the sky way up, with fencing in crazy places. I think I prefer fencing in Northland. You really get a good look at the back country, almost a snapshot into what life might have been like many years ago. And glimpses of the Mangawhero river, with its cascading waterfalls, lazily cutting its way through the valley below the road as it headed out to the mighty Tasman sea.

We had the typical blight that seems to be getting more common, like the occasional set of traffic lights and cones, forcing traffic into one lane, where the rest of the road has vanished into the gully below, and the funny looking fella with a sleazy grin on a pink sign, strategically placed in so many locations. He really must like himself to want to be everywhere.

Raetihi is an interesting place. It reminded me of Moerewa, so we didn’t stop. Lunch at Waiouru was fantastic, but the drive over the Desert Road was a little disappointing. You would think, crossing it in winter, there would be some snow around. But on this occasion, it was just blobs of ice and a few random “Ice men”, and even they looked sad.

Angelina snoozed most of the road to Taupo and I just sat back and enjoyed the drive with a little Genesis and Crowded House, and other easy listening playing on Spotify. As my grown kids say, “old person music”.

Other than the hustle and bustle of Auckland traffic, we made it back home with no trouble at all, but that is to be expected when you drive a Holden.

People often ask us why we drive to Conference. It’s not the drive there that counts, it’s the drive home.  

Article written by Shane Beets
www.a1FenceworX.co.nz

Published in the Our People Section in WIRED Issue 70 / September 2023 by Fencing Contractors NZ

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When I pulled into New Plymouth for the 2023  FCANZ Conference I wasn’t expecting to feel this sense of… hmmm… I’m not actually sure what it was. 

I mean, it’s probably not usual to see the Novotel carpark filled with huge dirty 4WD Utes squeezed into tiny city-car spaces. As I drove past them I recognised the sign-writing of each (oooo they’re here!) Maybe what I felt was a sense of “This is us” – a sense of belonging. 

This really surprised me because I’ve always felt like fencing is Shaun’s thing and I’m just in the background making things flow (and tidying up the mess.)

But this is my third Conference now and I know that when everyone gets here there’s this overwhelming vibe of “We Are All Fencers Together” but in a very quiet, understated way. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Like, walking into the AGM and swimming through the sea of checkered shirts, jeans and dirty work boots. – In. The. Novotel! This is a bunch of people who say “We will wear whatever we want!” or if you’re Shaun, “We will wear what we wore yesterday!” There’s no prestige here. 

This became blatantly obvious when half way through the AGM I saw Noksee take off his shirt to reveal….a black bush singlet! In. The. Novatel! I almost laughed out loud at the bold audacity. Except, there is nothing bold about it. It is just what we do around here.  This is refreshing, as a woman, to know that whatever I want to wear to conference is ok. Jeans – tick. Trackies – tick. Designer dress – tick. Black singlet – double tick (I should probably test this statement next year.) There’s no dress code. You’re welcomed as you are. 

This is what I love about FCANZ Conferences. The people are just down-to-earth-real and all joined in the desire to enhance the fencing industry. Even board members don’t put themselves on a pedestal. They just show up and say their bit, humbly and humorously, despite the enormous amount of effort they’ve put in over the year. They don’t do it for an accolade. They simply want to see the fencing industry grow in value. Which means they want to see us be more valued. Ka pai guys. 

The FCANZ partners contribute to this as well. They’re not sales-reppy, but just ‘one of the gang’ and voice their ideas for industry growth as passionately as we do. However, once quiz night starts, it’s very much dog eat dog. I had a very vocal, hilarious and memorable partner at my table who would competitively fist pump and seat-jump each time we got a question right. 

The speaker, Stephen Caunter, who hilariously kept the room enthralled for two hours, talked about the benefits of helping staff to feel connected, that they are ‘a part of something’. And Craig “Wiggy” Wiggins, creator of Lean on a Gate, Talk to a Mate – a charity to raise awareness of mental health and prevention of suicide – talked about connection too. 

A sense of belonging is when you feel unity and connection. We are hard wired this way because when we were cavemen it was awfully unsafe to be isolated or outcast and not have the protection of our clan. When we feel like we belong we feel safe and can relax. In this way, it can also be a protective factor, helping us manage stress, creating resilience, increasing happiness and mental health. Research shows that when we feel like we lack a sense of belonging we lose purpose and meaning to our lives, often leading to depression. 

So, when our son turned up on the last day to be present for his nomination for the Emerging Talent – Youth Award, I was not surprised to hear him say the next day “This is cool mum. Everyone here is so friendly and interested in my work and keen to yarn about fencing.” It was his first time at Conference and yet he found it so easy to belong.

And that’s the extra special thing about belonging to FCANZ and coming to Conference, is that not only do you ‘fit in’ regardless of what kind of fencing you do, how new you are, how old or young you are, or what you’re wearing, but you ‘belong’ from the moment you drive your big dirty Ute into the carpark. 

Come to Conference next year. I’d love to see you there. You’ll find me. I might be in a black bush singlet. Hopefully you don’t confuse me for Noksee. 

Article written by Angelena Davies
www.daviesfencing.com

Read the Conference 2023 wrap-up.

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Fencing Industry Excellence Recognised

At the August 2023 annual Conference held in New Plymouth, the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) recognised three excellent fencers through the inaugural FCANZ Industry Awards.

A New Award

FCANZ has replaced the lifetime membership award, which has been presented twice before, with a re-invigorated Legacy Award. The first lifetime membership award was presented to the late Bill Schuler, a legendary fencer with a name known by many. The second was to Frank Prince for his work on the NZ Wire Industries National Certificate in Fencing Master Fencer manual, which was delivered at Flock House.

The new Legacy Award will be a special and infrequently awarded honour as part of the industry awards, and recipients receive honorary FCANZ Life Membership. It is for individuals of the highest calibre – the best of the best – who are recognised as having significantly contributed to the growth of the fencing industry by their own deeds, in a giving capacity.

2023 Legacy Award Recipient

Long-time fencer and fencing competition legend Paul Van Beers was presented with the Legacy Award for his contribution to the fencing industry.

Paul has won the Golden Pliers 13 times (plus another win the year the competition went to Central Districts) and the Fieldays Silver Spades 14 times, including a win alongside his son Jason in 2015. Paul has also won the World Power Fencing Competition in Germany twice. He has fenced in New Zealand, the US and China, demonstrated in New Zealand, the US and Australia, and been a demonstrator at All About Fencing events and FCANZ Best Practice Days.

He is held in very high regard by fencing competitors, has long been seen as the “one to beat”, and is an industry example of a high level of workmanship. The farming community are also fans, with farmers heading to the Fieldays specifically to watch “Paul Van Beers”. As Debbie White, FCANZ Vice President, said in her address, “What makes this Award special is that Paul amplifies the true value of the fencing industry as a profession. FCANZ are honoured to be able to be able to award the Legacy award to Paul.”

2023 Emerging Talent – Youth Winner

Taylor Barr, from Tawai Fencing in Kimbolton, won the Emerging Talent – Youth Award for under-25-year-olds in the industry, who have shown a commitment to fencing as a career and demonstrated growth and excellence in their workplace. Nominated by their employers, the finalists and winners were determined by a panel of independent assessors based on visual evidence provided and through interviews with finalists. Judges said, “The three finalists are all sterling young candidates who have obviously earned the respect of their employers. We’d all happily employ any one of them. Taylor clearly understands client needs, using the right materials and working within the client budget. He helped in Wairoa post-cyclone and is passionate about what he does both during his workday and in his personal time.”

2023 Trainee of the Year

The Trainee of the Year award recognises a worker who was enrolled in an NZQA National Certificate in Fencing Level 3 course during 2022 and has demonstrated to the tutor that they have excellent knowledge and skills in fence line installation. There were 4 finalists for this award, with Michael Conijn from Custom Fencing in Dunedin taking out the honours.

Judges’ comments stated that Michael “Demonstrates exceptional workmanship, shows natural leadership within teams and has no hesitation in sharing his knowledge to help upskill others. His assessments were completed to a high standard, he works well in the team environment, is dedicated and focused, and Health & Safety minded.”

Final Word

Debbie went on to say, “The calibre of nominees was incredibly high, and so we congratulate both the finalists and winners. Being nominated and making it as a finalist is recognition of the high regard that these fencers and their work are held in. We look forward to seeing what they all achieve in the coming years, and to see who the recipients are of the 2024 FCANZ Industry Awards”.

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Melanie Weir interviewed members of the Board to give you the answers on the brand refresh. Read on to understand why?

So Brad why are we changing the brand?

I think this comes down to three main reasons,  we needed to strengthen and modernise the brand, we need to clarify the logo, so that it easily communicates what the Association does, much like Master Builders or Certified Builders brands. And we need to move the brand from rural centric design, to represent all sectors of the fencing trade.

And who’s idea was it to make these changes?

The 2018 Board unanimously decided that alongside the refreshed strategic direction and growth of the Association, it was time to review the messaging, value and strength of the brand.

Was a change needed?

If we want to keep expanding our reach to parts of the fencing trade other than rural, we will need to ensure our brand encompasses all areas for the trade.

And Andy who was consulted about these changes?

The Board became the panel of members, a focus group, who connected on logic, design and value of the brand and we tested designs with expert support. We have had previous feedback from the general public experiencing the brand which included points like a lack of clarity, ‘who is FCANZ’ ‘what do you do’ ‘is it New Zealand something?’, what does ‘FCANZ’ stand for?

And what’s the cost?

There will be a cost for members to add the new logo to their advertising over time, though we hope this will not be too significant. Fencing Contractors New Zealand will support members with some merchandise including signage for their vehicle.

Bronze Partner, Kerry Godinet Marketing will support members with rebranding and merchandise.

And Darryn, who pays for the rebrand?

The Association, with support from our Partners pay for the Association branding. Members will need to pay for the rebrand of items they feel appropriate for their business.

How will this benefit Fencing Contractors New Zealand

We know that increased brand recognition will support increased recognition of Fencing Contractors  as a proactive group in the fencing trade. And as a group we, Partners and Members, collectively support the trade

When you see strong brands, like New Zealand Certified Builders, you can understand how a brand can benefit  members with stronger professional recognition and increase the value clients place in their expertise.

Also as growth in membership continues, Partners are attracted to collaborate, engage and bring benefits to members – everyone wins!

And John how will this benefit a fencing business?

General and certified members (certified is the new name for accredited) will experience increased recognition by aligning with a strong national association brand.

A connection to Fencing Contractors New Zealand publicly recognised brand, which represents professionalism and expertise in fencing, will benefit your business, as consumers choose you over others due to this affiliation.

Member benefits are increasing and will continue to do so as the Association grows and more Partners come onboard.

Greg why have you dropped Association from the brand name?

We are still legally named Fencing Contractors Association New Zealand, and much like other large associations, our trading name is simplified. Most people recognised us as a group and therefore it is already implied we are a national association, and by removing this word we simplify the logo.

Greg, didn’t it get changed not that long ago? How long will this Logo last this time?

Yes the logo was updated in 2014. The current Board anticipate this logo will be well received, and maintained for many years to come by future Boards.

Stephen, why orange and not blue in the Certified Fencer logo? Is the orange going to get lost in when wearing hi vis?

Orange was chosen as a stronger colour, to stand out and highlight Certified Fencers logo visually.

There is a full style guide which outlines how to use the new logo, font and colour schemes within the brand. Included is an easy option for use on hi vis gear. We have retained the blue colour, this is included in the brand guidelines.

So Laura where did FCANZ go?

We learnt that FCANZ, was not meaningful for clients or people who were not involved with the Association now, it created an acronym that does not clearly describe what we do.

We are still legally trading as the Fencing Contractors Association New Zealand, and have refined the brand to a stronger clear logo.

Fencing Contractors New Zealand used in the logo still implies a professional industry group.

What if we have just got new clothing? Can we still wear them with the old logo? Will there be any compensation for the new logo set up at the embroiderers?

We have organised a 10% discount for members if they use Bronze Partner Kerry Godinet Marketing for ordering new gear, this is also available via the online store at fencingcontractors.co.nz.

Brad, what’s the difference between Accredited and Certified?

We have a new process for Certified Fencer status, this will be launched shortly at the 2019 Conference and AGM.

The new name for these top performing members takes advantage of the common knowledge clients and potential clients have relating to other trade recognised businesses like Certified Plumbers, or Certified Builders.

This term allows our members the advantage of immediate recognition and a stamp of high quality which provides an advantage over other practitioners.

The Association will shortly begin a campaign to promote Certified Fencer status both internally with members, and externally in industry, local government and appropriate large business who need to procure expert trade services.

If you have more questions about the new brand connect with the Board team.

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