Wired Magazine

Sarah Foley-Smith talks about taking a group of students to compete in the South Island Agricultural Field Days Doubles Fencing competition.

As the alarm goes off at 3:30am, “Why?” is the only word that comes to mind.

“Come to school on the bus,” I said, “no rush, we’ll cut a track once you all arrive,” I said. Then we entered the South Island Agricultural Field Days Doubles Fencing competition in Kirwee and our timeline changed somewhat. Fortunately, Outdoor Education needed to pop a tramp on the school calendar, which reduced our 16 favourite friends to 6, but with the first pickup in Pleasant Point, she was a bit of an early start. 

Optimistically the gear list for the day included blanky and pillow, but the teenagers were unexpectedly alive so early in the morning and therefore it was tunes of a similarly unexpected genre through to Rakaia. “Singing” Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus at the top of their delicate wee voices had the superior driver begging for another strike day. It was with desperation that a light bulb moment ensued – feed them! Can’t sing if they’re eating. So it was pies all round at the Rakaia Bakehouse, followed by a brief period of blissful silence as we boosted through to Kirwee.

A grand arrival 

It had been raining and the Bear Grylls of the Primary Industries Academy (PIA) had organised gumboots and a tow rope. Smiling nicely and batting our eyelashes at the gate to the Field Days got us into the restricted parking area. A sea of mud left, right and sideways off all tracks had our superior driver questioning the pushing power of the teenagers. The desire to make a good impression overcame the perks of a good park, and we unloaded fence side and headed off to park in a paddock far far away…. and more appropriate for 2-wheel drive vehicles. Inconspicuously parking amongst EVs and nana cars, our team leader parked and made a hasty exit through to the 4WD area to enter the grounds alongside other mud-gripping vehicle owners. Now is a good time to remind the GD Community Bus Trust of my request for a 4WD van please… am batting eyelashes!

Quinn Foley-Smith and Aidan Christie are entering the Doubles Fencing Competition. This is a big deal. To explain: It is the only qualifying round in the South Island for the National Finals. Contestants generally are hard-out, experienced fencing contractors. So a couple of teenagers from Geraldine High School looked right at home. 

The set up 

Our fencers met us there (apparently it’s not the done thing to arrive in a minivan and towing a trailer?) Quinn had packed two of every power tool known to man, an impressive line-up for some school kids.

Did I mention it was cold? Very! Luckily PIA is kitted out head to toe by Highstreet, topped off with Woolworks beanies. We were on site just after 7 am to get our bearings, set up, and start making friends. We had been doing a bit of practice at school and are very grateful for the help received from Struan Moore from Strainrite, the team at Stockade plus Toby How Fencing & Ben Haugh Fencing.

Holding their own in the competition 

The lads had to build two fences, one with a pivot crossing and the second a 5-wire electric, angle, and box stays; build and hang a gate; build a boarded section; dig in 3 posts and ram Y posts. We had a plan and agreed that it was more important to finish the build and get good feedback rather than worrying too much about time. We certainly lost points on time, but the feedback and experience were invaluable. 

The great thing about the fencing contractors’ community is that they are all so helpful and generous in sharing their time and expertise, which we certainly made the most of. While we didn’t (and didn’t expect to) place, we certainly didn’t disgrace ourselves in the big boys’ world, managing to hold our own in a few sections including Box assembly, angle stay, gate build, and rails. The compère was quite impressed that the lads had gone to such extremes in order to get a day off school and that their reason for entering was that ‘Mum\Sarah made me’. Good job!

Exploring the Field Days

Meanwhile…. The intrepid PIA “A” team was let loose around the Field Days, gleefully returning to describe the other school students onsite in formal uniform and school shoes in the ankle-deep mud. Maps were distributed with a carefully highlighted plan of attack – sites to visit and homework to get completed – including photos and thankyous to all of our sponsors, and research into how to spend the PIA budget. Fortunately, the Buy button couldn’t leave the fencing.

Tanker Challenge

Completion of the fencing saw a two-hour power shop ahead of us, beginning at Fonterra (PIA sponsors). Joy! There was a tanker driving simulator: MFS (Mrs Foley-Smith) leaps into the driver’s seat, ready to have confirmed her driving expertise is of epic proportions, only to be informed that you have to be over 16. Damn, ID’s at home. So the hot seat is given up to Lydia, Charlotte and finally Ella. The first two were able to clearly demonstrate the superiority of female drivers worldwide, with Ella experiencing a brief “male” moment in stalling, familiarising herself with verge-side driving and climaxing in a roll. A small bribe saw Ella’s score deleted from all records and a more acceptable ranking reinstated. We have Goody’s Driving School on speed dial and several sessions are now booked. After relaxing in the members-only area, it was off to introduce ourselves to Animal Tanning Services, whom we are visiting next term in Invercargill. Amongst the wide variety of plush skins and rugs, we found a cat. OMG, thoughts abound as to the uses of Fluffy beyond the grave. 

Next steps 

Back to fencing for the prizegiving and pack up. Our next step is the Cadet Fencing competition in June at the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek, so getting judged and receiving great feedback from official judges and sorting a plan of attack for the next level was awesome. A massive thank you to the FCANZ team, Nick Terry, Leanne & Nick Stanger, Collin, and Noksee for running such a great day, looking after and including us – and sharing your talent and expertise. And a huge thank you to our sponsors: Stihl, Strainrite & Stockade. Man, we learned heaps. 

16 hours after pickup, the class was tucked up at home. Teenagers are amazing, never ceasing to amaze me with their knowledge and attitude. 

About the Primary Industries Academy

A bit about Geraldine High’s PIA team: we are a practical class running for students from Years 11 – 13. A typical week sees us outside fencing, on-farm for work experience, and usually there is either a trip or a course on during the week and over the weekend. We do a large amount of volunteer work at A&P shows, local schools, and in the community, including sending students to Hawke’s Bay for cyclone recovery fencing, with some students clocking up more than 250 Student Volunteer Army hours in two years. 

We enter Young Farmer and fencing competitions. All students fundraise for the extras, which include clothing, resources and equipment, disaster recovery and overnight trips away. We are fortunate enough to have an amazing community and group of parents behind us, without whom our course would not be one of the top schools in New Zealand for practical primary sector education. In a nutshell, we are really, really good at getting stuff done. 

My Why

Like most part-time teachers, my working hours are largely voluntary. So what’s the driver? The wonder that is teenagers: their passion, humour, and skills. That every day is different and exciting. The desire to squeeze as many opportunities as possible into each week. Watching that light bulb moment when a student discovers that thing they are good at, when they are acknowledged for their success for the first time in their school life. Being able to offer a meaningful subject for all the practically minded students and show that a career path in the Primary Sector is something to be proud of. Running into ex-students and hearing them proudly tell me about life after school.

In 11 years in the PIA driving seat, the most valuable thing I have learnt is Attitude. With the right attitude, the world is at your feet regardless of background, qualifications, or experience.  

Article written by Sarah Foley-Smith
Primary Industries Academy
Geraldine High School
geraldinehs.school.nz

Published in the A week in the life of Feature in WIRED Issue 69 / June 2023 by Fencing Contractors NZ

Read WIRED online

Follow us on Facebook

© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)

How to choose the right fencing contractor for the job  

Installing or repairing fences, whether around the home, farm, or business is an investment. A good fence has the potential to add considerable value to your property. Fencing Contractors  Association NZ (“FCANZ’) is the industry body for fencing contractors. With unprecedented levels of fence repairs being undertaken across the country, Phil Cornelius, FCANZ President,  points out that “finding the right fencing contractor for the job has never been more important”.  

Where to start  

When choosing a quality fencing contractor, you should look for a professional whose workmanship is based on long-established best industry practices. They will have the right tools for the job – investing in machinery, plant, and tools to carry out the work in a timely and efficient manner. Additionally, they will have the expertise and supplier contacts to select the correct materials for the project.  

Many fencing contractors offer a huge diversity of services from rural and farm fencing through to residential, security, civil, and roading works. Some even construct retaining walls; viticulture and horticultural structures; orchard developments – the list goes on.  

Engaging a contractor you have used before, or who has done a great job for a colleague can be a good option. Alternatively, the directory on the FCANZ website provides an excellent list of fencing contractors who work around the country.  

What to look for  

There are many aspects to consider when choosing a fencing contractor – be cautious of being tempted by the cheapest price or who is available immediately to carry out your work. As Benjamin Franklin allegedly said, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”. 

“Skilled fencers are in demand and the fencing industry is experiencing growth like it hasn’t seen in some time. Always look for a fencing contractor who has a proven work record. If you don’t know them, ask to speak with some of their previous customers. Choosing the right fencing contractor for the job, whether rural or residential, should never be just about price.”  Phil says.  

He goes on to say that “FCANZ members are provided with the latest industry information and have access to several upskilling opportunities every year – in both fencing and business processes. Those who have achieved Certified or Accredited endorsements from FCANZ are also a great choice, as the customer can have some peace of mind knowing that their workmanship and professionalism have been assessed by the Association. Our members are also expected to  adhere to a Code of Conduct which outlines acceptable professional behaviours.” 

As well as price, here are the top 7 things to look for when considering a fencing contractor:  

• Experience – a proven work record in the type of fencing required for the job  
• References – a willingness to put you in touch with previous customers for references
• Tools of Trade – they have the right tools for the job  
• Materials – choosing and using the right materials 
• Availability – there will be a wait for most quality fencing contractors  
• Longevity – the business has been around for a few years  
• Professionalism – a written quote or estimate is provided  

Plan ahead  

Try to book a fencing contractor in advance, as many are booked up months ahead. In the current market, fencing supplies, like building supplies, can be hard to come by. Booking in advance will also allow time for the materials to arrive.  

 

Find a Fencing Contractor

Find a Fencing Contractor in your area with our handy interactive map: www.fcanz.org.nz/find-a-fencing-contractor

Read WIRED online

Follow us on Facebook

© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)

Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) will once again assemble an army of skilled volunteers to help re-fence cyclone-damaged parts of the Hawke’s Bay this Spring. The event will look to replicate the May FCANZ re-fencing days, during which the Association gathered a crew of more than 30 fencers to reinstate an impressive five kilometres of essential fencing across six flood-hit farms. 

Delivered as part of the Association’s “HELP A MATE, BUY A GATE” campaign, the willingness of  FCANZ members to assist is obvious, with volunteers for the May event coming from as far away as Geraldine, Motueka and the Far North. Association partners also got behind the May event with Power Farming Hastings and Fencepro providing a tractor equipped with a post rammer. Gallagher, Strainrite, Stockade and Waratah Fencing all had staff onsite constructing fences, while Farmlands Hastings provided a cooked breakfast before work began each day. 

Phil Cornelius, FCANZ President, says that “Being able to erect this much high-quality rural fencing in only two days has definitely relieved some of the stress felt by local landowners. Focusing on essential fencing, such as boundary and roadside fences, allowed us to help make a  property secure, which means that it can be used again for stock. Our partners and members  are the ones that have made this happen.” 

FCANZ are continuing to fundraise and will be back in the Hawke’s Bay in spring with a number of skilled volunteers. “The reality is that the scale of damage in the area means it will be some time before permanent fencing work can be started in many areas.” says Phil. “It makes sense  that we come back in spring and assist with the reinstatement of essential fencing then.” 

The Association is also asking cyclone-affected landowners to supply information about their fencing needs in an online survey. “The survey allows us to understand just how much fencing was damaged in the area. We can then communicate that to industry suppliers to help ensure a  robust supply chain” says Phil.

To complete the survey, volunteer to help re-fence, or learn more about FCANZ Fencing Days and the “Help a mate, buy a gate” fundraising campaign visit Help a Mate, Buy a Gate

Read WIRED online

Follow us on Facebook

© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)

A phone call to Tony Brady caught him off guard but willing and able to contribute. Some quick-fire questions followed, not allowing Tony much time to compose his thoughts (but the sustenance at lunchtime helped). Tell me about a good day… left Tony thinking “what a stupid question,” followed by a reply, “most days are a good day, that’s why we do it. There’s nothing like perfect weather, perfect posting conditions, the meters churning out”. 

Tony’s been fencing for 37 years, so that speaks well for fencing as a career choice. Having started out by lending a hand to another fencer in Pleasant Point after flood damage, Tony started his own fencing business in 1993 and has never looked back. Tony fences with Massey Ferguson tractors and Kinghitter post drivers, having recently purchased a Kinghitter Terminator Series II. Tony currently has himself and two other workers. 

The question ‘what about a bad day?’ had a more instant response: “Well, there was the time…”

Having brought a second-hand SAME Explorer from a North Island dealer about five years ago, Tony found himself involved in a long litigation saga that he’d really like to forget. Thinking he’d asked all the right questions when going through the purchase process and having received quite a few phone calls of reassurance from the dealer when the tractor arrived, it had a lot more rust than the dealer had indicated, leaving Tony aggrieved and disappointed in the sale. 

“It got to the point – months later – after not getting anywhere with recourse with the dealer, I thought ‘stuff it, I just wanted to get on with life’, so I got the SAME set up for fencing and one of the first jobs was fencing around a duck pond.” 

Partway through the job, the landowner decided he wanted some posts driven for his maimai. ‘Not a problem’ thought Tony. Cutting through the inside of the electrified portion of the fence, he headed for the proposed location. He casually drove across a grassy bit of the pond, unbeknown to him that a clay portion was going to pull the tractor off to the right and into deeper water. The little maimai not-a-problem job, suddenly turned into a Big Problem Job, as water started filling the cab floor on one side. With no cell reception, Tony had to climb a hill, with luck being that he knew a neighbour had a 22-ton digger. Some considerable time later, the excavation began by stropping up the tractor to half lift, to partially slide it back onto firm ground. 

Tony’s crew still say five years later that they’d never seen him so stressed, so that’s a good indicator that the good days outweigh the bad days. Keep that in mind the next time the job doesn’t quite go to plan, it rains, or you have a breakdown. 

Don’t we all know it?  

Article written by Debbie White.

Published in the A week in the life of Feature in WIRED Issue 69 / June 2023 by Fencing Contractors NZ

Read WIRED online

Follow us on Facebook

© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)

Being fluid and ready to change tack in any given work day is a key part of success for Gisborne-based horticultural fencing contractor Roger Hyde.

There’s no typical week for Roger, who has been running the business for 25 years, and his team of four. On Sunday, he’ll have work lined up for the week, but will usually get a few calls from clients needing something sorted at short notice.

“So often there’s a juggle before Monday morning even starts.”

For example, recently it was all hands on deck when a long-term client at Te Karaka was hit hard by Cyclone Gabrielle and lost almost everything; the house, the vehicles, the tractors, and the forklifts. “Two days after the cyclone hit, we were on his block, knee-deep in silt, standing up grape posts and plants and fixing fence lines. “We also sowed grass and oats in the silt to assist with the pending grape and kiwifruit harvest. He managed to harvest both his grape and kiwifruit crops after the cyclone, and I am proud our team played an integral part in making this happen for him.”

He’ll also spend time Monday morning sorting out where staff will be heading for the week. He admits staff management had been a massive learning curve and the source of the most stress related to running his own business. He started out with two staff, and as the business grew the staff numbers increased to 14, but more recently he has happily reduced to a team of four.

“Some staff are a dream to have on board and others seem to go from one drama to another. Last minute absences are the hardest thing to manage and can often require a complete reshuffle of the day’s or week’s plans.”

Throughout the week he is thinking ahead as to what materials are needed, and where. This has become harder as materials have been scarcer. “In the last couple of years, I have found sourcing materials has changed and forward planning has become critical. Our local suppliers no longer carry many items on the shelf, so being organised and ordering in advance is vital. I find having good relationships with suppliers important. Loyalty has served me well.”

The secret was being adaptable and flexible, he said. “The horticultural industry is fluid, and as a contractor, I need to be too, in order to service the demands as they change.”

Daily health and safety checks are carried out through a local company called ThinkSafe, which guide Roger and the team through operating sound Health and Safety systems. This allows them to handle site inductions, toolbox talks, inspections, and reporting via an app. “The team meets up at the workshop each morning for a toolbox meeting. We go over the jobs for that day, covering the tasks, risks, and hazards. “We check over the tools, recording any repairs and maintenance required, and then pack up the utes.”

Conveniently, most of their corporate clients use OnSide, which is app based. “We are required to sign in when we enter their site, read through their risks and hazards on the worksite, it also enables us to see who else is working on the site and then sign out at the end of the day.”

On Sunday night there’s often invoicing to be done. “We have good systems in place, but there are still some late Sunday nights spent working on quotes and invoices.”

“A couple of years ago, we moved to seven-day payment terms for our invoicing which has improved cash flow. Being a small business, we understand the importance of cash flow and make a point of paying our bills quickly too.”

When it comes to administration, Roger suggests outsourcing. “My wife Suzanne has a background in horticultural administration and finance and manages that part of the business. If you are like me and do not enjoy admin, then employ someone who does early on. You can work as hard as you like on the fence line, but if you do not have the books in order, you are not going to progress very far.”

Outside of the week’s working hours, Roger says he is getting better at relaxing and enjoying time with family. “As I was building my business, life after work for me used to be more work! Breaking this habit has been hard for me, as I still love what I do.

“However, as I move closer to 60 and am now a proud grandparent of one (soon to be two). I make time for the fun things in life like family, relaxation, and travel.”  

Article written by Rosa Watson.

Published in the A week in the life of Feature in WIRED Issue 69 / June 2023 by Fencing Contractors NZ

Read WIRED online

Follow us on Facebook

© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)

The Board of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) have announced the appointment of Jaime Bigwood BBS as the Association’s new Executive Director.

Incumbent part-time Marketing and Communications Manager Jaime Bigwood was one of five applicants interviewed for the role. Bigwood has a wealth of knowledge in the marcomms space and strategic planning and execution and has previously worked alongside NGOs and other public sector departments.

“Jaime has been with the Association for more than 18 months now and has a really solid understanding of the industry and the challenges it faces. We welcome her into the role and look forward to her achieving great things alongside the Board and our Administration Manager,” said Phil Cornelius, FCANZ President.

Bigwood will be responsible for the implementation and delivery of the FCANZ Strategic Plan and will continue to manage the Association’s marketing activities to raise awareness of fencing as a career and a professional trade.

“The Association has some lofty strategic goals that will benefit the industry as a whole. I’m looking forward to delivering on these and seeing the industry, and those connected with it, thrive while facing unprecedented economic and environmental challenges,” Bigwood said.

About FCANZ

Established in 2006, Fencing Contractors Association NZ aims to raise the profile and standards of the fencing industry, growing the market for fencing contractors and others associated with the industry and ensure FCANZ is the first port of call for those seeking a fencing contractor.

FCANZ keeps members in touch with the latest fencing products, technical information, trends and developments, including access to best practice guidelines, templates and codes of practice. The Association also hosts a variety of informative and networking events throughout the year, including an annual conference and Fencing Best Practice Days throughout the country, which provides information on new fencing techniques, health and safety, product feedback, pricing and technical information.

Become an FCANZ Member

Read WIRED online

Follow us on Facebook

© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)

My name is Belinda McCreedy and I am 30 years old.  I grew up in Morrinsville in the Waikato, one of six children from a dairy farming background. Fencing was always part of farm work, and having been brought up in the rural industry, the transition to a fencing lifestyle was relatively easy. 

I am based in Aka Aka rural Pukekohe, in the Franklin area with my partner Ivan and two children, Declan 5 years old and Ruby 11 Months. 

I am employed by Farm Force Ltd, which is owned by my partner Ivan Wrigley. Farm Force was initially started in 2010 as a one-man band Fencer based in Pukekohe West and has since expanded and diversified to include fencing, firewood, BBQ tables and wooden gates. We have further expanded with the construction of a large gate manufacturing shed and administration office block.

I moved to Pukekohe 8 years ago and am currently working full time for Farm Force, a position I have held for the last 18 months.  At Farm Force, I am the Office Administrator, where I take care of all the accounting, payroll, customer inquiries, quotes, invoices, and booking of jobs, basically all the important behind-the-scenes work. I also organise the day-to-day running of our wooden gate business where we build wooden gates – from your standard farm gates to your fancier entrance way gates – we ship our product around the country. I’m in charge of all the customer gate orders, quotes, and invoices. 

I am the face behind the emails and the phone.

I love getting that phone call from Ivan that I’m required on the fence line; it just breaks up doing paperwork and office jobs  

From time to time, you will find me on the tools on the fence line helping Ivan with post and railing, battening fences, putting up hot wires, driving the tractor, just lending a hand where it’s needed. It’s great getting out and about visiting different rural areas and farming districts and being able to see previous jobs I have been a part of. I love getting that phone call from Ivan that I’m required on the fence line; it just breaks up doing paperwork and office jobs. I enjoy all types of fencing, but my favourite would be putting up post and rail. It’s so satisfying at the end of the day to see a line of fencing completed and it is also gratifying to receive positive customer feedback. 

There are definitely challenges to working in the fencing industry as a woman. Number one would have to be that I am as capable as any man. Often men and women on the phone fail to realise that I am intelligent and do have an understanding of the Industry and are often too quick to judge. 

Working on the fence line in the wet weather would not be my first choice, and sometimes working and living with your partner can be a challenge but we make sure we leave work at work. Also, I am a Mum and I juggle my busy working life around school drop-offs and pickups while having my daughter with me.

I most certainly would encourage any woman into the fencing industry, either in an on-field or administrative position.

If you are thinking of getting into the fencing industry don’t be afraid to ask around for some hands-on experience. It is important that you seek out the right employer that meets your requirements and that you have a good working relationship. Fencing is a very demanding job, so you have to be mindful of your physical fitness and mental agility. 

I love it!  

Article supplied by Farm Force Ltd

www.farm-force.co.nz

Published in the Women in the Industry Feature in WIRED Issue 68 / March 2023 by Fencing Contractors NZ

Read WIRED online

Follow us on Facebook

© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)

Girls rule the world at Edgesmith!  Our roles include – CFO, Operations Manager, Marketing, Internal Sales Team Leader, Estimators, Fork lift operators, Accounts, Customer Service & Blissy, our Furry Stress Manager.

We are Maori, Kiwi, Australian, South African & Swedish.

Before we even think about work, we are feeding our 7 dogs, 16 sheep, 6 fish, 3 birds and one cat.  Then it’s taking children to pre-school, primary school, high school, organizing birthday parties, weddings, looking after Grandchildren, celebrating Uni graduations, organizing meals.  Oh the Hats we wear!  

We love INK and between us we have 54 tattoos!  We also have a Black Belt in Karate, been a professional Make-up artist, acted in Shortland Street, hiked to Mt Everest Base camp, been to Santa’s North Pole Residence in Rovaniemi, Finland, one of us is even working from a boat in Fiji.

We have traveled to Thailand, China, USA, England, Rarotonga, Fiji, Greece, Cambodia, Kuala Lumpa, Hawaii, Australia, Nepal, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Canada, France, Italy, Scotland, Amsterdam, Brussels, Venice, Germany, Netherlands and Czech Republic. 

At Edgesmith we live by the 5 H’s: 

• Hungry –  to achieve
• Happy – in life & attitude
• Humble –  we are successful together
• Honest – with each other and our customers
• Healthy –  Mind, Body & Spirit.

We all love our jobs and find Edgesmith both challenging and rewarding.  All of us have started in Customer Service Roles and through hard work, research, and study at night time we have proven worthy of promotions.  

Some of us have been with Edgesmith for over 10 years and our new colleague has been with us only a few months.  

Our message is – never doubt your ability and always aim high.

Michelle, Sonya, Ursula, Hannah, Fiona, Mandy, Ellie, Tanya, Anika and Blissy.  

Article supplied by Edgesmith

https://edgesmith.co.nz/

Published in the Women in the Industry Feature in WIRED Issue 68 / March 2023 by Fencing Contractors NZ

Read WIRED online

Follow us on Facebook

© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)

I am Eliza Maher, aged 25 and based in the Wairoa region working for my father Bruce in the family business. 

I first got into fencing from around the age of 9 when my older brother and I would go out to work with Dad every school holidays. It was always more fun than hard work, marking posts and carrying the spade earning my pocket money. Over the years I got more involved in the practical aspects of fencing. I went off to university and when time came for me to graduate in early 2020 I decided to take a year working as a fencer before heading on an OE. Of course due to Covid that didn’t exactly go to plan. Suffice to say it is 2023, I’ve been a fencer for 3 years now and have finally booked the ticket!

Early on in that first year we were about to start a long 7-wire electric fence and my skill with a hammer and staples was a bit average! Dad decided I was too slow and so we headed up to a FCANZ fencing day in Gisborne and got a Stockade 400i. That staple gun and I have seen a lot of work since then, Dad might have sacked me early on otherwise!    

The majority of fencing jobs that I am involved in are rural, conventional fences. We install new fences, only occasionally having to repair old ones, and recently a lot of those have been fencing off waterways. 

One of the main challenges I have experienced being a fencing contractor is the weather! Being in Hawke’s Bay/East Coast you would assume it to be a sunny, dry place but in the past few years, all the major weather events have really made being able to go out and put in a full week’s work quite difficult! It has certainly meant sacrificing more than the occasional weekend to go and finish a job. It is heartbreaking to see what a sustained amount of rain can do to the landscape and makes working conditions very challenging. There are days in the summer heat or the winter cold when you push through but there has never been a moment where the sense of accomplishment and achievement I feel when doing my job hasn’t made it worth it. 

Jobs making memories

Some of the best jobs that come to mind are the ones from my childhood. Back then we were based in the Taihape/Ohakune area and the majority of work was down the Paraparas (Parapara Road) and Whanganui River. They were some long, steep fencelines in the middle of nowhere fencing off bush or boundaries. I have fond memories of working out there, of the old houses we would stay in, and of the time I got to spend with my Dad in some beautiful places. We would stay in old cottages or shearer’s quarters during the week, with most of them having slight rat problems. I remember once staying in an old homestead and watching a rat that was almost the size of a cat as it ran along the wall of the lounge! It is the early life lessons he taught me back then that give Dad and me the basis for being able to work so well together now. I am sure there were some difficult jobs in the past but upon reflection none so bad as to outweigh all of the good ones.  

“ One of the things I enjoy most about fencing is the sense of empowerment it gives me. Being fit and strong, knowing I am capable and good at my job. “

It gives me purpose, knowing what needs to be done and being able to achieve it. Being able to start a job from scratch and see what you have built with your hard work and time. Also learning important life skills and practical lessons that will help me for the rest of my life. You learn how to work with people, be a good teammate and learn how capable you really are. The physical aspect of digging a posthole, and walking up and down a fence line using a hammer and staples, are all things that might one day come in handy. 

The more I see other women in male-dominated industries the more confidence I feel in my choice to be a fencer. All it takes is getting out there to give it a go and having a decent work ethic. I am lucky that I have been able to work with my family and get taught by my Dad about a job he loves and knows so well. Being able to go back to a place years later and point out a fence that we had built makes me so proud of this job I do.  

Written by Eliza Maher

Published in the Women in the Industry Feature in WIRED Issue 68 | March 2023 by Fencing Contractors NZ

Read WIRED online

Follow us on Facebook

Waiau-based fencer Amanda Beckham found her way onto the fenceline after finding herself needing work and chatting to a local at the pub. And three years on it’s a career change she hasn’t looked back. 

Having left a farm assistant job that wasn’t working out, she managed to get work contract driving, but it was only seasonal.

“So, when hours started running out, a local guy at a social event said he knew a fencer looking for some part time help for a couple of months,” she said.

She rang the fencer – Amuri Basin contractor Hamish Henderson – who told her to come see him on his lunch break.

“He put me straight to work, then at the end of the day told me to ‘be here 7am tomorrow’, and I’ve worked for him full time since then.”

That was nearly three years ago now.

She enjoys fencing because it is challenging mentally and physically. “I also enjoy being outside all day – although not so much in the rain!”. “It’s also very satisfying to see the complete fence that you built.”

She also loves working with and learning more about the machinery.

The biggest challenge was probably the weather. “(It’s hard) when it’s hot a lot and there is no shade.”

The physical work of lifting gear and posts was hard, “but you get stronger the more you do it”. There were gender stereotypes that she came up against.

“It can be frustrating when males think I’m just a girl and too small, and feel the need to try and take over.”

“But now most of the farms we work on I know the managers and they know I’m fully capable.”

One thing she felt would be helpful to draw more women into the industry is if stalls at shows and trade days included more females on their site.

“There’s been couple times at shows guys on stalls don’t talk back to me, just my boss and the other worker.”

In her first year Amanda completed a Certificate in Fencing Level 3 course, attended FCANZ best practice days, and competed in the Kirwee Field Day fencing competitions – becoming the first female in the South Island to do so.

“I didn’t realize this when I signed up. We didn’t place anywhere but it was fun and I learned so much. All the guys were very encouraging.” Amanda is excited for the future in the industry, and where it could take her.

“I’d like to travel a bit so maybe a fencer general job in a new part of the country and hopefully one day my own business. My boss jokes all the time about when am I going to buy him out.”

Her boss, Hamish, is quick to sing her praises as a worker. “She has patience, hungry for the knowledge on how to fence. She has good communication skills with myself and clients to get jobs done.

“The day she met me for an interview, I gave her some staples to help me with a job. As I went down the line, she had turned all those staples to face one way which made grabbing them from her easy. I knew just from that simple task that she was going to be worth putting time into.  As I worked, we talked and the more we talked the more she worked. She spent the whole day helping me put up a fence line while at an interview”.

Amanda was now taking on more responsibility as his 2IC. “So, if for any reason I’m not available, she is organising jobs. She also keeps up with paperwork, ordering materials, machinery maintenance and organising staff.”

He feels there’s room for more women in the industry and encouraged other contractors to “give everybody a go”.  

Written by Rosa Watson

Published in the Women in the Industry Feature in WIRED Issue 68 | March 2023 by Fencing Contractors NZ

Read WIRED online

Follow us on Facebook

© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)