Wired Magazine

For Rotorua fencing contractor Kim Costello, fencing wasn’t the industry she thought she would end up in.

“If you had told me back in high school that I’d grow up to be a fencer, I would have laughed – not because it sounded crazy, but because honestly, I wouldn’t have even known what that was!”

But 13 years after setting up DKH Contracting with partner Daniel Holmes, she hasn’t looked back.

Kim was born and raised in Rotorua and met Daniel at high school, and like many women in the agriculture industry, she became a ‘farmer’s wife’.

But being ‘barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen’ was never going to be the life for her, she told WIRED Magazine. She was looking for a more active role.

The couple has five kids, aged between six and 12, and having a young family gave her perspective on what kind of lifestyle she wanted for her and her family.

“It made me realise how important it was to be in control of my own time. I wanted flexibility, the ability to be there for my kids, and a balance between work and life that suited us, and being self-employed ticked all those boxes.

“It’s also been a great way to show our kids that no matter what the job is, anyone can do it if they put their mind to it.”

She said Dan often jokes that if the machines are at home, he has to hide the keys.

“There have been plenty of times he’s come home to find me halfway through a new project! I love being pushed out of my comfort zone, and there’s no better place to do it than in your own business.”

When DKH Contracting was started, Kim took on more of a behind-the-scenes role while spending time with the children.

“While I spent a lot of that time at home with the kids and working behind the scenes, I never imagined how much I’d enjoy the physical side of the job too. I knew that to run a successful business and be a good employer, I had to truly understand what fencing involved, and that meant being able to lead from the front, knowing the ins and outs of a quality product.

Having previously been sharemilkers, the couple bring plenty of experience with stock and a good understanding of what works and what doesn’t, and can pass on sound advice to clients on their rural jobs.

DKH Contracting provides all types of fencing; Rural, Lifestyle and Residential, with its main service area across the Central Bay of Plenty. They employ anywhere from two to five fencers working alongside Kim and Dan. They have been involved in farm conversions, rural and lifestyle development projects, and subdivisions.

Kim said being a woman in the fencing industry was not without its challenges.

“I still get a laugh out of the looks I get from male tradies when I turn up on-site and start backing a trailer or unloading the truck.”

But she said attitudes are changing.

“Female tradies are becoming more and more common, and it’s only a matter of time before women are fully recognised and respected across all trades, including fencing.”

Kim’s passion for the industry is obvious, and she is keen to see more women join.

“The message I want to share with any woman thinking about entering this industry is this: fencing is seriously underrated. It’s not just building a fence; it’s learning a huge range of skills. It’s the satisfaction of seeing what you’ve achieved at the end of the day, it’s the people you meet, the suppliers you work with, and the clients who trust you to bring their projects to life.

“It all adds up to a pretty great day – and a career that’s well worth considering.”

Article by Rosa Watson

Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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With a degree in History and Education, a career in fashion buying and merchandising, and self employment in export cut flower – it might not have seemed obvious that Debbie White would help shape New Zealand’s fencing industry.

But over two decades, she’s done just that: championing inclusion, leading industry events, and proving that contribution isn’t measured by strength alone. The winner of the FCANZ 2024 Women in Industry award shares her story with WIRED.

I don’t view being a woman in the industry as a barrier, and over the years, I have seen women who have added much value to the industry. Whilst I appreciate the physicality and skills of fencing within a male-dominated industry, being female didn’t mean that I couldn’t contribute and get involved. I believe when you know your stuff and show an interest, most
people respect that. In fact, at FCANZ Conferences, I am always interested to hear what role the females in the team play; some are heavily involved in their husband’s/partner’s business, and others have their own career path.

Background

Getting a university degree in History and Education doesn’t always scream great career choice, but it has set me up well. It taught me to write in a structured manner, helped me develop analytical thinking, research techniques, and problem-solving skills, with an emphasis on multiple perspectives, and a focus on outcomes.

All of my previous roles were far removed from the fencing industry but definitely assisted with my industry involvement. The key skills and lessons learned, and applied into my work in the fencing industry have been the importance of strategies and thinking 3-4 steps ahead; working within a lean budget; factoring budgeting into all activities; the value of knowing what you’re talking about; and recognising that everything has a value.

White Fencing and Revolution Post Drivers

In the late 1980s, my husband, Tony, was building his fencing business, White Fencing and in 2002, we decided to commercialise Tony’s design of a rotational post driver. I gave up my part-time role as a merchandiser for Westfield to focus on the new business. Establishing  a company from the ground up, I found that success lay in product knowledge, an interest in marketing and developing a company on a shoestring budget.

These days, our daughter Ashley is also a great asset on a fence line, often outperforming some of our other workers. She’s great with operating machinery, and she demonstrates the value and capabilities that women have in a physical role such as fencing.

Industry Involvement   

Personal highs for me within my time in the industry would be organising ‘All about Fencing’ and ‘Fencing in Action’. I brought the industry together, which required considerable buy-in and perseverance, convincing the organisers of the larger events these fencing events were run within, to support what I was trying to achieve. I created a formula of top demonstrators, areas of different fence line types, and a cross-section of exhibitors within each of these individual areas.

I’ve organised small fencing tours of overseas fencers under ‘All about Fencing’, which has been an experience in planning and logistics; visiting with NZ fencing contractors, factory tours and sightseeing.

I enjoyed conceptualising the FCANZ 4WD trip through the Molesworth and MacDonald Stations in November 2023. What started as a general conversation with Scott and Anna Heasley down at the Dunedin Conference, perked an idea – based on Tony’s 4WD competition interest and experience – of a 4WD trip. The Heasley’s were in, Mike and Terry Renner jumped onboard boots and all, Jay did her magic behind the scenes and of course Noksee, with Carol closing gates, was in, along with a great group of FCANZ members and Partners, some who had never come along to a prior FCANZ event before. It was a prime example of people contributing their expertise and interests, creating great teamwork.

Working within NZFC has been another highlight. Good genuine people who work well together. It’s impressive how welcoming and supportive competitors are, sharing information and mentoring new competitors. On behalf of NZFC, Nick Liefting and I have been working on a World Fencing Competition at Fieldays, and an overseas fencing competition exchange program.

Final thoughts

I’ve worked within the industry for over 20 years at an organisational level. It shouldn’t matter what sex or age anyone is. It’s about what we give and learn, and indeed earn in exchange. I believe the greatest challenge we face in the fencing industry is the self-perception and attitudes within the industry. WE need to recognise fencing as a skilled trade, for it to be recognised as a skilled trade by those outside the industry. We all need to stop thinking “what’s in it for “ME” as that thinking helps no one, especially “ME”. Instead, we need to realise that being involved in the industry at any level helps with personal growth and knowledge. We all need to advocate for fencing to be recognised as a skilled trade because it benefits “ME” as an individual, “MY” business and everyone in the industry.

I’d like to thank Tony. There have been many times when he has walked into our office and seen me working on industry stuff that brings no real benefit to us (and in actual terms costs our business). While frustrating for him, my involvement has in fact been actively supported by him.

Article by Debbie White

Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

You may also like: The FCANZ great 4WD adventure

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From high heels and retail counters to boots and post drivers – it’s safe to say I never saw this life coming.

My name is Anne Madden, and I’m a female fencer, proudly working alongside my husband.

I grew up in the vibrant environment of Auckland City, which contrasts significantly with my current work involving muddy paddocks, wire strainers, and long days in the sun.

The turning point came in 2020, when I met my husband, Wairata Madden. At the time, I never imagined that our connection would not only bring love into my life, but also lead me into an entirely new world – the world of fencing.

Wairata started Madden Fencing in 2020, and his skills and leadership on-site are nothing short of impressive. His family – the Maddens – are some of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. His father, Peter Madden, founded Madden Holdings Limited, a company that has proudly been running for over 30 years. Being welcomed into a family business with that kind of legacy and work ethic is something I’m incredibly proud of.

When I first stepped into this industry, I’ll be honest – I didn’t think I was cut out for it. Fencing is no small task. It’s physically demanding, mentally tough, and completely outside anything I’d ever done before. I doubted myself constantly. And let’s be real – I never thought I’d drive a tractor in my lifetime!

One of my earliest experiences out on the fence line was… let’s just say, unforgettable. It was one of my first times battening with my husband, and I was still figuring out the gear and technique. In a moment that still haunts me, I accidentally fired a batten off the wire – and hit him directly in the nether regions. I was absolutely horrified. I thought he’d be furious. But no – he burst out laughing. He thought it was the funniest thing ever and now loves retelling the story to everyone. And believe me – to this day, I still don’t hear the end of it!

After that particular incident, I honestly can’t believe my husband still trusts me out at work – but here we are. We live, and we learn.

Every experience, awkward or amazing, has helped shape who I’m becoming in this new life. There’s something deeply empowering about doing work that leaves a visible mark at the end of each day. Whether it’s marking along the guideline for where the posts will be placed, or tightening the wires after stapling them onto each post, every project is a reminder of what can be achieved with your own two hands. It’s challenging, yes – but incredibly rewarding.

Being part of this world has also given me access to some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever witnessed. It’s one thing to look at mountains from afar – but being on the mountains, working amongst them, is something else entirely. The peace, the vastness, the stillness – it’s humbling. And the connection with animals has been just as special. Being surrounded by dogs, cows, sheep, and even the occasional turkey has been incredibly healing to my well-being. There’s something grounding about being alongside animals and nature. I’m so grateful that my husband introduced me to this life.

Being a woman in this field can raise eyebrows. I’ve had my fair share of sceptical looks and underestimating comments. But every time I swing that hammer, dig that posthole, or load gear for a big day, I’m changing perceptions – one fence at a time.

One of the most beautiful and unexpected parts of this journey has been the lifestyle it’s created for our family. We’re now raising our three children in a rural environment that’s rich with freedom, nature, and hands-on learning. Our kids are growing up with the values of hard work, responsibility, and self-reliance. They’re not just observing this lifestyle – they’re part of it. And that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.

I still have so much to learn. Every job teaches me something new, and every challenge stretches me in a different way. But being part of this industry is a privilege. It’s an honour to be trusted with work that supports the land, the people, and the livelihoods of others.

To any woman reading this who’s feeling stuck, restless, or curious about trying something outside of the box – I see you. It’s okay to be afraid. It’s okay to doubt yourself. But trust me when I say: you might just surprise yourself. Whether it’s fencing, farming, building, or something else entirely – you can do hard things. You’re more capable than you know.

I’ve been documenting this journey through my platforms on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, under the name “A Fencer’s Wife.” It’s a real and honest look at what life is like from my perspective – a woman in a male-dominated trade, a wife, a mum, and someone who’s figuring it all out in real time. If you’re interested in following along, I’d love to have you.

This life is rugged, real, and full of heart. And if I can inspire even one other woman to step outside her comfort zone and try something new – then I’m doing something right.

Written by Anne K Madden

Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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For the last few years, there has been a gap in the market for Large Diameter Machine Round Poles (Uniform Poles).

Now, thanks to the installation of a new German-engineered rounding machine, PermaPine is expanding its product range to include a larger variety of diameters, up to 300mm, and 9m in length.

This enhancement ensures that PermaPine can offer its customers and contractors one of the most extensive product ranges in the country. Making PermaPine’s Machine Rounded Poles the perfect choice for your next project.

Why choose PermaPine Machine Round Poles?

Uniform diameter: PermaPine’s machine round poles maintain a consistent diameter along their entire length, crucial for applications like rural fencing, bollards, and structural components.

Superior quality: Each pole is selected, graded, and treated to comply with New Zealand standards (NZS3605 & NZS3640), ensuring exceptional performance and longevity.

Versatile applications: Ideal for pole sheds, fences, bollards, and structural projects, these poles provide reliability and durability.

Sustainable choice: Sourced from responsibly managed forests, PermaPine’s FSC certified poles support environmentally friendly principles.

Applications

• Shed poles: Reliable for shed structures, with a uniform diameter for quick installation.
• Construction and retaining: Precision and strength for construction projects.
• Bollards: Enhance safety and aesthetics in public and private spaces.

PermaPine’s premium Machine Round Poles meet the highest standards of uniformity and strength, making them a top choice for contractors across New Zealand.

Available from stockists supporting PermaPine.

Contact: or 0800 737 627

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Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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Struggling with stubborn farm gates while managing livestock, tools, or equipment is a familiar and frustrating challenge for New Zealand farmers.

Edgesmith Ltd, a renowned innovator in gate hardware and automation, is proud to unveil Cowstile – an advanced, rugged, and energy-efficient gate opener specifically designed to withstand the realities of rural life.

Experience the Cowstile difference at Fieldays 2025

Cowstile isn’t just another farm gate solution – it’s a quantum leap forward. Farmers, contractors, and rural landowners can witness Cowstile firsthand at the Fieldays Innovation Tent, Mystery Creek, from June 11–14, 2025. Edgesmith invites attendees to experience live demonstrations showcasing Cowstile’s groundbreaking capabilities.

Advanced engineering meets rural durability

Cowstile’s advanced cycloidal drive simultaneously engages approximately one-third (30%) of its gear lobes, significantly outperforming traditional planetary or worm gear systems typically found in gate automation products, which engage around 12% of the gear profile at any given time. As a result, Cowstile distributes operational forces across 157% more gear surface area, dramatically improving durability, shock resistance, and longevity.

Compact and efficient design

Cowstile’s advanced mechanical design incorporates a frameless, brushless motor, significantly improving energy efficiency and reliability. Eliminating friction-causing brushes allows Cowstile to operate with remarkable precision and power efficiency, perfectly suited for solar-powered setups, reducing energy consumption by up to five times compared to traditional brushed motors.

Safe, smart, and livestock-friendly

Addressing a common rural headache – curious animals damaging gate automation -Cowstile’s innovative mounting solution positions the mechanism safely atop the gate post. This design keeps critical components out of harm’s way, drastically minimizing damage from livestock. Plus, its flexible installation allows gates to swing in either direction and open to any angle, providing unmatched versatility.

Remote control across the whole farm

Powered by cutting-edge LoRa technology, Cowstile provides exceptional long-range connectivity, delivering control capabilities hundreds of metres beyond conventional systems. Farmers can manage gate operations conveniently from anywhere on their property – be it paddock-to-house or across expansive farmland. Additionally, Cowstile supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS, easily integrating into comprehensive smart farm management systems.

Designed by Kiwis, for Kiwis

The development of Cowstile is a testament to Edgesmith’s deep-rooted expertise in fencing, automation, and security solutions. Created through the collaborative efforts of a highly skilled local engineering team, Cowstile addresses key pain points faced by farmers: high costs, reliability concerns, and inadequate functionality of existing gate automation options.

Affordable automation

Setting a new standard in affordability and functionality, Cowstile is expected to retail significantly below the typical cost range of traditional European-made gate automation systems. This competitive pricing, combined with its superior performance, positions Cowstile as the ideal solution for widespread adoption across New Zealand farms.

Come See Cowstile in action

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Cowstile firsthand at Fieldays 2025. Visit Edgesmith at the Innovation Tent from June 11-14 for live demonstrations, expert advice, and insights into how Cowstile can revolutionise your farming operations.

Edgesmith welcomes all FCANZ members, rural contractors, and enthusiasts to explore Cowstile – New Zealand’s next step toward smarter, more efficient, and hassle-free farming.

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Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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Waratah® Fencing has officially launched Longlife Blue® 25kg fence wire coils. These new coils are designed to make fencing projects easier, faster, and more efficient, giving you the perfect solution for your next fencing job.

Contractors and farmers alike know that Longlife Blue wire is the best choice for their farming needs as it is resistant to corrosion, durable, reliable and easy to work with, especially in more mountainous terrain. New Zealand has had 25kg coils in the fencing landscape for a while now and Waratah has been working hard to meet this demand with its own 25kg Longlife Blue coils.

We recently spoke to Dan Douglass from Dan Douglass Fencing, about his thoughts on the new coils. “We will use a bunch of the Longlife Blue coils, and they will be a good seller. The 25kg rolls are a good point for New Zealand, as a lot of hill fences get wire carried in by hand. So, if you can carry a 25kg roll in hand, it’s perfect for contractors who are set up for 25kg rolls. Waratah Longlife Blue wire is a consistent product for me, and it stays a consistent price.”

 

Dan Douglass continued to share his thoughts on why Waratah is his go-to fencing product:

“Our main product is Waratah now. I like the quality and consistency of it. It is always the same, we don’t have any issues with individual wires breaking. And it contours well on the steeper, undulating terrain. Waratah is easier to work with, doesn’t break, and we use quite a few of the JiOs. It’s good being able to get the whole fence as an actual system with the clips and the whole lot. It is easy and fast to build. It is an easy system to use, that’s quick and easy to put up. It is quick to strain up and clip on, and not a lot of tools are really needed for the job.”

Waratah’s Longlife Blue wire coils are now available for purchase, providing contractors and farmers with a reliable and easy-to-use solution for their fencing needs. The 25kg coils make handling easier, especially in rugged terrain, and with the consistency of Waratah’s products, you can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality, long-lasting wire.

For more information and to place an order, visit www.waratahfencing.co.nz or contact Brendon on 021 393 010
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Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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They say the customer is always right, but when it comes to digging safely, it’s wise to double-check what’s beneath the surface, regardless of what you’re told.

Here’s a practical example from a CERTLOC certified utility locator showing why it’s always best to follow safe digging practices – even if someone suggests otherwise.

A fencing contractor was engaged by a customer to install fencing and had been assured by a property owner that there were no underground utility services in the area. The owner, confident after 50 years on the property, was certain that nothing lay beneath the surface. What he didn’t realise was that a power cable installed long ago still ran through the site – serving the neighbour’s property.

The contractor reused an existing fence post hole, but this time dug slightly deeper, and hit the cable. The consequence? Power was lost, and the repair required a new cable to be installed from the power pole all the way down the neighbour’s driveway. The cost? An eye-watering estimate of $75,000 due to the long distance involved.

Let this be a reminder:

1. Don’t rely on a property owner’s memory. Things change. Infrastructure gets added, rerouted or forgotten.
2. Just because something was there before (like a fence post) doesn’t mean it’s safe to assume there are no services underneath.

At beforeUdig, we see these kinds of preventable incidents too often. Always lodge a beforeUdig request and get a
certified locator involved to detect if there are any underground utility cables or pipes in your area of work before you break ground. It’s not just about avoiding damage – it’s about protecting people, property and essential infrastructure.

For utility network maps and to find details of certified locators available in your area of work, lodge your FREE beforeUdig enquiry or look one up on our website here www.beforeudig.co.nz/locator/certified-locators/ map-of-certified-locating-companies

Thanks to Chris Chassiotis, CERTLOC certified locator of SA Cable & Pipe Locating, for supplying the photo and details of this incident.

www.beforeUdig.co.nz
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Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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Cracking weather made for three excellent Best Practice Days in April. Spread around the eastern side of the North Island, the days provided attendees with an opportunity to see fencing best practice techniques in action – and watch some fencing industry legends at work.

Tikokino 8 April 2025

Well-known competition fencers Shane and Tony Bouskill put on a great event at their Tikokino property in the Hawke’s Bay. The Bouskill team talked a captivated audience through best practice for various aspects of rural fencing and answered any questions that curious onlookers had. They can’t have given too much info away, as they still took out the win at the NZ Fencing Competitions’ Cambridge event.

A huge thanks to Joelene for the spectacular food. It’s going to be hard to beat at any future events!

Whakatane 10 April 2025

This Best Practice Day was held in possibly one of the coolest converted shearing sheds we’ve ever seen – complete with a bar and super comfy couches! Outstanding views of Whakaari (White Island) and Whale Island, our thanks to Shaun Davies from Davies Fencing in Te Puke for organising this location. Accredited Fencing Contractor Neil Robertson from Fensin in the mighty Waikato, demonstrated rail installation in the shade of the orchard. The discussions around overlapping 45-degree cuts at the ends of rails versus straight ends were certainly interesting and showed the differences in techniques, with none of them being inherently ‘wrong’. The afternoon saw the team move to the nearby hillside, with spectacular views across the coast, to hear about best practice wire fence installation. Big thanks to Ben Fisher for arranging the venison for the BBQ.

 

Cambridge 11 April 2025

Normally, we only hold two Best Practice Days in a week. However, an NZFC competition in Cambridge provided us with the chance to run a combined BPD/competition day. It’s an interesting concept with lots to see, but it can also be quite noisy – especially at the start of the competitions with 8 borers running!

Our programme started a little later than planned because of this, but it still provided all the goods expected of a Best Practice Day. Long-time fencer and fount of all fencing knowledge, Wayne Newdick, talked through the intricacies
of augers, different setups, and how crucial it is to have the correct setup to make the job easier. Good bugger Greg Burton demonstrated recessing timber into posts and various timber joins. Bryan Henry demonstrated horse rail. It was great to see students and teachers from local schools there to learn more about the world of fencing – and fencing as a career. Thanks to Thomsons ITM for supplying the excellent BBQ for attendees and competitors alike. The sausages from Wholey Cow were excellent! (IYKYK).

As always, the feedback from these events is invaluable and provides us with areas in which to improve. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come and provide feedback.

Written by Jaime Bigwood & Phil Cornelius

Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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The South Island FCANZ promo trailer was on-site for the full three days of the biennial South Island Agricultural Field Days at Kirwee in Canterbury this March.

Board Member Nick Terry and FCANZ Executive Director Jaime Bigwood were on-site and available to talk about everything fencing related, from the benefits of membership to the Certificates in Fencing and how to find a fencing contractor.

The numbers attending this event seemed to be much better than at some of the other regional events so far this year. The trailer was placed between the Cowboy Challenge and the fencing competitions, and near Association Partners Waratah, Strainrite and Beattie, making for an excellent, unofficial “hub”.

There was a lot to talk about over the three days, including the Join & Win triple-entry promotion that was being run on-site and the very old fencing that was brought along by Doug Taylor and parked up near us. Many conversations were held about what the benefits are of FCANZ membership, with the realisation that it costs less than a pie per week being something that caught the ear of many.

Attending these large events is an important part of our strategy of raising the profile of the Association and, in turn, making people aware that fencing is a skilled trade. While we might not talk to everyone, more often than not, those who we do speak to (who aren’t fencers) are looking for someone to do their fencing for them. Quite a few FCANZ branded builders pencils were given away, mainly to those people looking for contractors’ as it was the easiest way to ensure they had the FCANZ web address. They were all referred to the “Find a Fencing Contractor” directory and hopefully have been in touch.

The media opportunities that can come with these events are also key, and we were able to leverage two of these to highlight that fencing is a skilled trade.

On the Wednesday, PGG ran a termination knot “fencing challenge” for the Rural Roundup lads Andy & Lashes. A very quick coaching session from Nick and Rathgen Fencing’s Tom Rathgen, and the competition was on. “It ain’t for the faint hearted or the people with office hands that’s for sure”, said Lashes. This session resulted in a great live on-air interview with Nick and a very funny (cringeworthy) video, both of which appeared on the Rural Roundup’s Facebook page. Pop on over if you want to see them in action (spoiler alert: the office-based Aucklander won by a long way!) Big thanks to Tom Rathgen for helping out with the Fencing Challenge and putting up a cracker post & rail fence around the PGG site.

Thursday gave us a slightly different opportunity when Labour Leader Chris Hipkins and his team stopped by. While I chatted with the team about fencing and the need for it to be recognised as a trade, Chris had a lesson in tying termination knots from Nick, who was quite impressed with the Minister’s abilities.

“For what I understand was a first attempt, he did well. He might need to wear gloves next time though,” Nick said. Mr Hipkins and his team also spent time leaning on the gate talking about the Lean on a Gate programme and rural mental health, which provided valuable exposure for the work Wiggy & his team do. It was great to see that team photo show up on the Minister’s Facebook page.

It was great to see several new members sign up over the course of the event, and we look forward to seeing them at events and hearing their thoughts on how the Association can help their business. Come along and say hi to the team at Mystery Creek in June, and then Southern Field Days in Waimumu next February.

Written by Jaime Bigwood

Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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Three fencing contractors from around New Zealand have recently become the country’s new Accredited Fencing Contractors. These contractors have proven that they not only know how to build a great fence but they also run a safe and ethical business.

“Fencing is still relatively unregulated, and this means that there aren’t any simple ways for a potential customer to easily identify a quality fencing contractor. These endorsements go a long way towards addressing that,” says FCANZ President Phil Cornelius.

There are also important benefits to your business of becoming an endorsed fencing business. Accredited Fencing Contractors are listed at the top of their relevant “Find a Fencing Contractor” web directory page. And, when they become an Accredited Fencing Contractor, their business gets a shoutout across our social channels and e-news.

Certified Fencers also enjoy some perks from achieving an endorsement, with the Certified Fencer logo on their “Find a Fencing Contractor” web directory listing.

The business details for members who hold either endorsement are listed in a specially created section within WIRED magazine, which is widely distributed – and particularly popular at the events we attend. They are also sent a bumper sticker and cap relevant to the endorsement level achieved. We encourage those who achieve either endorsement to shout about it through their own channels, using the logo whenever and wherever they can.

But the endorsements aren’t just about the benefit to the individual contractor. Not only do the Accredited Fencing Contractor and Certified Fencer endorsements raise the profile of an individual business, they also go a long way to continue to prove that fencing is a skilled trade.

In the coming months, FCANZ will be launching a campaign whereby we reach out to each territorial authority to ensure they know that Accredited Fencing Contractors are the fencers they should be looking to engage with for any fencing project.

Additionally, a series of technical drawings that are currently being finalised will be made available so that it is simple for any party to understand what industry minimum standards are. This will assist with fairly judging both tender submissions and the quality of any work that has been completed.

“We’re working to educate the large organisations who contract out the fencing component of their work or project, as well as the wider public, about what the industry minimums should be. We want them to be thinking about not only the cost, but whether they will actually get a fence that is built to last. It’s time for quality fencers to really shine, and for the cowboys to be concerned,” says Phil.

In addition, FCANZ is also able to offer a fencing inspection service to territorial authorities. A suitably qualified FCANZ member will visit any areas of concern, and will use a pre-formatted inspection template, their knowledge of industry best practice and the technical drawings that are soon to be released, to provide guidance on the quality of the work. This service is not for the purpose of finger-pointing but rather to reinforce the Association’s goal of ensuring fencing is recognised as a trade, and to raise the profile of quality fencers.

Emile de Greeuw of Omata Fencing in Pahiatua posted this on their business page: “We are the FIRST Lower North Island Fencing Contractor to be Accredited by FCANZ – Fencing Contractors New Zealand, under their new strict requirements. A credit to the team at FCANZ for raising the professionalism of our industry – it was a pretty rigorous process and took us a few runs at it. This has been a goal for the business for a long time, so it feels pretty good to finally tick it off!”

Meanwhile, Scott Graham from Specialist Rural Services in Rotorua said, “I’ve been fencing for nearly 20 years and just became Accredited. We know we run a good business, but now everyone else does too. It’s great to have a way for the industry to recognise best practice.

Phil wrapped up with, “Let’s face it – in this market any advantage is one worth taking.”

Find out more about FCANZ endorsements at fcanz.org.nz/training/

Written by Jaime Bigwood

The Association would like to formally congratulate all businesses who have achieved the Certified Fencer or Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsement, and acknowledge those who are currently going through the process.

Published in WIRED issue 77/June 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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