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The FCANZ Industry Awards are back for their third year! The awards recognise and acknowledge those who exemplify the Association’s mission of raising the profile of fencing as a professional trade, delivering high quality work, and adhering to best practice standards.

Trainee of the Year – Level 3

This award recognises an individual who undertakes fencing work as their primary form of employment and who completed the NZQA National Certificate in Fencing Level 3 course in 2024. They will have demonstrated to the tutor that through the course, they have obtained the skills and knowledge for excellent fence line installation.

Criteria

• Completed NZQA Level 3 course during 2024
• Employer is a FCANZ member (including during the period the trainee was enrolled in the course)
• Nominated by the course tutor
• Shows excellent knowledge of fence line practices, and it is evident that they have been trained well by their employer

Selection process

• 1 nominee per course, put forward by the course tutor
• FCANZ to facilitate the appointment of three independent judges

Nominees are invited to attend the FCANZ Gala Dinner, where the winner is announced.

Level 4 Excellence

This award recognises the graduate of the NZQA National Certificate in Fencing Level 4 who consistently displayed excellence across their coursework. Awarded to only one of the 2024 graduates, this award acknowledges the student who consistently produced excellent work, identifying them as a true asset to the fencing industry.

Criteria

To be considered for this award, students must have excellent attendance and consistently:

• Participate openly in all group discussions, assisting other members of the group by sharing their knowledge and experience while maintaining an open mind to the opinions and experience of other members,
• Complete all study and assessments within appropriate time frames while demonstrating a willingness to achieve and maintain consistent gains within their learning,
• Demonstrate a willingness to accept new and alternate methods and systems, and the ability to adapt their thinking to consider and apply gained knowledge where applicable into their approach to the operational processes within their given business and working environment.

Selection process

• Nominees for this award will be identified by the NorthTec Course tutor.
• The recipient will also be determined by the tutor according to the criteria above.

Emerging Talent – Youth

This award is for those in the industry who have demonstrated a commitment to fencing as a career opportunity and demonstrated growth and excellence in their workplace.

Criteria

• Under 25 years of age
• Employed in the industry by a FCANZ member
• Been employed by the employer for a minimum of two years

Signed Employer Declaration confirming worker:

• has demonstrated good work habits
• is punctual and reliable
• demonstrates interest in the job and a willingness to learn
• has demonstrated good uptake and understanding of fence line systems
• has good uptake of Health and Safety and demonstrates a willingness to engage

Selection process

Nominees will be expected to provide video evidence of their work, and to attend an online meeting with the independent judging panel, which will decide the winner.

Women in Fencing – Excellence

This award recognises a woman who supports and advances the New Zealand fencing industry. Recipients of this award are chosen by the Board to acknowledge the great work put in by women in a predominantly male environment, adding value on the fenceline or within the wider fencing industry.

Industry Contribution

This award recognises and acknowledges individuals who go above and beyond to champion and support the fencing industry’s growth and development. Recipients of this award are chosen by the Board for their commitment to the betterment of the fencing industry as a whole.

FCANZ Legacy Award

The FCANZ Legacy award (formerly known as the Lifetime Award) is the highest award that FCANZ can bestow. The achievements and contributions of the individual must truly be outstanding and significant, over a sustained period of time. Recipients must have contributed to the industry across several capacities, contributing significantly to the improvement of industry and supporting the Association to meet its goals. To be eligible to receive this award, the individual must have been an FCANZ member at some time in their career.

The FCANZ Legacy award is a special and infrequently awarded honour, with recipients receiving honorary Life Membership.

Nomination forms for the 2025 awards listed below can be found on the FCANZ website from 1 March 2025 (www.fcanz.org.nz/awards):

The deadline for nominations is midnight Wednesday 30 April 2025.

 

Published in WIRED issue 76/March 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

You may also like: Fencing Industry Excellence Recognised at 2024 Awards

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Planning is well underway for what looks to be yet another excellent FCANZ Conference this August.

Open to all current FCANZ members and their partners, this three-day event will once again provide delegates with unrivalled networking (aka socialising) opportunities, a forum in which to share ideas and learn new business-best practice tips, and the chance to have a say in how the Association operates. You’ll also meet key industry suppliers and see the latest and greatest fencing tools and techniques.

WEDNESDAY 6 AUGUST

National Fencing Field Day (NFFD)

Join us at the 5th annual NFFD to see the latest fencing gear, watch best practice demos, talk with exhibitors and challenge fellow fencing contractors to win great prizes in the FCANZ Games. If you are driving, enter your vehicle in the “Show Us Your Toolbox” competition and be in to win, thanks to the Milwaukee team. This competition is open to both FCANZ members and non-members, with prizes for each category.

Last year, we introduced the Secondary Schools Fencing Competition, and we’re delighted to confirm that it is returning this year. Watch the students duke it out against each other and see if the girls can outperform the boys for the quality awards – and whether anyone can knock Geraldine High School off the overall top spot! Travel to and from, and entry into the NFFD are complimentary with your Conference25 ticket.

For the long-suffering partners who aren’t keen on spending the day in the field with their other half, we’ll once again be running the popular Ladies Who Lunch outing. Your FCANZ ‘hostess with the mostest’ will take you on a fabulous day filled with delicious food, interesting activities, and wonderful company. Book early though, as spaces are limited!

Mix & Mingle Dinner*

Our ever-popular Mix & Mingle dinner is being held this year at Finn’s Bistro & Beer Garden, right in the middle oftown. Come along, enjoy a casual catch-up with old acquaintances, and meet new people. We’ve got a space reserved just for us, so feel free to head down once you’re back from the National Fencing Field Day.
*Food and drinks at this event are not included in your Conference25 ticket.

THURSDAY 7 AUGUST

Conference25 & AGM – Lake Taupō Yacht Club

The National Fencing Field Day and the activities day on Friday have all come about from the need for FCANZ, as an Incorporated Society, to hold an Annual General Meeting every year, which means that Thursday is our “serious business” day. You’ll hear a report on what the Board has achieved in the previous 12 months and an update on what is planned for the next 12 months.

This is followed by the AGM, during which the Board will be decided, and any Association rule changes will be voted upon. Three of the seven Board positions will be up for renewal this year due to our retirement-by-rotation policy. If you have been considering being involved in the direction of the Association, then now is your chance. While the incumbents may look to stand again, this doesn’t stop others from standing. If there are more nominations than positions, it will go to a confidential vote, with the results notified later in the day. Nomination forms and role descriptions will be available on our website in April.

The learning part of the Conference programme follows the AGM. We’ve asked Infometrics Chief Economist Brad Olsen to come back again and update us on where the economy is at 12 months later. The day will also include our Member Feedback Forum, when you, as a member, are invited to comment on Association activities and contribute to the forward direction of FCANZ.

Gala Dinner & FCANZ Awards – Lake Taupō Yacht Club

Once the Conference sessions have finished for the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to change into your glad rags and meet us in town for a well-earned beverage before heading back to the Yacht Club for our semi-formal dinner and awards ceremony.

There will be prizes for the best dressed, so make sure you put in a good effort!

FRIDAY 8 AUGUST

Activities Day
We love planning the activities day for our delegates – and this year is no exception! Once again, we’ve decided to keep the plans for the activities on the down-low until much closer to the day. Check out our Facebook page and the June edition of WIRED for more info about what we’ll be doing.

Dinner on the Lake
A stay in Taupō isn’t complete without some form of water activity. For the final dinner of our 2025 Conference programme, we’re heading out on the lake for a 3-hour charter cruise with the team from Chris Jolly Outdoors. We’ll raft up at the Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings and enjoy a tasty BBQ dinner before returning to shore.
(If the weather isn’t great, we’ll head to a sheltered bay instead.)

Getting there

Taupō is a relatively easy drive from most cities in the North Island, and thankfully, State Highway 1 through the Desert Road will be open by the time delegates need to use it! Taupo also boasts a reasonably well-serviced airport. If you decide to fly, let us know when your flight lands, and we’ll see if we can arrange transport for you.

Where to stay

There are hundreds of accommodation options in and around Taupo to suit every budget, from backpackers and B&Bs to motels, hotels, and lodges. Choose the option that works best for you. The Board will be staying at the  Acacia Lake View Motel, right in the middle of town, so feel free to join us there.

We’ll let delegates know where the Board will meet each day for breakfast or evening beverages (when there isn’t a planned location), and you are more than welcome to join us.

Tickets

Early Bird tickets are $390+GST per person and are available until June 30th, 2024.

From July 1st, tickets will be at full price – $450+GST per person.

Book your ticket now and lock in your spot – numbers are strictly limited!

www.fcanz.org.nz/conference

Learn more about Taupō at www.loveTaupo.com
*Please note that details are subject to change

Published in WIRED issue 76/March 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

You may also like: Fencing Industry Excellence Recognised at 2024 Awards

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FCANZ is delighted to announce that the first Accredited Fencing Contractor on-site audits took place around the North Island late in March 2025, with some South Island audits planned for late April.

The individual Certified Fencer endorsement and Accredited Fencing Contractor business-level endorsement will raise the profile of fencing as a trade that widely commits to best-practice project delivery and business processes.

Over the years, the industry has faced significant challenges in the education space, from Industry Training Organisations folding and all records being unavailable, to system failures leading to the loss of records. FCANZ President Phil Cornelius says, “These situations have been hugely frustrating not only for the person who has put in all the hard work and literally has nothing to show for it, but for us as an Association. It’s really limited our ability to deliver consistent industry endorsements”.

After a long hiatus, the Association endorsements have been re-framed, and the new Accredited Fencing Contractor and Certified Fencer endorsements created. The initial application and assessment requirements are robust, and the re-assessment procedures are clear. FCANZ is confident that this new structure will ensure a consistent quality of fencer and fencing business across each of the endorsement levels. The previous endorsements that were issued a significant number of years ago by the Association were not maintained

“ As a Board, we 100% believe the Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsement is in the best interests of our members and the industry, and so we’re prepared to contribute financially to make sure it’s available to all of our members – regardless of where they are based and have all lapsed, meaning that the appropriate solution was the creation of updated endorsements.

“I’ve been fencing for decades – I don’t need a piece of paper to prove I’m good” is something we frequently hear. We agree most of our members are excellent fencers and probably great business owners. The key is that the FCANZ endorsements are not for the benefit of other fencers. An average customer doesn’t know a good fencer from a poor fencer when in the initial selection stages. This is particularly apparent when the customer is a large organisation with a tender process. Having the endorsement allows FCANZ members to prove their expertise in a comparatively unregulated industry.

Members should also note that the Association does not financially benefit from the delivery of the endorsements. Indeed, it is often the opposite, with auditing costs being subsidised by the Association. The fees an applicant pays for the Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsement contribute to the cost of getting an auditor to site.

“As a Board, we 100% believe the Accredited Fencing Contractor endorsement is in the best interests of our members and the industry, and so we’re prepared to contribute financially to make sure it’s available to all of our members – regardless of where they are based,” says Phil.

As the national industry body, FCANZ will reach out later this year to each local and regional council around New Zealand to promote endorsed members and the level of confidence the endorsements can bring to their selection processes. The focus will be on education, including what ‘good’ looks like and how choosing the lowest price is not always the most cost-effective decision. Phil adds, “We’re playing the long game here for the good of our members and the industry. It’s time to weed out the cowboys undercutting us all and support those who consistently do great work.”

Currently, the endorsements are heavily focused on rural fencing, the sector that many of our members are involved in. However, both the Level 4 Certificate in Fencing and the Endorsements can be adjusted relatively easily to meet the needs of other sectors/types of fencing, particularly residential and security fencing.

We look forward to announcing our new Accredited Fencing Contractors in due course.

For more information on the Certificates in Fencing and the FCANZ endorsements, head to www.fcanz.org.nz/training.

Written by Jaime Bigwood

Published in WIRED issue 76/March 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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Mental well-being journeys

As I sit down to write this and think of the many topics we could discuss in this space, I am reminded that there is an amazing team behind the Lean on a Gate, Talk to a Mate campaign.

Slade McFarland and Jason Herrick are both founding Trustees of the Whatever with Wiggy Charity and have their own stories to tell around mental health and the effect it has had on their lives and those close to them.

Slade was one of the country’s original professional rugby players, with a career which included becoming a Maori All Black, and finishing his career in France. The fallout after returning back to New Zealand and adopting a ‘normal’ life of work without the high profile and income took its toll, leading to a heck of a mental health journey.

Jason is well known in rural New Zealand for his work in Federated Farmers and rural advocacy, but when his wife needed to ask the police to find him as she was concerned for his well-being, he realised life needed to change. Faced with many physical and mental health challenges, he too made changes in his life.

Both these men are an inspiration to me and support the cause of better rural mental and physical health to the point of an addiction. Please read from them their words on what they do now for their own well-being.

Slade McFarland

Personal Well-Being
Taking care of my personal well-being has become a priority in my life. I have realised that maintaining a balance between my physical, mental, and emotional health is essential for overall happiness. To achieve this, I have incorporated several practices into my daily routine.

Firstly, I engage in regular physical exercise, which not only keeps me fit but also boosts my mood and energy levels. I also prioritise a balanced diet, ensuring I consume nutritious foods that fuel my body and mind.

In addition to physical health, I focus on mental well-being by practicing mindfulness and meditation. These techniques help me stay present and manage stress effectively. I also make time for hobbies and activities that bring me joy, such as reading and spending time with loved ones.

Hobbies and Interests
One of my favourite hobbies is cross-training with my wife. This not only keeps us both physically active but also strengthens our bond. I also love experiencing events like concerts during the weekends, which provide a great way to unwind and enjoy live music. Planning holidays gives me something to look forward to, adding excitement and anticipation to my life. Lastly, riding my Harley Davidson motorbike offers me a sense of freedom and adventure that is unmatched. These hobbies play a crucial role in enhancing my overall well-being.

Lastly, I ensure I get enough sleep, as it is crucial for rejuvenation and overall health. By taking these steps, I am able to maintain a positive outlook on life and achieve a sense of well-being.

Jason Herrick

Taking care of my mental health is a priority, and I focus on a balanced approach that incorporates exercise, family, healthy eating, and positive personal development. Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways I maintain my mental well-being. I make sure to engage in exercises like walking, jogging, or strength training at least every day. These activities help reduce stress, boost my mood, and increase my overall energy levels.

I also place great importance on spending quality time with my family. Whether it’s spending more time together, engaging in meaningful conversations, or just enjoying each other’s company, my family provides emotional support and connection that nurtures my mental health. Additionally, I pay close attention to my diet, aiming to consume a balanced diet full of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats and filling the gaps with nutritional supplements. This not only supports my physical health but also has a significant impact on my mental clarity and emotional stability.

I engage in personal development by listening to educational podcasts and audio books. These resources help me learn new skills, gain fresh perspectives, and stay motivated, which all contribute to a positive mindset. Overall, by prioritising exercise, nurturing family bonds, maintaining a nutritious diet, and investing in my growth, I create a stable foundation for mental well-being.

Craig Wiggins

I often get asked what I do for my mental health and well-being. The answer is pretty simple; I give back!! The amount of positivity I get back from helping those who may need a kind word, hug or more in-depth support fills my cup.

The work I do on horseback at race meetings is a privilege to be able to do, and the joy people show when they touch their first horse, the adrenaline of catching a loose horse, and the connection I have with the horses I have under me, has such a positive effect and is a mile away from some of the hard stuff I see in the mental health support work, it’s a great release.

Deciding to prioritise family, and the work that really matters, selling the farm and downsizing to allow both, means that I
can make what I do better for myself and those around me.

If it’s better mental or physical health you seek, my words of advice are simple: make a change for the positive, leave behind the negatives, and give to others!

Published in WIRED issue 76/March 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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Normally when Shaun gets home from a hunting trip he is satisfied, smelly and tired. This time, when he arrived home, he was satisfied, smelly but enlivened.

He had something to tell me.

“Guess what?” he asked.

“You shot a deer”, I stated.

“Yes, but guess what else?”

“You shot two deer,” I teased him.

“Yes, but also,” he was so keen to get his story out, “I met someone interesting.”

Now, this could be a good story. He was on a hunting trip with a mate and his mate’s mates he hadn’t met before.

“So, there was one guy there and we hit it off, he kinda felt, like, really familiar. He asked me what I did, and when I said I was a fencer, he asked me if I knew his uncle who was a fencer.”

Huh? I was momentarily confused with the story until Shaun finished with: “And I said ‘F*ck off he’s my uncle’, and he said, ‘Nah f*ck off, he’s MY uncle!’”

And this is how Shaun found out he had a cousin, who also works on farms and does fencing.

This same guy has a brother (another cousin for Shaun) who also works in a similar industry, clearing fence lines in diggers. So, when Shaun was under the pump at work one time, he rang this long-lost cousin’s brother he’d never met and asked him to come and work for us for a week. Which he did. And they got on like a house on fire.

It seems to run in families, fencing.

Shaun has another fencing cousin, who has a husband and a son who all fence too. They are long-time in the game and were the ones who introduced fencing to Shaun as a teenager in his school holidays.

He remembers having to re-do whole fence lines (in his own time, unpaid) because it wasn’t up to standard. He learnt the importance of quality and a good work ethic, which put him in a good place when he set up his own fencing business 20-odd years later. He remembers being a few months into the new business and needing a tractor for a job, he bought their hand-me-down Massey Fergusson. It was Shaun’s absolute pride and joy. He would often park it in the driveway when I wasn’t home, banishing my Mitsubishi out to the roadside.

These cousins have been an incredible source of support for us. Shaun rings them often for advice on quoting, on how-to knowledge, to share wins and also the dark days.

Shaun reconnected with another cousin a few years ago. And he’s a fencer too. And there’s another uncle too. Fieldays is like a family reunion.

It was no surprise then, when our son left school not knowing what he wanted to do and decided to work for Dad till he figured it out. Six years later he had his Level 3 Fencing Certificate and was a nominee for FCANZ Emerging Talent – Youth award in 2023. Working together every day could have gone either way, but luckily for us it turned out good, and Dad and son have a very close relationship now.

As a wife, I really value Shaun’s fencing relatives. Not only are they a great support, but they also provide that wonderful sense of belonging that we humans need. Having a sense of belonging – to a family, a group, an organisation – is a primal instinct that we developed as cavemen, it told us that if there was danger, or famine, then we would have a better chance of survival if we were in a group. So, feeling like we belong gives us a sense of safety and closeness. It’s also what many human development experts tell us is needed for our mental health. If you belong to something, then you won’t fall for anything.

Written by Angelena Davies

www.daviesfencing.com

Angelena Davies is a wife and mum who happens to have a Masters degree in Social Sciences. Alongside running Davies Fencing she is also a coach, facilitator and author helping children and adults to access “flow” so their lives are easier and more fun.

Published in WIRED issue 75/December 2024 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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Name: Ben Fisher
Course: Certificate in Fencing (Level 4)

“I enrolled in the Level 3 fencing course and then went on and completed the Level 4,” says Ben Fisher, NorthTec graduate. “I’d been fencing for a while before that, but I still found it really interesting and informative.”

“I decided to do the course to begin with to support the idea, then continued on to do Level 4 because it’s a really valuable qualification to have. It’s helpful to be accredited for many reasons. It shows you know what you’re doing and can provide clients with peace of mind.”
Ben was already self-employed, running his own fencing business, when he enrolled in the courses, but that didn’t mean there weren’t things to learn.

“The tutors were great. They had valuable insights into the industry and a lot of experience to pass on. It was also great to meet others that are in the same industry to connect and network.”

“The Level 4 course is mostly online, that made it easy to fit in around my work and family. I’m not really a computer person, but I managed to figure it out, so I think it would be pretty accessible to most people. It was a good course, I’d recommend it.”

Published in WIRED issue 75/December 2024 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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Recycling hundreds of thousands of broken vineyard posts every year, Repost has created a low-cost fence post market at a commercial scale, and now intermediate battens have been added to Repost’s product list for the everyday farmer.

Repost has a newly-built innovative multi-rip saw that takes in half round posts at one end; the posts are then sawed into multiple 50 x 50mm battens in one pass. These battens are perfectly fit for purpose as drop battens. Feedback from farmers and contractors indicates the battens are dry, straight and hold the staples tight. The bundles hold 144 battens. While the products are not brand new from the sawmill, customers who have installed the battens to date state that the repurposed posts and battens provide value for money and get the job done!

The intermediate battens also get an environmental stamp of approval in the fight for the diversion of useful resources away from landfill, as previously shorter lengths of 1.5m and under were still destined for landfill.

Repost Founder Greg Coppell says, “This rip saw is still in its early days, but there is clear demand as farmers can buy multiple products from us now. The machine can also be adapted to make other useful products such as palings and pegs.”

The H4 treated battens are in lengths of 900mm and 1200mm, 50 x 50mm, starting at $0.99 plus GST. At a time when every dollar counts, this has been a helpful resource to allow for larger volumes of pastoral development.

“This year’s Country Calendar really helped inform those still on the fence about Repost, as they got to see how the business works, the volume of product we repurpose and the quality control we undertake”, says Greg.

Repost is proud to be helping the farmers nationwide fence more of their farms, repair cyclone damaged land, add in green belts or fence off wetland and waterways, with a product which is lighter on the wallet.

Many of you or your customers will shop around and have contracts or accounts with rural merchants nationwide. However, think of Repost next time you have a customer or friend who would benefit from low cost, sustainable products. Battens start at $0.99, and posts start at $3.25 (excl GST).

The Repost website has a nifty calculator tool for a rough price comparison on Repost fence posts vs brand new (based on average RRP).

To order, contact us directly on 022 525 0130, or email us at and check out our website: www.repost.co.nz.

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Published in WIRED issue 75/December 2024 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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The traditional timber rail fence has been a mainstay of the equine industry for many years. The black rail look is one any rural traveller or worker would know well, but they also likely see the problems that timber rails show over time.

Like any piece of timber, a wooden rail fence degrades with time. It succumbs to rot, loses its colour and gets damaged by horses. This results in a weaker fence that requires continuous upkeep, putting a strain on your bottom line over many years. Waratah Fencing is here to tell you that there is a great solution for your equine fencing, and it is available to you right now.

Waratah Fencing Flex Rail Electric is the modern solution for your equine fencing needs, without the downsides of a timber rail system. It is made from 100% recycled plastic, is strong, easy to install and looks incredible. There is no better way to upgrade your equine fencing and save money in the process than with Flex Rail Electric.

Safety was of paramount concern when designing Flex Rail Electric. It doesn’t splinter and was even designed to be able to absorb impact, reducing the risk of serious injury to your horses.

“They can’t scratch or cut themselves on it, it is very safe for our horses compared to our old timber system”, said Chloe from NSW. If your horse does decide to test the fence, the small electric shock will be enough to ensure it is less likely to happen again.

Whilst safety is always a big concern, another benefit of Flex Rail is the reduction in maintenance costs. Gone are the days where long spells of wet weather will cause rot and weaken your fence. Flex Rail Electric only requires minimal upkeep and will not need repainting from sun damage and rain over time. This means that you don’t have to worry about weak spots in your fence building up over time, giving you peace of mind.

When it comes to installation, you will get a lot of your day back with Flex Rail Electric. No heavy machinery is required, and Waratah provides the whole system of accessories needed to attach, join, and tension your rail quickly and easily to
your intermediate and strainer posts. This makes your installation not only much faster, but much safer for everyone involved.

Flex Rail Electric is already gaining a lot of interest in New Zealand, and you can find out more today by giving Brendon a call on 0508 927 2824. Take your equine fencing to the next level today.

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Published in WIRED issue 75/December 2024 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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In response to the growing demand for a fencing solution that outperforms standard chainlink in both security and appearance, Edgesmith is excited to introduce Ngaru Mesh to the New Zealand market.

Designed with the needs of property owners in mind, Ngaru Mesh addresses common concerns about the vulnerabilities and unattractive nature of traditional chainlink fencing, offering a superior alternative that is both cost-effective and easy to install.

Why Ngaru Mesh?

Traditional chainlink fencing, though widely used, has significant drawbacks. It is easily cut, compromising security, and its utilitarian appearance often detracts from the visual appeal of the properties it surrounds. Recognising these issues, we developed Ngaru Mesh to offer a higher level of security while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space.

Enhanced security and visibility

The standout feature of Ngaru Mesh is its superior security. The corrugated design of the panels eliminates the need for horizontal rails, making it more challenging for intruders to breach the fence. This design not only reduces costs by eliminating the need for additional materials but also enhances the panels’ overall strength and durability.

Ngaru Mesh’s anti-climb properties further enhance security. The tight corrugations prevent would-be intruders from gaining a foothold, deterring attempts to scale the fence. Additionally, the panels offer excellent visibility, a critical feature for areas monitored by CCTV cameras. The mesh’s design ensures that security cameras have a clear, unobstructed view, making it easier to monitor and protect your property.

Aesthetic appeal meets practicality

In addition to its security benefits, Ngaru Mesh is an attractive option for properties where appearance matters. The panels are hot-dip galvanised and powder-coated black, ensuring they not only look great but also stand up to the elements over time. The sleek black finish complements a wide range of architectural styles, making Ngaru Mesh an ideal choice for commercial properties where both security and aesthetics are important.

The absence of horizontal rails gives Ngaru Mesh a clean, modern look that stands in stark contrast to the industrial appearance of standard chainlink fencing. This makes it an excellent choice for applications where the appearance of the fence is just as important as its function.

Cost-effective and easy to install

One of the most appealing aspects of Ngaru Mesh is its cost-effectiveness. The elimination of horizontal rails not only enhances security but also lowers overall costs, making Ngaru Mesh a more affordable option than many other high-security fencing solutions. Additionally, the panels are designed for simple installation, whether face-fixed or side-fixed to posts. This ease of installation reduces labour costs and ensures that the fence can be quickly erected with minimal disruption.

The product’s popularity is already spreading beyond New Zealand, with schools in New South Wales, Australia, choosing Ngaru Mesh for its combination of security, aesthetics, and affordability.

The feedback from the FCANZ National Fencing Field Day in Rangiora, where Ngaru Mesh was showcased, was overwhelmingly positive. Those in the fencing industry and other visitors alike praised the panel for its versatility and suitability for a wide range of applications.

Ngaru Mesh is more than just a fencing product; it’s a response to the evolving needs of New Zealand’s property owners. By combining high security, aesthetic appeal, affordability, and ease of installation, Ngaru Mesh sets a new standard in fencing solutions. Whether you’re securing a commercial property, a school, or a private residence, Ngaru Mesh provides the peace of mind and visual appeal that today’s market demands.

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Published in WIRED issue 75/December 2024 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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Strainrite Fencing Systems has just launched its innovative Durashield, a new snap-on insulator designed to offer exceptional on-farm performance at an affordable price.

One of the key advantages of the Durashield is its ultimate electrical retention in wet conditions. Through extensive testing and refinement, the Durashield has been designed to ensure outstanding operation in New Zealand’s unpredictable and challenging weather. Early prototypes tested on-site confirmed the impressive results seen in the test lab.

The Durashield is compatible with Strainrite’s Cliplock and XT1 wire strainers and can be purchased pre-fitted with Strainrite’s Cliplock permanent wire strainers or separately for use with new or existing wire strainers. This means you don’t need to replace your current wire strainers – instead, you can just snap on the Durashield and you’re ready to go.

In line with Strainrite’s commitment to sustainability, the Durashield is made from 60% post-consumer materials. This Ecoblend ASA ensures the insulator is strong, durable and UV-stabilised, providing long-lasting performance. Because the Durashield is retrofittable to existing wire strainers, if an insulator is damaged you can easily replace it with another rather than replace the whole wire strainer, helping to reduce future waste. The Durashield is 100% New Zealand designed and manufactured, ensuring premium craftsmanship in every insulator.

With a focus on product development, innovation and market feedback, Strainrite Fencing Systems is renowned for high-quality fencing products that withstand the tough and demanding farming elements. Strainrite’s Durashield offers a cost-effective, user-friendly option that enhances on-farm performance while supporting sustainability.

To learn more about Strainrite’s Durashield, visit their website: www.strainrite.co.nz

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Published in WIRED issue 75/December 2024 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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© Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ)