Wired Magazine

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

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

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

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

Robinson Contracting Ltd is a family-owned business based in the “Bread Capital” Manaia, South Taranaki. We offer rural, industrial fencing, and property management Taranaki-wide.  

Tyler Waitere, 22 years old

New to the game

Making moves within the industry

We have a long history of fencing and contracting within the family, starting back in the 1950s.

Five generations strong. We are still contracting for the same farming families we were working for back in the 50s and 60s. 

We are a Step Mum and daughter duo:  Mama does all the admin and I’m out there doing all the hard work on the fence line. My Grandfather Clayton, is also in the mix. He’s there to share his knowledge and make sure we are doing things correctly. 

Growing up I always enjoyed physical work and the outdoors. Before fencing, I was working in the hospitality industry, managing a fancy restaurant, bar, and cafe. But I wanted a change.  It was only recently I was introduced to the fencing industry. 

The most difficult challenge I face at the moment is the physical and technical side of the industry, having to transition from hospitality to fencing is no easy feat. But I’m learning new things every day, giving me the confidence to strive and thrive.  I’ve got this!! 

One of the best parts of our job is giving back to our community whenever we can. Community projects and working bees at our local school are all part of our kaupapa. 

I enjoy fencing because I’m working with and for my family and it’s had a positive effect on my health and fitness. I’m feeling fit and strong.

I’ve learned to use the ‘tools of the trade.’ Power tools, the thumper. I’m gaining new skills – driving tractors and machinery.  I’m enhancing my leadership skills – bossing the old man around haha. But the biggest thing I’m learning is enduring the weather!!! Goodness, it’s been a hot summer.  All in a day’s work, all part of the fun. 

The next steps for me will be sitting my forklift license and truck license. 

To other wāhine thinking about joining the industry: Fencing is not for the faint-hearted. You have to be tough. And you have to endure the conditions.

It definitely suits women that enjoy being outdoors. The fencing industry is very male-dominated, but we as Wahine are strong, resilient, and hardworking. We are more than capable to work in the industry too!! 

Jenelle says: Tyler was always the kid that was helping her Dad outside, organising her siblings, and bossing everyone around. She has great initiative and is a quick problem solver, so it doesn’t surprise me at all that she is enjoying the role she has within the business. We are here for her and will support her to be successful in the industry. 

Clayton says: She just picks things up so quickly! And before you know it, she’s bossing everyone around. She’s one of the best workers I’ve had. 

Because it’s such a male dominant industry, she’s turning heads! People are intrigued by having a young woman as part of the staff. But she just takes it in her stride and shows them what she’s made of. We are proud of her.  

Article supplied by Robinson Contracting

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

Jamie-Lee Tunua is Second-In-Charge (2IC) of the Kaitiaki Rangers, our environmental contracting team at Te Wai Mauri. 

Te Wai Mauri Limited is a 100% hapu-led business formed by Ngati Parau in 2020 and located at Waiohiki Marae in Hawke’s Bay. The Kaitiaki Rangers completed fencing training through Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) and a workshop held in Wairarapa. 

Initial fencing projects included protecting a native bush covenant and expanded to include a series of new fences and fence repairs for sheep and deer fences. The Kaitiaki Ranger team’s fencing skills are growing from strength to strength. Anthony Campbell, Team Leader of Kaitiaki Rangers described Jamie-Lee as the wāhine toa on site. 

Jamie-Lee contends fencing is not easy work, but she is proud of their achievements, and that when she is working on the fence line, it reminds her of her father and his fencing days. Another one of the Kaitiaki Rangers gained fencing expertise working alongside his Dad. 

Perhaps fencing skills running in whanau might be a common thread in the industry?  

Article supplied by 

Te Wai Mauri Limited
tewaimauri.nz

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

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

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

For Louise Wilson, getting outdoors and onto the fence line is her happy place.

Originally from Scotland, Louise and her fiancé, Neil, own MacDonald Rural Contracting based in Seddon, Marlborough. Louise emigrated to Australia in 2012 before moving to New Zealand in 2016 where Neil was living.

Her first foray into the fencing business started with doing the bookwork for the business before she eventually picked up the tools on the fence line. 

“(I) started going out to help on the line when they needed an extra pair of hands – I have driven tractors for a long time too, so it was relatively easy for me to go out and drive posts when they needed help.”

She then left her job in agriculture and started fencing full time. However, in July 2022, the couple took advantage of an opportunity and purchased the local rural delivery run, which brought her back off the fenceline.

“We decided … it was important to diversify a little with the way the cost of living was rising. It was important to have a backup in case the fencing work slowed, but luckily it hasn’t, we have more work than ever. (So) now I’m back to just doing the bookwork alongside my day job.”

For Louise, the best thing about fencing is getting to work outdoors. “We do a lot of hill country work and the views are often incredible.” She particularly enjoys driving the posts.

“I really enjoy operating the tractor, and there’s a great deal of satisfaction that comes with putting up a nice straight line of posts.

“I also love working in the hills, it’s my ‘happy place’.” She admits there are some days the punishing Marlborough wind can make the job challenging.

“Walking along a ridge putting on insulators whilst getting pushed sideways by a freezing southerly wind can make you wish you were anywhere else.”

The physical work could also be a challenge, she said. “You definitely get fit in this job, but it’s still hard physical work. Wire coils, posts, Waratah drivers …  they’re all heavy, so you need to learn how to use your body correctly to lift and carry things without causing injury over the long term.”

It was also important to “fuel your body” throughout the day with good healthy food and water to keep energy levels up.

Although busy with the mail run and bookwork, Louise looks forward to getting back on the fenceline full time one day. “I miss working outdoors immensely.”

Her advice to any women that would like to give fencing a go is to “just go for it.” “There’re contractors everywhere desperate for good staff, so make contact and go from there.

“As long as you are reliable, turn up on time and try your hardest, then everything else can be learnt. Also don’t give up quickly – practice! Get some wire and sit at home doing tie offs and knots until it becomes second nature.”

Louise would love to see the industry introduce fencing workshops for women to encourage them into the field.

“Whether they are already in the industry and want to expand their knowledge, or are keen to start but a bit nervous about having no experience. Being able to attend and pick up a few basic skills might give them the boost to approach an employer and start their new career.”  

Written by Rosa Watson