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Hands-on fencing in the South

It’s been a while since our last South Island Best Practice Days – they just missed the cut-off for June’s WIRED – but with another one coming up soon in Ashburton, it’s a good time to look back at Cheviot and Fairlie.

CHEVIOT | 13 May 2025

Cheviot kicked off on a crisp May morning, a reminder that winter was on its way. The cool weather didn’t stop members, non-members, and a few curious locals from turning up. Scott Heasley and his crew got things rolling with a demonstration on installing inter-lock post and rail fencing for a standout entranceway. They shared practical tips on neat joins, keeping posts straight, and solid footing – small details that make a big difference in the finished fence.

Next up was traditional rural fencing. Fencing competition veteran Shane Bouskill showed everyone the ropes on angle stays, footing posts, and wire tensioning. His clear explanations and willingness to answer questions meant even experienced contractors picked up some new tricks.

After a well-earned lunch, our Gold Industry Partners each had 10 minutes to share updates, show off new products, and offer ideas for using their tools and materials in different fencing projects. The afternoon saw everyone finishing the post & rail entranceway and a 7-wire fence line. And true to rural NZ life, a few gum trees decided to fall during the day, keeping everyone on their toes and reinforcing safety on site.

FAIRLIE | 15 May 2025

Fairlie might just take the prize for the most scenic location yet. Clear skies gave views of the snow-dusted mountains all around. Local contractor and event organiser George Williams led the first session, showing how to install roadside boundary post & rail fencing, including routing the rail edges for a clean, professional finish. Debate popped up again over whether to cut joining rails at a 45-degree angle – and yet again the vote was split right down the middle.

Demonstrators Nick Terry, Shane Bouskill, and Noksee then took everyone through the essentials of traditional post & wire fencing, including cutting a precise mortice, setting stays that won’t move, and tensioning wire properly. After lunch, the group tested different footing types and tackled the challenges of fencing on slopes and in hollows – a chance to see both the theory and the practical results in action.

Both days were a great opportunity to connect with other contractors, meet potential new members, and share knowledge. It was especially encouraging to see students from Geraldine High School’s Primary Industries Academy taking part and further developing their skills.

A big thanks to Farmlands for lunch on both days, and to FCANZ Partners – Waratah, Strainrite, Beattie Insulators, Point Lumber, Summit Steel & Wire, and Milwaukee – for being on site, sharing tips, and engaging with attendees. And of course, a huge thank you to all the fencing contractors who volunteer their time to help organise and run the Best Practice Days. Your work is really appreciated by the Board, the Ops team, and everyone who attends.

See you in Ashburton on Tuesday 16 September for the next Best Practice Day!

Published in WIRED issue 78/September 2025 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

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