FCANZ Industry Awards 2026

Now in its fourth year, the FCANZ Industry Awards return to celebrate those who truly embody the Association’s mission – championing fencing as a professional trade, delivering exceptional workmanship, and upholding best-practice standards across the industry. Here are this year’s categories.

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 2025. 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 2025
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 2025 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.