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
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