I never intended to become involved in a fencing business. When Shaun started Davies Fencing and Construction, I was a beach girl studying human development and human potential at university, while also heavily involved in raising our two young kids.
I never realised how much Shaun wanted me to become involved in fencing, but there were signs.
One sunny spring day he asked me, “Can you drive the tractor for me tomorrow babe?” Now, I didn’t have a good track record for driving anything, let alone a huge Massey Ferguson. I had, in the past, driven over kids’ skateboards, bikes, the neighbour’s dog (cringe), and backed into power poles, large rocks and the six foot high wooden gate at our house. Just clean didn’t see it.
“Yeah sure, I’d love to”, I replied.
That job was no better. I ripped up the client’s lawn with the tractor tyres, rode the clutch the whole time, and clipped the mirror on the way out.
Yet, this didn’t deter Shaun from wanting me involved and he kept asking me to join him on the fence line. Like the time I drove the tractor for him as he put in hundreds of bollards in a straight line along a picturesque waterfront. By the 20th bollard I was a teeny bit bored and had a wee look at Instagram, which of course is designed to be addictive (it’s not my fault Sir), and next minute there’s a bang on the window and an irate looking Shaun, which frightened me into slipping into first gear and driving forward with the rammer gear down. And not just once either. A while later I almost accidentally ran him over.
He stopped wanting me to drive the tractor, but instead began asking me to do jobs like battening off a fence or nailing off a deck or putting palings up. “It’s easy as,” he informed.
Which it was.
But I’m not fast like the other guys, and I don’t have the strength that they do. I began to wonder why he kept wanting me to work with him, and thought perhaps it was the see-through-ness of my T-shirt.
But then I worked it out.
He wasn’t wanting my skills (obviously), nor was he wanting free labour (although I’m sure that helped during some tough times).
He wanted me.
He wanted the ‘Husband and Wife’ team.
He wanted the dream.
“It was never my dream to work in the business in that way. My skills were better spent creating team culture, looking after our staff’s wellbeing (and Shaun’s), ensuring that all things flow in the business (doing intermittent admin tasks alongside our admin lady).”
But I had missed that memo. It was never my dream to work in the business in that way. My skills were better spent creating team culture, looking after our staff’s wellbeing (and Shaun’s), ensuring that all things flow in the business (doing intermittent admin tasks alongside our admin lady). I think Shaun still misses ‘The Dream’, but the reality was far from it.
These days, things are running pretty well without me. My role is to turn up to a weekly management meeting (but it’s really only to be nosey and give my two cents worth) and make food for Friday beersies. Never underestimate the importance of a good sausage roll I say, and the impact it may have on a cold, sweaty, hungry fencer.
Being involved in the business can take many shapes, and it’s important to see our value in any way we contribute.
Written by Angelena Davies
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.
Taylor Finlayson grew up on a dairy farm near Whangarei, where early mornings, calf rearing, and break feeding were a way of life. Watching her parents work hard every day, Taylor absorbed that same work ethic – she never shied away from the physical side of farm life, and she still doesn’t.
After three years in dairy farming, Taylor made the move into fencing at 23, drawn by the outdoors and the satisfaction of hands-on work. “I don’t need a gym – this job keeps me fit,” she laughs.
Taylor spent her first three years in fencing with a company in Wellsford before joining CPC Fencing in Northland, where she’s now been for four years. Over that time, she’s worked her way up from pulling wires and stapling to now handling everything from battening to post bangers and railing.
She’s currently working towards her Level Four Certificate in Fencing, aiming to become the first female in New Zealand to earn the qualification after its relaunch in 2023. “I wanted to broaden my knowledge and keep challenging myself.”
Working between two crews at CPC, Taylor floats wherever she’s needed. She appreciates the camaraderie. “The team was welcoming from the start. I enjoy the banter, and the variety of our work keeps things interesting.”
Her job takes her across the region – from steep hill country to coastal farms. One highlight was a job on the Purerua Peninsula. “The outlook across the ocean was incredible. And on that terrain, you’ve got to stay sharp – it keeps you thinking.”
Outside of work, Taylor runs a small equestrian business, giving lessons and schooling horses. She also competes in show jumping on her two horses. Her family recently bought a new farm, and she’s taking the lead in setting up the horse paddocks and stables. “It’s exciting – I love building something from the ground up.”
For Taylor, fencing is more than a job – it’s about solving problems and doing meaningful work in the great outdoors. “There is something very satisfying about seeing a fence come together, no two days are the same, that’s what I love most,” she said.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, recognising the dedication, skill, and contribution of individuals across the fencing sector. Now in their third year, the awards have become a flagship event in the FCANZ calendar, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Level 3 Trainee of the Year
The Level 3 Trainee of the Year award recognised outstanding achievement among 2024 graduates of the NZQA Level 3 National Certificate in Fencing. Finalists included Corbyn Gibbs, who showed determination by attending all training sessions and sharing his knowledge despite recovering from shoulder surgery; Hamish Stanger, a young fencer whose persistence saw him succeed academically while also competing in fencing competitions; and Tom Rathgen, who assisted others on block days, shared his expertise, and completed all course requirements with merit. The award went to Tom Rathgen with the judges noting his consistent commitment to excellence and his willingness to help others succeed.
Level 4 Excellence
Justin Tilly from NorthTec – Tai Tokerau Wānanga with Dan French, winner of the Certificate in Fencing Level 4 Excellence Award. Dan received a batten stapler thanks to Delfast as part of his prize.
The Level 4 Excellence Award honoured graduates of the NZQA Level 4 National Certificate in Fencing who demonstrated consistent professionalism and adaptability. Course tutor and judge Dave Horner said that this year’s graduates were “exceptional as a group,” with consistently high participation making it difficult to single out one winner. This year’s finalists were Andrew Osgood, noted for his professional approach; Dan French, who achieved the highest results in the class; and Luke Jacobsen, who made a strong finish after joining the course later than most. The winner, Dan French, was recognised for his exceptional results and leadership throughout the programme.
Emerging Talent – Youth
Joseph Lord from Stockade NZ with Galen Monks, winner of the Emerging Talent (Youth) Award. Galen also received a batten stapler thanks to Stockade NZ.
The Emerging Talent – Youth Award highlighted the commitment and growth of under-25-year-olds working in the industry. The finalists were Charlie Simpson, who completed both Level 3 and 4 in the same year despite suffering a serious head injury; Galen Monks, a highly skilled and trusted young fencer; Oscar Weston, an enthusiastic and passionate newcomer; and Sean Bridgeman, who, while early in his career, is already demonstrating great promise. The award went to Galen Monks, with judges noting his professionalism, skill, and reliability as key factors in the decision.
Industry Contribution
David Nutsford from PGG Wrightson Ltd with Mike Billinghurst, winner of the Industry Contribution Award. As part of his award, Mike received $1000 of vouchers thanks to PGG Wrightson Ltd.
The Industry Contribution Award recognises individuals who have gone above and beyond to support the growth and development of the fencing sector. This year’s finalists were Debbie Robertson, Debbie White, and Mike Billinghurst. Debbie Robertson was nominated for the significant time, effort, and energy she puts into helping others improve their skills and knowledge. Debbie White was acknowledged for her dedication and ongoing involvement in the fencing industry, as well as her commitment to supporting and contributing to the NZ fencing sector. The award was presented to Mike Billinghurst, recognising his more than 30 years in the industry, including service as FCANZ President, contributions to NZFC competitions, mentoring others, and promoting best practice across the country.
Women of Influence Award
Carey McEwan from Bunnings Trade New Zealand with Donna Upton, winner of the Women of Influence Award. As part of her award, Donna received $1000 of vouchers thanks to Bunnings Trade New Zealand.
The Women of Influence Award acknowledged women making a significant impact in the fencing industry. Finalists were Donna Upton, a driving force in fencing education and an FCANZ Board member since 2020, and Kathy Newdick, who has contributed more than 30 years to the industry through her roles in the early days with FCANZ, and ongoing NZFC governance, administration, and event support. Donna Upton took out the award for her leadership in developing and delivering the Level 3 and Level 4 fencing qualifications, and her ongoing governance work.
Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement
Naomi Abraham from Farmlands with Wayne Newdick, the recipient of our 2025 Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement. Wayne received a lifetime FCANZ membership and $1000 of vouchers thanks to Farmlands Co-operative.
The evening concluded with the Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement, one of the highest honours FCANZ can bestow.
This year, it went to Wayne Newdick, whose engineering expertise, competition leadership, and role as a co-founder of FCANZ have left an indelible mark on the industry. Wayne’s innovations in fencing tools and his ability to share knowledge have influenced generations of contractors.
FCANZ President Phil Cornelius said, “These awards recognise more than just skill — they celebrate dedication, leadership, and the willingness to give back. Every finalist and winner is making the industry stronger, and it’s a privilege to acknowledge their work.”
The prizes for the 2025 Awards were proudly supplied by Farmlands, PGG Wrightson, Bunnings, Stockade and Delfast.
The 2025 FCANZ Annual General Meeting saw a couple of changes to the Executive Committee (Board). A motion was passed to increase the maximum number of Board Officers from 7 to 9. Nick Terry stepped down, and we welcomed Scott Heasley, Burne Maxted and Ruben Connelly. Explore the perspectives and vision of both our newly appointed and reappointed Board members.
PHIL CORNELIUS PRESIDENT
CPC Fencing, Whangārei
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
I am the Director of CPC Fencing Limited and manage – alongside my wife – crews ranging from 10 to 20 staff, depending on work programmes, although we have been trying to restructure this to be less. I have been fencing for 30 years and completed alongside many others, the original Level 3 and 4 fencing qualifications. Before I started fencing I was in the USA working on and managing a couple of ranches, breaking in cutting horses and worked as a farrier.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
I joined the Executive Committee 7 years ago, to give back to an industry that has been good to me, and to see the endorsement of Certified and Accredited be executed and to support our Association Partners in their endeavours alongside the members. Being on the Association’s Executive Board has created new friendships and lifelong connections with people that live similarly to myself.
What skills do you bring to the Association?
I like to think I represent the Association and industry in a positive way and put my best foot forward. I stick to my decisions and feel I have a clear direction in supporting the strategic goals of the industry body.
What do you do for fun?
When I am not working and organising crews or doing the work for the Association, I like spending time at home with the family, riding our motorbikes, helping my wife with her horses as I no longer compete, hunting, and working towards getting away in our offroad caravan more.
JANINE SWANSSON VICE-PRESIDENT
Bang It Fencing, Pahiatua
What is your involvement in the fencing industry?
Along with my husband David, we run Bang It Fencing. I have enjoyed taking part in opportunities with FCANZ and NZFC since starting our fencing contracting business and love the industry and networking opportunities. I take every opportunity to catch up with fencers and take an interest in where they are at and where they are heading, considering what will help to benefit them most. It was a real privilege to host a successful FCANZ Best Practice Day on our property with 88 in attendance ( in 2024 ). I have been involved with the Rural Games, Central Districts Field Days and several High School events. I was heavily involved in the response & recovery of Cyclone Gabrielle and a highlight was attending the Wairoa Expo, Great Gate Giveaway, fencing working bee and linking farmers with fencers.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board?
I thoroughly enjoy contributing to the Association for the benefit of the fencers and partners with special interests on Board productivity, efficiency, HR, and importantly Board culture for a positive progressive future. I am extremely passionate about people, business growth and the future of the fencing industry, creating opportunities for all those involved.
What skills do you bring to the Association?
With 30+ years of experience in the Primary Industries, I bring a robust blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and a true passion for people, business, and innovation. My diverse background spans farm ownership, banking, sales, and consulting, equipping me with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the industry’s multifaceted nature. Known for leading with empathy and fostering growth through constructive and progressive methods, I am dedicated to driving positive productivity and achieving sustainable results.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with our kids and grandkids, getting outdoors on the farm, enjoying local walks, swimming and kayaking! We enjoy holidays to Castlepoint and more recently Motuopa, just south of Taupō.
DONNAUPTON TREASURER CPC Fencing, Whangārei
What is your involvement in the fencing industry? I am married to a Fencing Contractor and run a fencing business with staff ranging from (depending on the scale of jobs) 10 to 20 staff units. We have a presence in the Forestry industry – our business was the first to be recognised in Forestry excellence from an industry outside of forestry. I manage the health, safety, and operational side of the business.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board? My background is in Rural Banking for the past 20 years, where I worked for Rabobank for 16 of those. I resigned from that career during COVID times to manage our business, and I was also helping FCANZ navigate the COVID mechanism as it hit. In the banking industry, I would visit clients, and their disregard for the fencing profession got me thinking we could do things better. That’s when I joined the Board to help with the process of recognising Fencing as a profession. I am the training liaison for FCANZ and the National Training Coordinator for NorthTec. I enjoy continuing to support the training and upskilling of our members and their staff, and I want to see the Certified and Accredited endorsements fully embedded. I want to help our members be recognised for the effort they continually put into themselves and their businesses.
What skills do you bring to the Association? I am efficient and have a can-do attitude, which I believe is the best attribute for people to have. I have a passion to see the industry be recognised as a valued trade. I believe I have good business sense and strive for business and fiscal excellence. I am an approachable and honest people person. Growing up and working in a predominantly male sector, I have learnt how to communicate with a wide range of people.
What do you do for fun? For fun, I love spending time with all the blue people in my life (husband and three boys aged 9 to 18). We all get out on the motorbikes and often go hunting together in my favourite place up the Ohuka. I have always ridden horses and have several, competing in A&Ps and hunting in the winter in Northland and further afield. I play squash when I need to hit something really hard.
DEBBIE WHITE White Fencing, Clevedon
What is your involvement in the fencing industry? I have extensive experience within the fencing industry, having been an FCANZ Board member on two occasions, the first being when FCANZ was relatively newly formed. This is the second occasion is over the past 5 years. I am active in the wider fencing industry, including New Zealand Fencing Competitions.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board? I am on the Board to continue the work I’ve started/undertaken and ensure that the polices and procedures that are being developed are adhered to, with a collective Board approach towards the desired objectives.
What skills do you bring to the Association? My skills include conceptualisation and strategic thinking, with the ability to see the wider picture and how strategies and different undertakings fit together. I always consider wider implications, pros and cons, and incorporate other viewpoints into the end result. I can draw up processes and document them into workable formats. Other strengths include event organising, having organised industry-specific events over the years, and marketing. Thinking outside the box and always on the lookout for new avenues comes easily.
BENFISHER Fisher Fencing, Gisborne
What is your involvement in the fencing industry? Growing up, fencing was part of farming and something you just learnt and knew how to do, and as time went on, the skills and scope grew. In the shearing off seasons, it was back out for a bit of casual fencing, until 2008, when fencing became the main focus. From there, it has just grown: knowledge, skills, tools, gear, and more gear. Completing Level 3 and 4 in fencing, which took our operation up another level.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board? Over the last few years, we have had more dealings with FCANZ, receiving advice and support on a range of issues, including employment, training, contracts, and support for our clients and community after Cyclone Gabby. This has really opened my eyes to how important it is to have the Association there. To be a part of it further will be great, and to add what I can and grow it further.
What skills do you bring to the Association? Born and bred in the rural game, I’ve seen a lot of the country and understand the diversity throughout. 16+ years contracting. I’ll give anything a go and keep my mind open, and be willing to change and adapt. I am keen to see the training in the industry grow, I want to see young fullas look at it as a career, not just a job.
What do you do for fun? The best part of life is with the family. Hunting, camping, fishing, and out on the farm for adventures. If the kids are loving it, I’m sold. Sneaking into the pub on the way home is not too bad either.
BURNE MAXTED Maxted Fencing, Feilding
What is your involvement in the fencing industry? Been a full-time fencer since 2016, where I worked for Alan Rennie until 2018 and Craig Shortall till the end of 2020. I have been self-employed ever since. I’ve been to quite a few best practice days over the years, and have done the Level 3 course. I’ve also been a regular competitor in NZFC competitions over the last 4+ years, which, all in all, has grown me into the fencer I am today.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board? I have a strong passion for this industry and would like to help carry on all the hard work in promoting best practice, quality workmanship, and help the industry grow.
What skills do you bring to the Association? I seem to know a lot of people within the industry, whether it be a local material representative, through to contractors spread across our country. I get on very well with the majority of the people I meet and deal with through my fencing career, and I believe that would help in promoting what FCANZ has worked hard to promote and maintain.
What do you do for fun? My weekends are usually spent with my two young boys working on DIY projects or hitting the farm on the motorbikes.
RUBEN CONNELLY Precise Contracting, Otago
What is your involvement in the fencing industry? I run a fencing business in Central Otago, focused on rural and commercial projects. I’m hands-on with quoting, planning, building, and leading a team, while also training up young fencers coming into the trade.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board? I want to help grow the professionalism of our industry and support FCANZ in promoting fencing as a skilled trade. I’m passionate about lifting standards and giving back to the industry that’s supported me.
What skills do you bring to the Association? I bring practical experience, leadership, and a strong understanding of what contractors face day-to-day. I’m good at mentoring, problem-solving, and bringing energy and structure to the work I take on.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy keeping fit through multisport, coaching kids’ rugby, and spending time outdoors with family and mates.
SCOTT HEASLEY Heasley Fencing, Canterbury
What is your involvement in the fencing industry? I have run a fencing earthworks business for over 30 years through all the highs and lows in the economy. We’ve done large and small fencing jobs all over the South Island, including tenurereview work, high country station fencing, earthquake red zone fencing in Christchurch, large deer farms in Te Anau, and dairy farms on the West Coast for Landcorp. Plenty of vineyard work and, more recently, Security fencing. Plenty for local councils’ contracts. Staff numbers have varied over the years, up to 12.
Why did you volunteer to be on the FCANZ Board? I have a lot to offer the industry, especially mentoring young people starting out. I have enjoyed being involved with the best practice days, training staff for the Level 3Certificate in Fencing, and attending FCANZ conferences. I really like the way FCANZ is promoting Industry standards and upskilling the people in it. I have some good ideas for the good practice days and help promote some aspects of South Island Fencing.
What skills do you bring to the Association? I have 30 years of fencing experience, and I am keen to share. I get on well with people, and I’m a bit of a straight shooter. I’m happy to say what I think. I enjoy working in a team. I think it’s good to give back to FCANZ because I have got a lot from it.
What do you do for fun? I love my hunting and fishing. I ampassionate about the outdoors. Very keen pig hunter. I love the alpine environment, in particular, Tahr hunting. I love a bit of adventure travel and tramping with my wife Anna. I enjoy hunting and fishing with my boys, Liam and Campbell, watching my boys play rugby, and supporting the Crusaders and the All Blacks.
HOW PROUD!! Our adventure started at 4am with teenagers district-wide leaping out of bed in anticipation of a day ahead with Team Leader (Mrs FS) at the South Island Agricultural Field Days at Kirwee.
The teens were surprisingly chatty on pick-up at 5am, with Team Leader’s hopes of a quiet trip ahead dashed early on.
How to find Gate C in the dark – turns out this was quite the conundrum. Fortunately, Minivan #3 has had plenty of prior U-turn practice (by other less experienced drivers), and after carving up some poor unsuspecting resident’s front lawn, we arrived to be met by a sea of hi-viz. Now, preferential entry to the Field Days and superior parking is quite the feat to achieve, and Team Leader was justifiably proud that this goal was waiting just on the other side of the gate. Only for disaster to strike… the tickets were buried at the bottom of the trailer. Tense moments ensued, with the queue growing behind us. Electronic tickets found, we scanned in, with our new hi-viz friends saying they had enjoyed the training exercise.
Unloading the trailer always gives the appearance of a 5-year-old’s birthday party – suspense in discovering what we packed, wailing about what we forgot, and general chaos as the 15 wee helpers work up a sweat.
Fencing royalty happen to be onsite and Team Leader is quick off the mark to reacquaint herself with her famous friends: the NZ Fencing Competitions Committee Members, ex Golden Pliers winners, and posh contractors galore. Primary Industry Academy (PIA) stand in awe at the hobnobbing on display.
Lines are set up with teams from Geraldine High School, Akaroa Area School and Rangiora High School competing. Our intrepid fencers have to erect a 3-wire electric fence, ram 5 intermediate Y posts, parallel electrics at each end, dig in two Breast Blocks, add in inline tensioners, figure 8, crimp and sponsors’ signs. Our fastest team is off the line in 1 hour 21minutes, with the rest close behind. A tense hour passes as our fences are measured to the last mm. Team Leader is not known for her patience – her class thinks this should be a future professional development goal.
Drum roll for the results… PIA are the 2025 South Island Secondary Schools Fencing Champions, also taking out 2nd, 5th and 6th place! Akaroa is a close 3rd, with Rangiora 4th and just a couple of points separating the teams.
Nice work
1st: Tom Batty & Cullen Bolt
(Geraldine High School)
2nd: Cayden Howell & Issy Atkinson
(Geraldine High School)
3rd: Lachaidh Shannon & Mason Rogal
(Akaroa Area School)
4th: John Lundy & Lachie Kelman
(Rangiora High School)
5th: Gus Cameron & Tom McKeown
(Geraldine High School)
6th: Althea Smith & Lilly McQueen
(Geraldine High School)
7th: Eyhan McGrath & Liam Barrett
(Rangiora High School)
After cutting down the fences, ramming all the holes, and generally being awesome, we are released to make new friends – vendors site-wide are pumped in anticipation. By the time we visit all our sponsors, there’s not much time left. The cost of preferential parking comes at a price – we are stuck onsite until 5.30pm. As Team Leader yarns to main sponsor Andy from Point Lumber, a familiar looking minivan flashes past. Hmmm. Turns out the kids had sore feet and while lying on the grass at the van, could see an unmanned exit. Team Howell (parents of the year) instigated a van liberation. Yay. Time to boost through to Ashburton for tea.
It was a great day, where once again our fabulous students did us proud, with a long day under pressure, never once complaining during the big
clean up.
A huge thank you to Struan from Strainrite, NZ Fencing Competitions’ Debbie White and Nick Leifting, FCANZ Board member Nick Terry, Tony Brady,
Andy from Point Lumber and our ‘Coach of the Year’ Dan Douglass Fencing, and assistant Quinn Foley-Smith.
The second New Zealand Fencing Competitions regional competition for the 2024/25 season saw competitors battle the heat as well as each other, deep in the heart of the mighty King Country.
Misty morning fog sat low amongst the rugged Taumarunui hills as competitors converged from all over the island, but as the 11 pairs settled into their work, the cloud and mercury began to climb, and the lads were treated to a cracker day.
This event has become a favourite amongst regular competitors, not so much for the near 30-degree temperature it often takes place in, but for the light pumice digging, old-school A&P Show atmosphere, and the supportive environment headed by local NZFC organisers Wayne & Kathy Newdick, who are in their 19th year running this competition.
Some regular competitors were out of action (injured – not fencing related!) or unavailable (on holiday – nice!) which meant some new pairings added a strong element of the unknown to the competition and had everyone wondering how that was going to affect the placings at the end of the day. Nothing like a shakeup to keep everyone on their toes, and it made for intriguing spectating!
The event was well supported by a good number of competitors at the younger end of the age demographic, all gaining valuable competition experience. NZFC is keen to support new faces of any age into the sport and encourages competitors to look over their lines once judging is completed, either with a judge or an experienced competitor, for pointers on
where penalties can be shaved off.
Judging this year’s event were Owen and Kim Petersen, Wayne Newdick, Craig Shortall, Nick Leifting and Mike Billinghurst. Judges noted that posting to contour was a struggle for some combinations, and a small tweak to the tape gate specs caught some of the teams out. Like every sport, the learning never stops, sometimes the areas you win on are in the preparation you put into your fence and your equipment before the judge yells “ready – GO!”
Kathy kept sponsors, judges, supporters and competitors nourished with her famous homemade salads and BBQ lunch, before prizegiving where Mark (Tractor) Lambert and Tony Bouskill took top honours, as well as the Best Quality award with a final score of 15.02. Tim Stafford and Jeff Joines sat 17.02 points behind them in second place with a score of 32.27. A further 23.75 points back on a final score of 56.02 saw Tim Garrick and Cory Twigley claim 3rd place. Perfection is hard to get when competing against the clock, but the winning team’s score came pretty close.
Sponsors prizes saw new wire strainers, tension gauges and PPE find forever homes with many of the newer competitors.
Thanks must go to the amazing King Country sponsors who ensure this competition takes place: Wiremark, A&S Porritt, Farmlands, Rangi Farms Ltd, Revolution Postdrivers, Strainrite, PDC Barn, Petco Contracting, and Kawatahi Farms. Special mention to the many loyal competitors who have been competing here since its inception.
Many agree that the highlight of the NZFC fencing competitions is getting together with like-minded fencers and their supporters across the country, and as usual, King Country did not disappoint.
If you haven’t already, head over to the NZFC Facebook page for videos and photos of this event and more!
Article by
Vanessa Stafford
on behalf of NZFC
Photos reproduced with permission by NZ Fencing Competitions
From classroom to fence line, Sarah Foley-Smith and the Primary Industry Academy are rewriting the rules on education, hard work, and what it means to build something that lasts.
Sarah Foley-Smith (AKA Team Leader), winner of the FCANZ 2024 Industry Contribution Award, runs the Primary Industry Academy at Geraldine High School, where she’s been for the last 13 years. Sarah shares with WIRED the joys of working with teenagers and fencing royalty.
I have the best job in the world! Every day is different, mostly spent outside and with awesome teenagers. There’s nothing quite like a gorgeous Geraldine day, having a mean yarn at the fence line while the rest of the school sits at their desks.
So what’s our class goal? To set the world on fire. And my goal? To make a difference. If Geraldine can’t do it, then it can’t be done.
What do we do?
We run a hands-on practical NCEA course at Geraldine High School as a normal timetabled class. Over the last 13 years we have worked hard to build our programme and are lucky to be a Primary ITO Trade Academy School – the extra funding we receive has enabled us to be very well resourced. This is topped up via fundraising. I reckon we have raised around $250K over this time, which sounds like a lot of hard work, but we have been very lucky to be part of an amazing community. Around 10% has been sponsorship, with the students raising the rest via apple picking, tree planting,firewood, selling potatoes, quiz nights etc. Nothing in this world is free, and if you want the treats then do the Mahi!
The treats
Oh, and the treats are pretty cool. We are dressed top-to-toe in Stoney Creek, hop away each year up to Mystery Creek, have an annual class tour of a region and stay away, plus heaps of other trips and a sizeable contribution to Team Leader’s shoe budget!
Fencing is our thing
Fencing has become our ‘thing’. My Level 2 students are all out on the farm, and back in the day, on quizzing our farmer trainers, the skill they thought was missing from the workforce was fencing. So we thought, “Sweet, let’s fence up a storm.”
We popped a set of 15 lines of posts in at school, 3 posts deep, 2 students per set sharing the middle post. Each student has their post for the year. Our fundraising dollars have largely been spent in this area, and we have been fortunate to bat our eyelashes and make some posh friends in the form of Struan Moore from Strainrite, and Andy at Point Lumber, who have provided some sharp deals.
Every student has their own fencing bucket containing ‘the works’: hammer, cutters, pliers, tensioner handle, tool belt, Ezepulls, tape measures etc. This is the sum total of my classroom management! No students waiting to borrow gear, getting bored, and running amok. Although I have worked long and hard to instil a respectable amount of fear in the teens, and it is widely known that when Sarah GOES OFF – stand back!
We got the fencing basics sorted via a mix of local contractors – thank you Dan Douglass, Toby How and Eli Palmer, ex-students Quinn Foley-Smith and Aidan Christie – the latter two both miss us so much they drop in regularly to help out.
We pretty much hang out at the fenceline having a yarn, solving the world’s problems (teenager style), popping up a few sneaky wee fences along the way. But wait, there’s more.
The light-bulb moment
Practically minded teenagers are super awesome, but rarely make the stage at school assemblies. Team Leader thought, “We’ll fix this,” and set about entering fencing competitions. Our first gigs were in the adult Young Farmer Fencing competition, where we met all the fabulous people to help climb the ladder. It’s always who you know. We discovered FCANZ, and this was the light bulb moment for us, and everything snowballed. Apparently, teenagers with the right attitude and work ethic are a novelty, and we were more than happy to provide the entertainment.
Team Leader likes posh friends, the more famous the better, and the fencing world literally drips with celebrities. Her students watch in awe as, on arrival at various events, she joyfully skips off to reacquaint herself with her heroes, leaving the teenagers to see hobnobbing in action… and unload the trailer.
Changing the game
In the South Island, all the fencing competitions were for contractors or under-31s (young Farmers) – nothing for schools. So we set about getting ourselves signed up to FCANZ, and wow, did the doors open. We hopped along to a few field days, resulting in an invitation to pop up to Mystery Creek and have a crack at the Silver Staples. It was certainly a baptism
of fire, but in a good way! Not disgracing ourselves with a 5th placing and following it up with 2nd and 3rd the following year.
But wait, there’s more!
Picture this: it’s Golden Pliers Finals time – the pinnacle event in the National fencing calendar. It doesn’t disappoint. Not long in and students are heard to say, “I’ve learnt more here in one hour than I have in 11 years at school.”
PIA is universally known as being very, very good at making sh!t happen, and this particular day produces a storm. “Why not run a South Island Cadet Fencing Competition?” our esteemed leader muses as we watch the Bouskill fencing royalty compete.
The answer to this question is quickly resolved; Team Leader finds another gear and spends the next two hours storming the Fieldays site forcefully making friends.
So, what did we achieve?
Not only a venue, criteria, specifications, and official go-ahead… we even got a trophy, with all the key people lined up! The inaugural NZ Fencing South Island Cadet fencing competition was launched in 2024, morphing into Secondary Schools competition in 2025. Go us. Not just pretty faces.
We are so pumped that FCANZ & NZ Fencing Competitions trusted us to get this competition off the ground and are so grateful for their support and expertise. Particularly Nick Terry, Owen Peterson, Paul Van Beers, Debbie White and Nick Leifting for all their technical expertise; Jeanette Miller, Phil Cornelius, Donna Upton and Jaime Bigwood for keeping us on track and providing fantastic support; our inspiration Tim Garrick, Craig Sinclair and Tom Rathgen who took the time to take us under their wing at various events; Noksee and Struan Moore for all your mentoring over the years; and Wiggy for
taking every chance to promote us.
The thing we love about the fencing industry is that all the posh people are so nice; nothing ever seems to be too
much trouble, no question too silly. Lastly, to students Aidan Christie & Quinn Foley-Smith – the all-time GOATs of PIA
– without your outstanding work ethic, attitude, sense of humor, plus a complete inability to decline Team Leader’s frequent requests, this whole fencing gig would never have got off the ground. Bloody well done! “We’ve got this” has become “We did this”.
This whole gig has come about by being in the right place at the right time – and making a few posh friends along the way.
Whether a quirk of the business or just good planning, when you step into Farmlands Cromwell for some wire or netting, you’ll notice the full-time retail team are all women – under the strong leadership of Branch Manager Tash Biemond.
Born and bred in Central Otago, Tash started her Ag career working in her parent’s market garden, getting to know her way around packing spuds and brussel sprouts. Then she got to know more about the building game, working as a labourer for her brother. By her admission she got all the crappy jobs no-one else wanted. Testament to Tash’s determination, she always got the job done.
The future, however, was destined to be back in the primary sector, not as a gardener but learning the ropes at Farmlands Alexandra in the Inwards Goods / Bulk Store, building relationships with all the fencing contractors coming through. Over time Tash’s knowledge of what goes into making a good fence and associated infrastructure grew, with trips out into the field to see her local contractors in action.
Tash’s familiarity with the wide range of products available through Farmlands has enabled her to successfully quote for some pretty important projects. “Price is a big one when we’re trying to get jobs over the line for customers. We’ll quote different suppliers for them and if they want a particular item, I’ll always give them the low down on which product is better quality and why” says Tash.
This ability to manage the big jobs with successful outcomes for customers has led Tash all over Central Otago with Farmlands. From Balclutha to Dunedin and now to Cromwell, where her relationship skills and organisational abilities have helped make Farmlands one of the biggest and most depended upon rural retailers in the region. “There’s no one else really in our area that has the room or the size of operation, with the variety of products that can measure up to what we’re doing” says Tash. If you needed any more evidence of Tash’s hard work and Farmlands being on the up, just wait for an increased Farmlands Horticulture presence at the Cromwell store.
Outside of Farmlands, Tash’s business sense and people skills are also being put to good use, as she builds a house in the area – and she still finds time for a bit of hunting and fishing. What do they say? If you need a job done, give it to a busy person.
Make sure you drop into Farmlands Cromwell and say hi to Tash and the wonderful women on her team, helping fencing contractors get a better deal and better results for their customers.
Mitchpine has been supplying quality outdoor wood products since 1975, and while a male-dominated workplace, Mitchpine has had more and more females joining the team.
The first female out on the yard was Karen Greig. Karen produces Mitchpine’s own Domeloc fencing and bollard range.
Domeloc is a range of fencing and bollards which complements a wide range of areas from car parks, road edging, school grounds, parks, council grounds, rural and urban properties.
Karen recently took some time away from the workshop to tell WIRED a bit more about her role.
“I have been doing the Domeloc fences and bollards since Mitchpine started producing the products over 20 years ago. This sees me getting each custom order ready as they come in. Domeloc is made to order, so each order is completely different. I round or square each post and customise as needed, as there are a number of different finishes – no order is the same.
Since we started doing our own saw sharpening in-house, I have also been involved in sharpening straight-edge knives that are used for the production of post wood and sawmilling. I find this very interesting, and it definitely changes up the work day.”
Favourite part of your role?
There are lots! Driving the loader, the relationships and banter with fellow staff. In my area, I am my own boss, so I decide how my day looks.
What training have you completed?
In the last five years I have completed a Timber Machinist apprenticeship.
Most interesting fact about the industry:
That it takes more than one person to produce a length of timber, or a round post, teamwork is a big factor.
How long have you been with Mitchpine?
I have been with Mitchpine for over 28 years. In that time I have had a lot of roles, but I love that each day is different, and as the years have passed my roles have changed.
At Agri-Fencing Taranaki, we’re proud to be a co-woman-owned business delivering high-quality agricultural fencing across the Taranaki region.
One of our greatest assets is Kim Coochey, our Fencing Technician, who brings a decade of experience across the agricultural sector and a sharp, practical mind for rural contracting.
Kim joined the team in 2023 and quickly proved herself to be a key part of our operation. Her background includes over ten years in a wide range of roles, from shepherding to crop testing and managing agricultural contracts. That diversity of experience gives her a strong understanding of how different parts of the farming system connect, and she applies that thinking directly to the fence line.
Thanks to her time working with livestock, Kim has a deep understanding of stock behaviour and plans fencing layouts to optimise stock movement and paddock flow. Her decisions are informed by practical farm knowledge, which adds real value to the functionality of every job.
Kim is also highly capable with machinery and equipment. She works safely and efficiently in all environments and takes pride in delivering tidy, well-structured fences, especially in the more remote and challenging areas where attention to detail matters most.
In addition to her technical abilities, Kim represents the business professionally on-site, building strong rapport with clients through clear communication and reliable follow-through. She’s a steady and thoughtful presence who reflects the values of our team well.
While working full-time, Kim is also studying agronomy and has completed business and operations management training. Her ongoing commitment to upskilling reflects a long-term investment in the primary industries, not just as a technician, but as a future leader in the field.
When asked what she enjoys about working in fencing, Kim says: “I like that it’s practical and straightforward. You know at the end of the day whether you’ve done a good job. It’s physical work, but it’s also satisfying. You’re building something that matters.”
Kim brings a rare combination of hands-on agricultural knowledge, mechanical skill, and strategic thinking to the job. Her presence on our team is a reminder of the vital role women are playing across the industry, from the yards to the workshop, and out on the fence line.
PHIL CORNELIUS
JANINE SWANSSON 
DONNA UPTON
DEBBIE WHITE
BEN FISHER
RUBEN CONNELLY
SCOTT HEASLEY
