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
