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A week in the life of Rural Worx

There’s something about a hard day’s work that just hits different. Maybe it’s the mud on your boots. Maybe it’s the dogs asleep in the tray. Or maybe it’s knowing you did something real, something useful; like building a kilometre of fencing strong enough to hold back a wild bull.

That’s the stuff we live for at Rural Worx, and around here, it’s just another week on the tools.

We’re a young rural contracting business based in the Kapiti-Horowhenua region, owned by us; Richmond and Brooke. We’re a bit of a mismatch on paper: Richie’s an ex-civil engineer who couldn’t stand sitting behind a screen all day. He bought himself a handpiece and started shearing sheep solo, which slowly turned into fixing gates, building fences, and eventually managing full-scale rural projects. Brooke used to be a scuba diving instructor, she now runs her own marketing business, and is also the official Rural Worx smoko runner, office boss, and orphan-lamb-mum in spring.

We do fencing, shearing, and general rural contracting, from lifestyle blocks to stations. But don’t let the fresh branding fool you, we’re old school at heart. No shortcuts, just honest hard work, a good yarn, and jobs done properly.

Monday morning: gumboots on, dogs in, let’s go

Richmond’s up at 6am every morning, first stop: the 380-acre block we manage in Te Horo, where the fences are tight and the lambs are dropping faster than we can count. This block’s been a year-long project, it’s now fully stockproof, with new paddocks going in and the kind of fencing that actually lasts more than one wet winter. After a quick check on the stock, he’s back by 7:30am for a milky gumboot tea and a classic baked beans on toast. By 8am, we’re loading up and heading to site.

Tools of the trade

Our gear keeps us moving. Three trusty Hiluxes (you won’t see a Ford in our fleet) and an even trustier old Cruiser, a quad, a CLAAS tractor, and a Fencequip post rammer. If it’s muddy, remote, or rough terrain, we’re ready. On any given day, we’re running wire for an 8-wire, deer fencing, rigging up electric outriggers, and screwing boards up on post and rail jobs.

But our best tools? The dogs. Sage, Jack, and Twig are our working crew. They ride up front, back us up in the yards, and are partial to a bite of a sausage roll at smoko. Brooke’s got a young border collie pup too, who’s still deciding whether he wants to work or just chase butterflies.

The crew

We’re lucky to have some of the best young fellas in the game. Charlie, 20, and Logan, 23 – both absolute grafters. Charlie’s a fencer through and through. He’s tough, he’s keen, and he’s our guy for a good chat. Logan came from forestry (with a side of semi-pro rugby, we’re hanging out for when he’s an All Black) and reckons fencing’s his true calling. They show up early, don’t whinge in the rain, and we couldn’t do this without them.

The crew runs on a mix of elbow grease, questionable music choices (there’s a shared Spotify playlist, no one owns up to adding Morgan Wallen, but somehow he’s always playing), and the promise of a cold beer at the end of the week.

They also love the social media side. We run a pretty honest Instagram and TikTok account showing the behind-the-scenes of life on the tools. Bit of banter, bit of mud, and a lot of dogs.

The Otaki job: fencing under headlights

Last week, we wrapped up a big 1km post and rail job on the Otaki riverbed. It was a beauty, all hand-built gates, clean lines, and electrics on top to keep the horses where they’re supposed to be. It was one of those weeks where everything clicked. The sun was out, the Milwaukee radio was cranking, and the team was moving like clockwork. We needed to finish before the next job started, so when the sun dipped below the hills, Richmond worked on by headlight and the boys stayed, no questions asked. Finally, the last screw went in, the team clocked off, and the beers were opened.

Saturdays are for shearing

During the shearing season, the week doesn’t end on Friday. On Saturdays, Richmond and Logan load up the old 1988 Land Cruiser, chuck in Sage, and head out to tackle sheep for the day. Sometimes it’s a lifestyle block with 20 sheep. Sometimes it’s a hundred scattered across hills. Either way, we turn up, get stuck in, and leave the place better than we found it.

The hard parts; and why we keep doing it

Fencing’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s muddy, sweaty, frustrating work. You burn through staples, forget how many hits it takes to drive a post on a river bed, and some days your hands feel like they’ve aged ten years.

But it’s also real. It’s tangible. You get to look back at something you built and know it’s going to do its job for years. That’s rare. When we are stripping old fences, we take a moment to think of that poor bugger who spent hours and hours putting those posts in the ground all those years ago.

And then there’s the people. The ones who bring you into their farms, trust you with their stock, offer you a cuppa at smoko. That local loyalty means everything to us.

What we’ve learned

If there’s one thing we’ve learned since starting Rural Worx, it’s that this industry runs on trust, reputation, and the willingness to go the extra mile – literally. We’ve driven through floods, worked in sideways rain, fixed fences with head torches, and helped clients round up loose sheep more than once.

But we wouldn’t change a thing

We’re proud to be part of the rural industry. Proud to be building strong fences for good people. And proud that at the end of each week, boots covered in mud, dogs asleep on the back, music still playing – we get to say: we built that.

Written by Brooke O’Connell

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

You may also like: Family, fences, and the daily hustle

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If the saying, “The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory,” is anything to go by, then this year’s National Fencing Championship winners have a lot to be proud of.

New Zealand Fencing Competitions (NZFC) is the recognised National Sporting Organisation for the sport of competitive agricultural fencing, and these competitions see all age groups compete against each other. You won’t find any Masters, Seniors or Veterans divisions here, no siree.

So, on Monday morning of Fieldays week, when 27 individual competitors and 17 doubles pairs braved the cold, foggy Mystery Creek conditions for the heats to earn themselves a place in the finals, it’s fair to say the competition was going to be tight.

Wednesday saw the Fieldays Silver Staples cadet competition, aimed at developing the skills of emerging fencers from agricultural training institutes and high schools. The competition is equally attended by male and female students, and has earned its place as a vital step in these young fencers’ development. This year saw two teams each from Geraldine High School, Pukemiro Station and Smedley Station, with Thomas Batty & Cullen Bolt from Geraldine High School taking top honours on the day.

Across the hill, Kupu Lloyd, Tom Kerley and Michael Trott, all hailing from Gisborne, South Islander Craig Sinclair, Clevedon fencer Murray Graham, and local Waikato man Sam Burton, were competing in the Bill Schuler final. This event is designed to bring along competitive fencers and provide experience in the tense atmosphere that Fieldays provides – a stepping stone towards the Golden Pliers® by WIREMARK®.

Judges were encouraged by the quality of workmanship and the lift in game compared to previous years’ competitions. One judge was spotted practically skipping with excitement to the judge’s caravan to enter his scores, commenting, “I really enjoyed judging those! It’s very promising – they’ve all done a great job out there. Fencing competitions has a bright future.”

Thursday came too soon for some and not soon enough for others in the Golden Pliers® by WIREMARK® Singles competition. Pressure was on last year’s winner, Tim Garrick, to retain his title. Past champions Tony Bouskill & Tim Stafford were both keen to see if they still had what it took. Long time competitors Jeff Joines and Matt Jones, along with up-and-comer Cory Twigley, were all hungry for a win, and young bucks Shay Robertson and Cameron Hammerton had shown they were big threats capable of a takedown.

Throw in arguably some of the toughest conditions seen to date – cold, persistent heavy rain, an age gap spanning 28 years across the field – and the scene was set for an epic battle. Onlookers speculated if age or youth would prevail.

As the iconic Golden Pliers® by WIREMARK® Singles competition progressed, a couple of things hadn’t gone quite to plan for Matt Jones, who then decided to forfeit aiming for the title and powered through the rest of the fence to be the first to complete the mammoth task in a mere 5hrs 7min. This earned himself the Nick Liefting First Off the Line award, and set the tone for the rest of the competitors – who were now incurring time penalties. Tim Garrick and Tony Bouskill finished within seconds of each other about 15 minutes later, and the other finalists came off steadily afterwards, all trying to balance their quality with the clock.

Day three dawned cool and clear for the Fieldays Silver Spades® Doubles Championship. This was another top-level event of high-calibre fencers, including two international pairs and one South Island duo, making it the largest final to date.

The lads all had their work cut out for them, with Chief Judge Owen Petersen requesting a 36m fence consisting of 6 x 2.5 mm WIREMARK® wires, two being electric, two diagonal stay assemblies, and an angled section of Goldpine® post & rail, including a pedestrian gate to be made & installed with the use of Cyclone nails. The Strainrite claw insulators and plain wires were to be stapled on with a StockAde ST400i gas powered staple gun.

A large crowd of spectators formed as the competition took place. Looking at the amount of work in front of them, most pairs decided early on to split up and tackle effectively half the fence each – with one boring, posting and doing the electrical work, while the other chewed their way through the post and rail section, which required a lot of nutting out and delicate finishing. There was minimal wastage of rails allowed, a wrong measurement or cut meant they wouldn’t be able to complete their fence.

The UK team of John Morgan and Si Gibbs, representatives of the UK Tornado Fencing Competition, and USA pair Ed Struna and Luke Gibson, representatives of the U.S. Platinum Strainer Doubles Championship, all showed remarkable workmanship – on top of having to master new techniques and borrowed tools. Southern lads Thomas Rathgen and Isaac Johnston meant business coming off the back of their win at Kirwee. Shane Bouskill had fresh legs, having not competed the previous day, hoping this would help seal a win with son Tony, while previous finalists Micheal Trott and Kupu Lloyd looked every bit competitive and polished as they settled into the task.

The final was not immune to mishaps, with Tim and Cory snapping the head off their spade whilst trying to make a last-minute adjustment to their stay block, and another competitor snapping their footing wire whilst straining up the foot.

First finished were Tim Garrick and Cory Twigley, looking formidable again this year. Seven and a half minutes later, there was a head-to-head, breakneck race down the hill to the finish line between youngsters Shay Robertson and Cameron Hamerton, and the oldest pair, Jeff Joines and Tim Stafford.

The formal prizegiving function was an opportunity for sponsors Wiremark, Cyclone, Goldpine, Strainrite, Stihl, StockAde, Revolution Postdrivers, FCANZ and Fieldays to each speak and be acknowledged for their considerable support, which is instrumental to the success of such a world-class event. This year, a new sponsorship structure was introduced with NZFC supporters, supported by farming entity Ngakaroro Land Co Ltd.

Special recognition was also made to the judging and admin teams, the sponsorship committee and ground crews for their effort and dedication in what is a very long and intense week for all of these volunteers. MCs Craig Wiggins and Craig Graham were also thanked for their expertise.

This year saw Micheal Trott secure his 2nd Bill Schuler title, with Kupu Lloyd in 2nd, and 3rd placegetter Sam Burton. Best First-Year Entrant went to David Swansson, and Murray Graham was awarded the Best Second-Year Entrant award.

The National Singles championship title and the prestigious Golden Pliers® by WIREMARK® Singles competition were awarded to Tim Stafford on a score of 91.33 points, ahead of runner-up Tim Garrick on 95.79, and Tony Bouskill in 3rd place on 102.63. Stafford also won the Best Quality award (the highest standard of fence, no time consideration). His win came 10 years after his first title, and after a brief hiatus from competitions following shoulder surgery in 2019.

The final award of the evening went to Jeff Joines and Tim Stafford in the Fieldays Silver Spades® Doubles Championship, as the oldest combo in the field, and a relatively new pairing, having only competed together once before. With a score of 99.88 points, they won by a convincing 9.78 points over previous multiple winners Tony Bouskill and Shane Bouskill, with last years’ winners Tim Garrick and Cory Twigley rounding out the podium in 3rd on 138.45 points.

Thanks to the organisation by NZFC, and costs covered by sponsors Fieldays®, Strainrite, Cyclone, Revolution Postdrivers, and FCANZ, Tim and Jeff’s win earned them a place to compete in the U.S. Platinum Strainer Doubles Championship at the East Coast Fencing Rivalry in Virginia, USA.

Comments from our visiting competitors during the evening all echoed the same theme – saying they were struck by how welcomed they were made to feel, likening it to a big family rather than a group of competitors, as everyone was willing to lend tools, tips and banter. They also wished to thank Nick Liefting, Wayne Newdick and the Bouskills for their hospitality and training sessions.

As the week drew to a close, all finalists reflected & celebrated their outcomes, and showed us all that success at this level is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, adapting, and a love of what you do.

And sometimes, age.

Full results, photos and videos on the NZFC Facebook page.

Article by Vanessa Stafford on behalf of NZFC

Photographs reproduced with permission by NZ Fencing Competitions.

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

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A week in the life of Jones Agri Fencing

Setting up a business in South Waikato has opened a range of opportunities for fencing contractors Cory and Chloe Jones.

The owners of Jones Agri Fencing carry out a wide range of fencing services from fencing up a sheep milking operation and a horse stud farm, to carrying out large contracts with local dairy farms – they are also the preferred contractor in the region for Onefarm steel cattle yards.

The couple started the business three years ago, having moved back to the area from the deep south of Otago.

Cory, originally a builder by trade, had spent three years working for Nick Terry at Custom Fencing, where he got his start in the fencing industry. And once he started, he was hooked. Apart from doing a bit of fencing on the family property, it was all new to him.

“I thought I’d try something new. I started and just didn’t stop.”

He enjoyed the incredible countryside that the work was taking him to around the region.

As they made the move back to the Waikato, the couple saw an opportunity to start their own fencing contracting business.

Cory got started with a Revolution 180 post driver, a John Deere tractor, with his old Ford Courier.

It was a different world of fencing in the Waikato compared to Otago, Cory says.

“I went from high country stations to dairy farms. It completely changed the style of fencing. I’ve gone from a lot of netting, Waratahs and rocks, to soft ground.”

“The big one for me to get my head around was putting posts in at more than five metres.”

He was a one-man band for about a year when things started to get busy, and he needed to take on some staff.

“There were three of us for a while there, and in the last year we’ve got a couple of big contracts.”

Teaming up with Onefarm has also provided a variety of work, and takes the team further afield from home base.

The team grew to four staff, and Cory “took the leap” this year and bought a second tractor and post driver, and a side-by-side.

While working full-time as a regional farm operations manager for Fonterra, Chloe helps out with the future direction, bookwork and keeping on top of health and safety.

A typical week starts on Monday morning down at the yard at 6am, where the team gets prepared for the day ahead and “have a yarn” about what’s happening for the day, Cory says.

“Then usually two of us will get in each Ute and head away for the day and start working on what we need to achieve.”

“I spend a lot of time on the phone organising gear and materials, and then get to work and do the easy part of the job, which is fencing.”

“It’s a good day if I don’t hear too much from Cory,” Chloe adds.

“It could mean our team’s pumping, they’re busy, jobs are going well, and everyone’s just getting stuck into it.”

“It could also mean – things have turned to shit – he’s busy fighting fires, sorting jobs and gear out, talking to clients, gear’s broken down, and I’ll hear about it at the dinner table.“

“It’s pretty tough being at the other end of the phone sometimes – it’s ‘I’m doing fine but I need to vent – this has gone wrong’; ‘this gear’s just broken and will cost us $3,000 to fix’; ‘we need these new items – have we got the money in cashflow’; or it could be a win of, “Hey, we have a new client coming on and this is going to be awesome, I can’t wait.”

“There are days where Cory is trying to quote or invoice, and I hear yelling at the computer. I’d consider (this) normal from people in our sectors that have strengths more so in ‘doing the do’ with tools, and where technology challenges them outside their comfort zone. I’m sure many other fencers can empathise with that.”

Cory finds that putting out fires makes up a large part of the job of running a contracting business.

“I spend more time putting out fires than getting on the tools.”

Cashflow is challenging to manage, Chloe says.

“Having money coming in doesn’t mean you have enough cash to pay what you need to, and that’s been a huge learning curve for us since getting stuck in.”

“It was extremely scary to take that first step of starting a business, and I know Cory was quite uncertain. Doing some simple cashflow and talking with our accountant, bank, previous employer and families that have started businesses has helped a lot, and put a lot of the questions to rest with answers.”

One thing making life easier currently was being able to order material by the unit load for the specific job, Cory says.

“I’d normally be running around doing jobs, but at the moment, it’s pretty easy.”

“The way we do it, I just put (materials) straight through the client’s accounts. I just found it was easier to manage.”

He likes to organise materials a month out from starting a job where possible.

“It just means if there’s a delay or a product is not available, we can make sure we’ve still got time.”

It is fortunate that Cory has timber supplier, Roundwood, just up the road, with whom he’s built a strong relationship.

“We get most of our gear relatively quickly.”

Finding staff is a challenging side of running the business, he says. But he currently has a good team working together.

“I’m pretty lucky at the moment with who I’ve got.”

Two staff are studying towards their Level 3 Certificate in Fencing. Cory himself is a certified fencer through FCANZ.

He takes on students through the local high school Gateway programme once a week to give them an opportunity to experience fencing.

“It gives kids the opportunity to see that fencing can be a career, not just a job.”

Cory has engaged Rural Safe to help with with health and safety management, and the team holds a health and safety meeting once a month. He cooks breakfast and the team chats about how things have gone, what needs repairs and maintenance, or any near misses or incidents.

“We are trying to make a habit of this,” Chloe says.

“Making health and safety not being a bad thing to discuss, but more of a what can we change to make sure we are all getting home safely. It’s a bit of a culture shift, but we will keep chipping away at it; all good things take time. Getting the team comfortable with talking about it and topics within it is what we are aiming for.

Cory says the investment in Rural Safe was a worthwhile one.

“At the end of the day, we are all busy and keeping up with it all is pretty hard.”

Chloe has created a QR Code for the team to use to log things like upcoming vehicle services, which then sends an email to the office.

“It just saves paperwork getting dirty in the Ute,” Cory says.

Chloe says they operate the business on some simple fundamentals – buying gear that makes their lives and employees’ lives easy.

“So they can do their job well and go home safe, creating a good culture for the team so they enjoy what they do and keep coming to work. That’s a win for us and a win for them.”

They also make sure they celebrate the wins.

“If we have had a great month, (we plan) the next fishing trip with the lads so we can say thanks for your hard work.”

“And most importantly, is doing the job well and creating the best quality product we can for our clients to have a great result with a product that is around for years to come.”

Despite the challenges, it is hugely rewarding work, Chloe says.

“It’s neat to reflect on the good parts of owning a business too. And that needn’t be forgotten in those tough times, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Outside of the business, Cory and Chloe are members of the local squash club and enjoy life on their 1.6-hectare lifestyle block outside of Tokoroa.

Cory likes to get out hunting and fishing where he can.

“Any chance I can get out there, chasing animals or jumping on a boat.”

Article by Rosa Watson

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

You may also like: New skills creating newfound pathways

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A week in the life of Nick Terry, Custom Fencing Owner/Operator and Shareholder, Custom Construction

Getting the day started

My alarm usually goes off around 5am. If all’s quiet in the house, I’ll get in a solid hour or so in the office before the kids are up and about. That’s the ideal scenario – but with young kids, it doesn’t always play out like that. If I’ve been up during the night with them, that early start doesn’t always happen.

Business as usual

I run Custom Fencing, and I’m a shareholder in Custom Construction. Like most contractors with a few staff, every day is different, and no two weeks ever really look the same. A fair chunk of my week is spent quoting new jobs, sorting crews, and checking in on progress across our sites. I’ve learned over the years that if I don’t write something down in my calendar, it just won’t happen – it goes in one ear and straight out the other. So the phone calendar is sacred.

Last week gives a pretty good snapshot of what life looks like at the moment. I was pricing up a job in Mosgiel, which is about a 45-minute drive from home. I try not to waste a trip out that way – so I tied that in with some work we had going at HeliOtago, where we were installing and commissioning a new electric gate. That job ended up taking up a good half of the week.

Midweek was also month-end, which meant I was back in the office sorting invoices and sending them out. Paperwork might not be glamorous, but it’s got to be done. I’ve been in business since 2011 – I kicked things off as a one-man band at the age of 26. Back then, it was just me, my ute, and my tools. Things have grown a fair bit since, but the hands-on stuff, including quoting and admin, still comes back to me. I would love to employ someone to do the bookwork, but by the time I have spent 20 minutes discussing the pricing of a job, I could have just done the work myself.

Juggling the workload

I’ll be honest – I’m not one of those people with a perfect work-life balance routine. There are no hard-and-fast rules for when I clock on or off. Some days I’ll choose to be outside doing something physical when I probably should be inside sorting paperwork. Then I find myself up at 10pm finishing the office stuff I put off – and kick myself for not being a bit more disciplined. But I’ve also learned that you can’t afford to sit and stew on things too long. It’s better to just get stuck in and get it done – otherwise your brain’s in overdrive when you should be sleeping.

We’ve now got 10 full-time staff in the fencing business, split into three crews working at different locations most days. It’s a great team – I’m lucky with the crew I’ve built over the years. They’re all great guys, but yeah, there’s always something that crops up. Just this morning, I got a message from one of the guys saying his little one was sick and he’d need the day off tomorrow. That’s life – we just reshuffle a few things and keep the wheels turning.

Workload-wise this year has been flat out. It’s a good problem to have – even if it’s a bit painful at times. This time last year, I was running around like a blue-arsed fly trying to line up enough work to keep the team busy. At any one time, we’d only have a couple of weeks ahead of us – and that’s a stressful way to operate when you’ve got mouths to feed and wages to cover. So, while we’re now dealing with a big volume of jobs on the go, I’d take this situation over last year’s any day.

Team culture

Once a month, we bring the whole team together – fencing and construction – for a full-group toolbox meeting. If everyone’s got their paperwork up to date, I’ll take them all to the local café and shout them. If not, it’s just at the shed with our thermos. At those meetings, we’ll run through any health and safety issues, near misses, incidents, maintenance needs, or equipment breakdowns. Each crew also holds their own weekly toolbox meetings, and we use an app to keep everyone accountable – logging hours, job updates, and health and safety notes on the go.

“We’ve now got 10 full-time staff in the fencing business, split into three crews working at different locations most days. It’s a great team”

Logistics is a big part of my week. Most clients will show us where they want a fenceline and then leave us to it, so part of my role is making sure crews have what they need, where they need it. Most days, the teams will load up from our yard and head out – but sometimes I’ll be running gear or materials out to sites, especially if it’s something urgent or forgotten. That’s the nature of this kind of work – there’s always an unexpected turn.

“Upskilling my team has always been a priority for me, and I encourage them to get along to fencing competition days and learn from the best”

Growing the industry

Upskilling my team has always been a priority for me, and I encourage them to get along to fencing competition days and learn from the best. Tomorrow I’m heading up to the FCANZ National Conference and Awards, and I’m taking one of our guys who has entered the Emerging Talent award. He doesn’t know it yet – but by the time this story comes out, he’ll know that he’s won it. He’s entered the last couple of years and hasn’t quite got over the line, so he’ll be chuffed to take it out this year.

A couple of years ago, I joined the FCANZ Board, and I really enjoy being part of a group of like-minded people who want to raise standards and build community within the fencing industry.

Community support

Being a small business in a tight-knit rural area also means I’m often asked to sponsor events, fundraisers, and local clubs. I don’t really have a set budget for it – I just go with what feels right. If a client is involved in a community project and I know they’ve supported us in return, I’m more than happy to help where I can. But you can’t say yes to everything, and it also depends on cash flow at the time.

Family and community are a big part of my life. My wife Anna and I have two young kids – Alf, who’s five, and Maeley, who’s three. They’re full of energy, and life at home is pretty full-on. I coach Alf’s Year 1 Rippa rugby team, which is chaotic but a heap of fun. It’s great seeing the kids run around, building their confidence and having a laugh.

Anna and I are also part-owners of a couple of harness racehorses with some mates. It’s something we’ve really enjoyed getting into over the past few years. Cup Week in Christchurch is a highlight on the calendar, and over summer we love heading to race days around Central Otago. Last year, both of our horses won consecutive races, including one winning the Cromwell Cup – that was an absolute buzz and a great day out with good people. It’s a nice way to step away from work and switch off.

I’m also involved in our local rugby club and have served a stint as president. These days I’m still on the committee. The Eastern Rugby Club is a great community hub – it’s family-friendly, well-supported, and a place where everyone chips in. It’s good to be involved in something bigger than just business.

When I’m not running the business, you’ll find me out on my dad’s farm, which is nearby. If he’s away or tied up, I’ll jump in to shift a break, feed out, or lend a hand where needed. Just this morning, I spent a few hours carting baleage. It’s always good to muck in – it helps keep the bigger picture in perspective.

Final thoughts

Looking back on where the business started and seeing how it’s grown year on year is something I’m proud of. I’m not really one to sit around and pat myself on the back – there’s always the next job, the next crew to organise, or the next invoice to sort. But every now and then, I guess it’s good to take stock and be grateful for the ride.

As told by Alice Scott

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

You may also like: Five-way yards a Magnus Opus for Eastern Otago fencer

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A week in the life of Barakat Contractors Limited AKA Barakat Fencing

“Many hands make light work,” and that is the idea we have from running our fencing business week in and week out. We have a lot of struggles in different areas, including managing the old generation vs new generation dynamic of running the business.

Dale and Carl are the owners of the business and are also a father-son duo. They get along extremely well due to Dale being very patient and having a placid nature, and Carl, with his problem-solving can-do attitude – but they still have their differences at times when trying to keep things running.

Dale’s partner, Lisa, and Carl’s wife, Emma, also work in the business and are vital to keeping the business running efficiently. Although at times Emma would say that working together in the office can present its own challenges – especially still being able to talk to each other come dinner each night.

“For both Dale and Carl, their phones are nonstop – averaging anywhere from 30 to 50 phone calls a day”

With all the dynamics that we have, it is very important that everyone is on the same page, as we all are key in making this business work.

Average week for Barakat Fencing

To prepare for the following week, Dale, Carl and Lisa sit down together (or over the phone if Carl is working on site), planning the following week(s) depending on job durations. Friday is often planning time so that everyone knows their jobs for the following week – although this often changes with staff absences, or inclement weather, over the weekend. It is the basis for Dale and Carl to be able to go into the weekend knowing that all staff and jobs are ready. This planning time also helps with notifying clients, client inductions, booking concrete, material fabrication, accommodation if required, preparing safety packs, and sorting job requirements that are needed for the following week.

Come Monday, often plans have changed – mainly due to staff absences or client delays – so it can be hectic first thing. But from time to time, it goes to plan and the week starts smoothly.

For Dale, every morning starts with an early morning walk down the farm to clear his head for the day. He takes this time to write notes of things to tick off and prepare for organising the staff in the yard, who start arriving around 6.30am. Dale does a lot of roles put together, but often he is on the road meeting with clients, quoting, ordering materials, organising, and doing accounts. Being out of the office and on the road creates catch-up time in the office. Dale often works weekends in the office when it’s quieter and his phone is not interrupting his workflow.

Carl is still physically on the tools – problem solving, quality checking and running a crew/job wherever he is needed. Carl is spending more time in the office quoting higher-spec jobs, problem solving and drafting the drawings of gates, out-of-the-ordinary steel posts, etc. to keep our fabrication guys ahead of the work.

For both Dale and Carl, their phones are nonstop – averaging anywhere from 30 to 50 phone calls a day – from managing staff, clients, machinery maintenance, product orders, suppliers/reps, among other things. This takes a large amount of their time and a lot of follow-up, as every phone call often requires an action.

Our foremen are given jobs ahead of time – a few days out – so they can be loaded up and ready to go. But for them, it is often managing the staff under them and making sure they are on track for concrete bookings, client requirements, and checking in with Dale or Carl to make sure the job is being built to spec.

The following are some key areas we at Barakat Fencing have in place to help our week run as smoothly as possible:

• Logistics – sourcing materials and getting materials, gear, and machinery onsite.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficient logistics play a crucial role in the success of our operation. One of the fundamental aspects of logistics is sourcing materials, fencing gear, and machinery effectively between jobs in a timely manner.

Our yard is well stocked with materials, and we also have two full-time staff working in the workshop fabricating. We have tried to make our business as self-sufficient as possible, so we are not relying on other suppliers or contractors. We have multiple machinery assets – trucks, diggers, loaders, tractors with rammers, vehicles, trailers – including our own Portaloo. These are a key part of running a successful operation and make organising easier when we don’t have to outsource and rely on other parties for completing our work.

• Staff management and wellbeing – managing crews, absences, recruitment

We employ 25 staff, including three Project Managers, six Foremen, two Technicians, two Fabricators, and 11 staff ranging in ability levels, and three casual staff members. Dale and Carl (Directors/Project Managers) are also actively working in the business. We have been fortunate to have most of our Project Managers, Foremen and Technicians with us for 20-plus years, and they are a huge part of Barakat Fencing’s success.

Having several staff at times can be challenging – trying to make sure we can keep them happy and make sure we are looking after their well-being. Having a larger number of staff gives us the flexibility to be able to rotate staff when absences and sickness happen, although this is still challenging when dealing with commercial clients and ensuring staff are compliant and trained for their site.

We recruit staff from time to time, but most have come to us directly or through word of mouth from existing staff. Recruiting staff can be a challenge, as fencing is often associated with just the rural sector. Security fencing is a big part of our business, and we often have to train staff in this area. It also involves a lot more compliance when working on these sites.

We have an open-door policy for our staff and find that with the four of us (Dale, Carl, Lisa and Emma), this works for our staff to communicate with whom they feel most comfortable talking to. It also helps to build strong relationships with them.

• Health and safety – site plans, H&S management, toolbox talks, incident/near miss reporting

Dealing with a number of commercial clients over the years, we have learnt a lot and had to implement a range of different systems to make sure we are compliant. We have built strong relationships with our clients, and this, in turn, has also helped us implement systems that future clients have required from us.

“Dale started this business with his father, and there was a lot less paperwork back then compared to what he manages now”

Lisa and Emma deal with a lot of the health and safety for the business, and are often looking at ways to help our staff understand their obligations and ensure that they are looking after themselves. We hold monthly meetings with all staff, and this is where we do a lot of reporting, check-ins, and cover key points for health and safety management.

Our health and safety systems are still paper-based rather than app-based, as we believe there are some key benefits to having a paper trail and having staff actively reviewing documents rather than on their phones doing ‘tick-box compliance’. This, in turn, has helped us maintain good filing systems so we can track and locate information when required.

We’ve learnt to be adaptable over the years, with clients requiring health and safety done their way – which is why having someone with strong technology skills has been a must for our business. For many of our commercial clients, there are online portals that require individual accounts for each staff member. These portals are used for a range of purposes – from inductions and health & safety documents, to invoicing and account management.

• Operations/Admin – payroll, paperwork, quotes/estimates

Being a multi-generational company, it takes time to make changes, and in the past two years, Barakat Fencing has undergone a lot of administrative changes, by adopting online platforms to speed up processes and ensure nothing gets missed.

Dale started this business with his father, and there was a lot less paperwork back then compared to what he manages now. Dale still does not operate a computer, so we have strong manual systems and follow up in place to make sure nothing gets missed. When the power goes down, Dale always says, “Well, my computer is still working.”

Carl works a lot from his phone for emailing and dealing with clients, but there have been some changes this year. Emma (Carl’s wife) has placed a computer on his desk so he can start utilising it and learning how the online platforms work – she says he’s more than capable!

We’ve used several different platforms over the years – Cashbook, Ace Payroll, MYOB, Xero – for accounting. Now, we’ve consolidated everything into one package: Xero. Emma manages all these areas and has found her computer skills invaluable in adapting and making the most of the software.

We run Word templates for our quotes, as this is the best way to manage the formatting for the two guys (Carl and Dale) doing the quotes. We also have spreadsheets for their workings and pricing sheets made specifically for the different quotes they do – still manually, with a calculator! This system has all the workings so that if someone like Lisa or Emma were to pick up their quote, they can quickly determine what’s required for ordering, or make minor client-requested changes efficiently.

Life after work

Work/Life balance is always a challenge when owning your own business, and this is an area that is a constant juggle for Dale and Carl.

Having the office based at Dale’s property can be a challenge, as it often means staff and clients turn up at all hours – at times, there’s not much privacy outside of work hours for Dale. For Dale and his partner Lisa, their beach house in Whitianga is a retreat where they spend as many weekends as possible – and can stay longer since they’re able to work from there. It’s a place where Dale can relax and go out fishing, which is a big hobby of his.

“We have an open-door policy for our staff and find that with the four of us (Dale, Carl, Lisa and Emma), this works for our staff to communicate with whom they feel most comfortable talking to”

Carl makes sure there’s time for life outside of work. He has many hobbies, but a big part of making this happen was moving his wife Emma and their three kids out to their hill-country farm, about a 30-minute drive from the yard. It’s where they can spend their time with the family in what they call ‘their piece of paradise’. While the farm is leased out because the fencing business is busy, they still get to enjoy the benefits of farm life on weekends – something both Carl and Emma love sharing with their kids.

Our long-standing staff also do a range of hobbies and often enjoy doing them with other Barakat Fencing team members, as many are friends outside of work. A big hobby among our staff is deer and duck shooting, and we often joke that we need to shut down for the months of April/May!

Barakat Fencing has been a multi-generational business, and Carl and Emma have the next generation coming through – their eldest son, aged 11, often helps out during the holidays.

Written by Emma Barakat

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

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New Zealand’s best contractors know that the most important features of good quality wire are ease of use, consistency, and reliability.

With Waratah Longlife Blue® now available in 25kg coils, you can use quality wire to reflect your quality work. But don’t take our word for it – recently we spoke to some of the country’s best contractors about why they love to use Longlife Blue®!

John Noakes, from Noksee Fencing, based at the top of the south in Motueka, with over 20 years’ experience in the fencing industry, shares why he only uses Longlife Blue wire:
“I use Longlife Blue because I want to guarantee my work. I think if you want to be at the top of your game, it comes down to what products you use, and the right materials for me are Waratah. Once you use Longlife Blue, you won’t be using anything else. It’s top of the range.”

Scott Heasley, from Heasley Fencing and Earthworks, based in North Canterbury, has been in the fencing industry for over 35 years. With decades of experience under his belt, Scott has used a variety of fencing materials, but he’s found Waratah Longlife Blue wire to be unmatched:
“It’s nice, soft wire to tie, but you can tension it up and strain the hell out of it. It’s really good. We use it a lot on the coastal stuff, and it doesn’t oxidise the same as a lot of competitor wires do, so we find that really good. The wire doesn’t break – other wire can be inconsistent, and we find the Waratah wire very consistent; every coil is the same. Once you use Blue wire, I think you’re sold on it; it’s really good.”

Mike Renner, of Renner Fencing, a family-owned business, also had great things to say about Waratah Longlife Blue. With 32 years in the business, Mike knows the value of a reliable product. His most recent project involved installing a Waratah fence along a whale trail, where he used a combination of JiO® Star® posts and Longlife Blue wire:
“The blue wire is easier, and you can get a tighter and more consistent knot when tying it off. Hardly ever breaks, just way superior.”

For Mike, the choice is simple. “If you use a crap product, you have to go back and fix it. Using a superior product like Waratah Longlife Blue, it’s a no-brainer. Getting the clients to use them… once they get the feel of them and work with them, they just don’t go back.”

Waratah Longlife Blue 25kg coils have proven they are the contractors’ choice across New Zealand. With its consistent quality, reliability, and ease of use, it’s no wonder that top contractors like Noksee, Scott, and Mike continue to rely on Waratah for their fencing needs.

For more information and to place an order, visit www.waratahfencing.co.nz/products/wire or contact Brendon on 021 393 010

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

You may also like: The contractor’s choice – Waratah® Longlife Blue® 25kg wire coils

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In the world of electric fencing, durability, performance, and sustainability are everything. Enter Durashield™ from Strainrite.

Durashield isn’t just another plastic shell. It’s the result of thoughtful – Strainrite – engineering, deep materials science, and real-world testing. Whether you’re upgrading an existing line or specifying your next build, Durashield is designed to make the job easier, the fence stronger, and the environmental impact smaller.

Redefining durability

Pre-fitted to Strainrite’s trusted Cliplock and XT1 strainers, Durashield delivers rugged performance – especially in wet conditions, where lesser insulators often fail. It significantly outperforms both our previous models and leading competitors in high-voltage testing, thanks to its unique interlocking join design and a body shape inspired by high-voltage transmission insulators.

The result? Less arcing, less breakdown, and longer service life – even under sustained exposure to harsh sun, rain, and dirt.

Retrofit ready

You don’t need to start from scratch to upgrade. Durashield can be retrofitted to existing Cliplock wire strainers, avoiding the cost and hassle of full replacement. And if a shell is damaged, just replace the shell – not the entire strainer. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to manage wear and tear in the field.

Material matters

Not all plastics are created equal. While some insulators still rely on basic polymers, Durashield is made from UV-stable ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) – a premium-grade material commonly used in exterior car parts, playgrounds, and window frames.

ASA is prized for its exceptional resistance to UV, moisture, impact, and temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use. And there’s more – 60% of the ASA in Durashield comes from post-consumer recycled material, supporting a more circular economy without compromising strength or reliability.

Debunking the “Join” myth

Some have raised concerns that the “join” in Durashield’s two-part shell might collect dirt and allow current to track. But real-world testing paints a different picture.

In extreme simulations of wet, dirty farm conditions, Durashield showed no failure through the front join – even at 12kV–15kV. That’s because the interlocking tabs in the front join create a long, non-linear tracking path, not an open gap. In short: no shortcuts for electricity.

Durashield consistently outperformed all plastic-bodied insulated strainers tested, including leading competitors.

The verdict

Durashield is more than just an insulator – it’s a smarter, stronger, and more sustainable way to build and maintain electric fencing. With its next-level wet weather performance, replaceable shells, and ASA-engineered durability, Durashield is made to last.

Durashield™. Built for the fence. Engineered for the future. Proudly made in New Zealand.

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

You may also like: Strainrite’s game-changing Durashield

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A fencing contractor’s choice of prime mover is largely driven by capability, safety and fast, comfortable progress on the road between jobs.

The Deutz Fahr tractors offer a compelling package that calls on the history of the family-owned SDF Group, which, having been formed in the early part of the twentieth century, went on to become an early adopter of the diesel engine, offered the world’s first four-wheel drive in 1952 and today is a big hitter in global tractor sales.

Already well known in the sector, the Agrofarm Series offers a low centre of gravity, a mechanical four-wheel drive, true four-wheel braking and 100% locking diffs on both axles. These features offer the benefits of surefootedness, safety and the ability to overcome difficult terrains.

The Agrofarm 5105C and 5125C offer 106 and 125hp respectively, using the latest generation Farmotion, 4-cylinder, four-litre engines, with high torque reserves and unrivalled low fuel consumption, offering quiet operation and long working days.

A wet-clutch, powershuttle/powershift transmission allows precise matching of speed to conditions, with the 5125 model also offering a standard creep set for precise movement in tough conditions. Both models also feature the patented Stop-Go function, allowing the tractor to be brought to a stop just by pressing the brake pedal, then releasing it to move away again.

Oversized tyre equipment, complemented by adjustable wheels, allows a wider track width setting, to deliver stability on slopes, alongside improved balance for heavy, side-mounted post hitters. At the rear of the machine, the hydraulic system offers maximum lift capacities of up to 5,410 kg, three rear remote valves with flow regulation and an external lift control for added convenience.

Travelling between jobs is made easy and comfortable, with a 40kph road speed, a cabin mounted on silent-bloc suspension, complemented by air conditioning, an air-suspended seat, rubber floor mats and a high output lighting system for travel and work.

For those looking to handle heavier post-driver units, particularly those with rotational bases, the 6125C-RV Shift tractor offers power up to a max of 136hp, mated to a full 20+16 full powershift transmission, with working and transport modes, alongside automated powershifts. As always, safety is integral, with 4WD, 100% locking front and rear diffs and independent, integral four-wheel disc brakes and an electro-hydraulic park brake.

At the business end of the tractor, lift capacity is 7,000 kg, complemented by a load-sensing hydraulic pump, delivering up to 120L/min on demand, via three mechanically controlled external remotes. When travelling above 25 kph, the rear linkage locks out for safety, while at the same time, engaging a soft-ride function for smoother travelling.

Both Series are available with the German-built, Stoll FZ 39-27, self-levelling loaders, delivering a 3.8m lift height and 1,800 kg lift capacity, offering the ability to easily handle large post bundles. This is complemented by boom suspension for smooth travel on the road and when traversing difficult terrain, with a Euro hitch coupling for quick implement changes.

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

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Fencing in New Zealand demands gear that works with the land, not against it. Tight deadlines, tough terrain, and high customer expectations call for equipment that installs quickly, holds strong, and lasts the distance.

Tested in real-world environments, Gallagher products are built to help contractors work faster without compromising on strength or finish.

Voltage performance starts and ends with solid electrical connections. Gallagher’s heavy-duty joint clamp is built for dependable conductivity across multiple joins, maintaining consistent voltage along the fence line. “Poor connections can be incredibly hard to track down and fix, costing contractors time and potentially damaging their reputation,” Troy explains. “Our clamps are engineered to bite down and stay tight, so power stays where it’s needed.”

Gallagher’s end-of-line systems, such as the high strain insulator kit and insulated wire strainer kit, come pre-assembled with integrated insulators and wire rope, and a built-in heavy-duty joint clamp. This integration removes the need for hand-tying and separate clamps, improves finish consistency, and ensures uniform tension every time. “On a long run, the ability to clip, strain, and move on without extra tools can save hours on a project – and those efficiencies really stack up over a season,” says Troy Batters, Gallagher’s Fencing Product Manager.

In country that’s steep, wet, or coastal, Gallagher’s Insulated Line Posts make fencing possible where traditional methods may fall short. No separate insulators, and no need for heavy equipment – just drive them in and clip off. Their lightweight build makes them easy to carry over rough terrain, while the flexible fibreglass core maintains line integrity on uneven ground. Fully insulated and UV-stabilised, they stand up to tough weather and coastal conditions without rust or corrosion. Snap-on insulators mean no nails and no protruding parts, improving safety for both stock and handlers – a key reason they’re increasingly used for equine fencing. “Once you’ve worked with them, you quickly see how much time they save and how versatile they are,” says Troy, “They open up fencing options in places you might have thought were too difficult or expensive to tackle.”

For electric systems, earthing remains the foundation. Multiple rods, correctly spaced and driven deep, deliver the best results. In dry or sandy soils, pairing this with an earth return wire system ensures animals complete the circuit wherever they touch. Many performance issues can be traced back to poor earthing – getting it right from the start avoids troubleshooting later and keeps fences working at full strength.

At Gallagher, the measure of success is simple: fences that go in faster, perform better, and stand the test of time. It’s about delivering the kind of reliability contractors can build their reputation on – season after season.

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

You may also like: Revolutionising remote fencing with Gallagher’s new ‘talking fence’

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In early 2025, PermaPine achieved FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certification – a milestone that speaks volumes about our commitment to sustainable timber sourcing.

For fencing contractors across Aotearoa, this is more than just a badge on the paperwork. It’s a signal that you can trust the wood in your hands from source to site.

The Forest Stewardship Council® is an international nongovernmental organization that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests.

Why FSC matters to the fencing sector

FSC certification is not handed out lightly. It requires rigorous checks across the entire supply chain, ensuring that every log harvested meets strict environmental, social, and economic standards. For contractors, it’s peace of mind that your posts and poles are sourced responsibly, supporting long-term forest health, legal harvesting practices, and community wellbeing.

We’re also seeing FSC requirements come up more often in tenders from local and central government, particularly councils, the Department of Conservation, and other agencies where environmental responsibility is front and centre. Having FSC certification puts our contractors in a stronger position to meet these evolving expectations.

There is also a growing concern that forests in New Zealand are being harvested faster than they are being replanted. FSC certification directly addresses this by requiring that forests are managed sustainably, ensuring long-term balance and continuity of supply.

At a time when customers are paying more attention to how and where materials are sourced, FSC gives you a clear edge. It is a quality marker that holds weight across rural, infrastructure, and lifestyle markets.

PermaPine’s commitment to contractors

Let’s be straight. We didn’t pursue FSC accreditation because we had to; we did it because we back better practice, and we know contractors do too. We’ve long invested in producing consistently high performing roundwood, guided by NZ standards like NZS 3605 and NZS 3640. FSC is another step in hat same direction.

For those on the tools, this means the products you spec or pick up from your local merchant come with full chain of custody transparency. From pine plantation to posthole, it’s the same quality timber, just with stronger assurance.

Sustainability without compromise

PermaPine’s FSC certified range includes all of our posts and poles, treated to specification and supplied through a national distribution network. We’ve always prided ourselves on the details: top-quality product, consistent treatment, reliable availability. FSC doesn’t change that, it reinforces it.

By offering certified products, we’re helping ensure that sustainable options are available and accessible, whether you’re fencing a lifestyle block, a council reserve, or a 1,000 hectare station.

What’s in it for FCANZ members?

• Confidence in supply that meets best practice forestry and environmental benchmarks
• Added value in tenders or contracts that call for sustainability credentials
• A trusted long-term partner who understands the demands of fencing in New Zealand

Let’s talk

If you’re keen to specify FSC certified product on your next project, or just want to know more about what it means in practice, get in touch with the PermaPine team. We’re proud to be raising the bar in the New Zealand fencing sector, and even prouder to support the contractors doing the work on the ground.

PermaPine – Roundwood with Integrity
FSC® license code FSC-C210838
Web: www.permapine.co.nz
Email:
Phone: 0800 737 627

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

You may also like: Precision and innovation – PermaPine’s Machine Round Poles

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