Business Rural North Autumn 2021

50 | RURAL SERVICES » FCNZ F encing Contractors New Zealand’s (FCNZ) new 2020-2021 executive board has goals and aspirations both collectively and as individual board members, with a definite drive to raise the profile of the industry. FCNZ president Phil Cornelius says each indi- vidual board member brings their own passion, whether it’s for training, upskilling, or bringing new people into the industry. “A lot of different board members are try- ing to push up the profile of FCNZ and fencing certifications, and bring the industry into the 21st century,” he says. Phil says while some fencers are of the belief that just because the machinery has got a bit more modern, fences still go up like they always have and there is no need for all the regulations and certification, there are also many who believe the opposite is true. “A lot of the board has been pushing to get certification up and running, and getting the dif- ferent levels like the Level 5 and the Diploma in Agribusiness Management. I think we’re heading in the right direction, but there’s still a long way to go.” Phil says until now, a fencer has always been just a fencer, and never really seen as a trades- person because they’re not certified in their craft. But he believes that can be turned around, just like it has in other industries. “Before Certified Builders became Certified Builders, they were just builders. Any Joe Bloggs could pick up a hammer and build a house, but now no one is going to compromise when it comes to having it foundation poured. Like the forestry industry, and as fencers, we’re involved in that industry quite a lot. “The forestry industry has moved on from where it was 20 years ago. They’re not just log- gers now, they’re loggers with a purpose and a meaning because they’ve got lots of training and lots of certifications, and young people want to get into that industry now because it’s recognised as a relatively good industry to be in. They can make a good living and use modern machinery, and it’s the same with the fencing industry. “Our board members Debbie, Donna, Mike, Shane, Shaun, and Stephen all think the same thing. They are passionate about the whole industry, they’re getting our trade days going and getting out there and promoting the industry.” Phil says everyone involved in the fencing in- dustry needs to get behind the drive and promote certification. “To get young people seeing fencing as a viable industry, you’ve got to be able to offer them something. They want the letters behind their names.” There is also some work to be done on our New Zealand Fencing Act, which was written in 1978!! It makes budgeting a nightmare for local body fencing clients who are working off 42-year-old prices. “They’re going with $5 to $8 a metre, and in many cases you’re paying more than that for materials. When you come back with a price, it always causes problems because they haven’t budgeted for it.” There will be some lobby work ahead for FCNZ to try to have the Government update this and other issues with the Fencing Act. New board keen to lift industry profile Kelly Deeks PHOTOS: A jig designed to teach students how to tie knots and fencing contours instruction at a FCNZ Best Practice field day. Specialist Manufacturers of high quality fencing tools & equipment Visit www.strainrite.co.nz for more information NEW Series 5 www.kinghitter.com 0800 476 868 sales@kinghitter.com P.O.A. Please enquire at your local Dealer M A D E I N N E W Z E A L A N D Kinghitter Series 5 • Nationwide Dealer Network – Parts and advice are just down the road • Plastics Slides and Fully adjustable wear pads • 3.1m-5m Expanding Mast - No Hinge to lower • Can be rotated from the Tractor cab • 180 degree Rotation • 340Kg Lead hammer – Over 25,000 kg of Driving force • Two Hydraulic legs • Rock Spike and Auger Kit compatible • Simple, Strong, and Fast – Designed by fencing contractors • @LHYZ VM PU [OL ÄLSK ;LZ[PUN • NZ Made for over 40 years