92 | RURAL PEOPLE » Tawai Fencing P 06 323 0255 M 027 928 8630 W farmworxbikes.co.nz • On Farm Service • New and Used Sales • Fully Equipped Workshop We take care of your accounting needs, so you can focus on the everyday business of running a farm. Proudly supporting Tawai Fencing www.ruralca.co.nz | (06) 322 8359 Tawai Fencing’s Taylor Barr recognised Kelly Deeks Taking away the Emerging Talent - Youth Award from the inaugural Fencing Contractors Association New Zealand Industry Awards 2023 is Taylor Barr of Tawai Fencing, a hard working 22-year-old who is committed to his fencing career and has grown and excelled in his current position at Tawai Farm in the Manawatu. Taylor was one of three strong finalists in this category and he took out the award for his clear understanding of client needs, his selection of materials, and his working within client budgets. His contribution to post-cyclone Wairoa was testament to his passion for fencing both during his workday and in his spare time. Taylor was nominated for the award by his employers, father and daughter farming team Mike and Heather Gee-Taylor who employed Taylor 18 months ago when they added the run-down Tawai Farm to their landholdings. Seeing the need for extensive fencing work on the 300ha farm, Heather and Mike started their fencing contracting business under the same name and found Taylor, a local who was already working away in the fencing industry and was keen to settle back home. With help from a fencer friend, Mike has completed all the fencing on the 560ha home farm Glencorran, and five years ago he bought a nearby 110ha finishing farm and spent three years fencing that. “I really enjoy fencing because it’s like building a monument,” Mike says. “You get to sit back and look at it for many years to come. Unlike shearing a sheep, where you only get to admire your handiwork for a second before you’re on to the next.” Tawai Farm however, was not going to be a three-year fix, but a five-year plan. It made sense to start Tawai Fencing and invest in the plant required to take on outside work as well. Taylor took the opportunity and has run with it, quickly making a name for himself amongst Tawai Fencing clients, as well as proving his worth to Mike and Heather. His farming experience means he can help out on the farm as well, and his prior fencing experience has him now training Mike and Heather’s other staff. Meanwhile Heather trains Taylor on the finer points of business ownership as he prepares to take the reins of Tawai Fencing once Tawai Farm is fully fenced. Mike and Heather are keen on helping young talent into the industry. They have recently farewelled a school holiday worker and are employing 18-year-old Growing Future Farmers cadet Lana Shuker for a two year cadestship on Tawai Farm. Heather cites agriculture’s labour shortage as impetus enough to develop and contribute capable employees to the industry. Being recognised with the FCANZ Emerging Talent Award was an important step in Taylor’s development and thoroughly deserved according to Mike and Heather. “It’s one thing for us to pat him on the back, but getting that recognition from the industry really confirms his talent,” Heather says. Taylor’s contribution to post-cyclone Wairoa was testament to his passion for fencing both during his workday and in his spare time. “I really enjoy fencing because it’s like building a monument.” “He is a great fencer, and he works bloody hard for us all year round,” Mike adds. “Especially for a 22-year-old. We’re happy to give him an opportunity, and we’re proud to give back to the industry by training young talent.”
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