62 | All about professionalism and quality Karen Phelps After more than a decade in business, Omata Fencing has grown from a one-man operation into a leading example of professionalism and quality in rural fencing across the lower North Island. Owned and operated by Emile and Abbe de Greeuw, the Pahiatua-based business combines high standards, strong family values, and a passion for community, sustainability, and rural life. When Emile first started using a post rammer, his goal was simple - to buy a farm. Having spent years shepherding and contracting, even travelling to Japan to work as a sheepdog showman, fencing was a practical step toward that dream. Today, the couple’s 90-hectare sheep and beef property supports 400 breeding ewes, 200 trade lambs, and 80 head of cattle, and Emile still spends his weeks on the fenceline doing what he loves. “Emile started out on his own and built Omata Fencing from the ground up,” Abbe says. “Now we’ve got a great team, more equipment, and a steady flow of work — everything from neighbouring farms to large commercial projects.” With Totika and Sitewise Gold endorsement and FCANZ accreditation — the only fencing contractor in the lower North Island to achieve all three — Omata Fencing is now sought after by major clients such as Meridian Energy, Northpower, and QEII National Trust. “Those accreditations required us to really step up our health and safety systems,” Abbe explains. “I had to write a 45-page health and safety plan, and it’s been a big learning curve, but it’s opened up new opportunities for us.” Those opportunities include civil roading and substation fencing, wind farm projects, and environmental fencing for QEII. “We love the QEII work,” Abbe says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of protecting special areas of native bush. One project included fencing around a block which had an 800-year-old rata tree — that was amazing. A kaumatua from the area even gave us rata seeds to propagate, and now they’re growing on our own farm.” Omata Fencing’s core philosophy centres on quality, safety, and values-based business. “We believe in above-the-line thinking — ownership, accountability, and responsibility,” Abbe says. “It’s about doing the right thing, looking after our team, and maintaining the high-quality workmanship we’re known for.” Their investment in equipment, including a new Solotrack post-ramming machine, ensures that jobs are completed efficiently and safely. And while the work is steady, the de Greeuws make sure family remains at the heart of everything RURAL SERVICES » Omata Fencing they do. “We’ve got three kids, and our team have families too,” Abbe says. “We want to make sure everyone can balance work and family life. That’s really important to us.” Beyond fencing, the de Greeuws are also known for their creative sideline — the Mangamaire Sunflower Field, an agritourism success that has brought thousands of visitors to their front paddock over the past three summers. What began as Abbe’s idea to slow traffic past their farm became a full-blown local attraction featured on Country Calendar. “Over 4000 people came in the first season, and 6000 in the second, now we are heading into season five - its grown alot!” Abbe says. “People came for photos, picnics, and ice cream — it’s been a really special way to connect people with rural life.” As they look to the future, the de Greeuws plan to continue growing both the fencing business and their farming operation, while keeping an eye out for new opportunities. “We’re proud of what we’ve built,” Abbe says. “From a small rural fencing business to a recognised, accredited contractor — and still with sunflowers on the side. It’s been quite a journey.” LTD 06 927 0188 sales@rangitikeitimber.co.nz rangitikeitimber.co.nz Your trusted experts in all aspects of timber & building supplies. Your Discount Timber Specialist Omata Fencing’s core philosophy centres on quality, safety, and values-based business.
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