58 | Fence Force seeing growing demand Fence Force was originally established in 2006 and Gareth joined the team around 10 years ago, eventually buying the business. Kelly Deeks As rural and lifestyle land development continues to surge across Northern Waikato and Southern Auckland, experienced fencing contractors like Fence Force are becoming an essential part of the landscape. Director Gareth Brown-Haysom says with close to 20 years of hands-on experience in agricultural fencing, he’s seeing growing demand not just from traditional farmers, but from a wave of new landowners moving out of the city and trying their hand at rural life. “About 90 percent of our work is now on lifestyle blocks,” Gareth says. “The dairy sector is strong and we’ve still got great clients on larger farms, but what’s really booming is small farms and semi-rural subdivisions. People are moving out from the city, buying a few acres, and then calling us when they don’t know how to get started.” From there, Fence Force steps in, not only to build fences, but to share practical advice on stock management, efficient layout, and land development. “We do a lot more than just fencing,” Gareth says. “We help people plan their blocks properly. That might include taking out trees, rerouting tracks, or making sure their water and fencing layout will actually work for stock flow. We also build pole sheds and yards, and can help get lifestyle blocks properly set up from scratch.” Fence Force was originally established in 2006 and Gareth joined the team around 10 years ago, eventually buying the business outright two years ago. Like many in the industry, he got his start thanks to a helping hand from a local fencer and a bit of initiative. “The owner was a family friend. He didn’t have a job for me when I first left school, so he actually sent me to one of his competitors to learn the ropes. I worked with them for a few years, then he poached me back, and I haven’t looked back since.” Today, Gareth leads a small but highly skilled team, all of whom are working toward or have completed NZQA-recognised fencing qualifications through Fencing Contractors Association New Zealand (FCANZ). Gareth has completed his Level 4 certificate and is eager for the development of a Level 5 programme. “These qualifications are important,” he says. “They teach more than just how to put a fence up. They cover problem-solving, business management, quoting, invoicing, and the kind of skills you need to be a true fencing contractor.” Two of Fence Force’s current apprentices are completing Level 3 qualifications this year, and Gareth says they are the future of the industry. RURAL SERVICES » Fence Force “We need more young people getting into this trade. We’ve got four on the team now, but we need more. You can’t replace experience, and with all the development going on in this region, experienced and qualified fencers are in demand.” Being a qualified FCANZ member helps Fence Force stand out when tendering for work with tier-one companies, and gives clients peace of mind Farm Fencing Specialists since 2006 • Fencing • Retaining • Stockyards • Polesheds • General FarmMaintenance Contact Us Ph: 0272 762 337 E: fenceforceltd@gmail.com fenceforce.co.nz they’re getting work done to the highest standard. “We’re a small, friendly, qualified team, and our workmanship speaks for itself,” Gareth says. “Whether it’s a new dairy conversion, a lifestyle block makeover, or anything in between, we’re here to get the job done right.”
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