62 | RURAL SERVICES » Blake Fencing Contractors / Power Farming - Gisborne 50 year family legacy Kelly Deeks Karen Phelps Blake Fencing Contractors is building on a 50 year family legacy while expanding into new markets and lifting capability to meet growing demand across Whanganui. Owned and operated by Mike Blake, the business has traditionally focused on rural fencing, but over the past five years has shifted to a more balanced model, with residential and commercial work now making up about half of its workload. Mike says the change has brought both opportunity and pressure as the business adapts to new expectations around quality, systems, and delivery. “It has been a big change, and the markets are totally different,” Mike says. “The residential and commercial side comes with different expectations, particularly around finish and compliance.” A major milestone came last year with Blake Fencing Contractors completing its first school project, delivering fencing at St Mary’s School. The job presented a clear difference from Blake Fencing Contractor’s rural work with aluminium materials and the requirement to operate alongside architects and project managers, all while meeting strict health and safety requirements. “There were a lot more moving parts, but it was a really good experience and something we are proud of.” To support its growth, Blake Fencing Contractors has invested heavily in systems and compliance, gaining prequalification and securing Totika accreditation. “There was a huge amount of information required, so we engaged a consultant to help with that process. Having the right support made a big difference.” Blake Fencing Contractors has also Power Farming Gisborne is carving out a reputation not just as a machinery dealership but as a trusted partner to the region’s farmers and contractors. “Here in the East Cape you’re not just a client, you are part of the Power Farming team,” says Glen Aspden, Dealer Principal and Director at the Gisborne branch. “We pride ourselves on being part of our customers farming business and most of all making sure that their business grows.” Part of the wider Power Farming Holdings Limited (PFG), the Gisborne operation reflects the values of a company that has grown from humble beginnings into a global agricultural machinery force. Originating in 1948 as Maber Motors in Morrinsville, the business has evolved over three generations into an international distributor spanning New Zealand, Australia and the United States. In New Zealand is supported by major distribution hubs in Christchurch and Morrinsville and has a network of 21 dealerships, including Gisborne. For Glen, who moved to New Zealand from South Africa in 2019 with his family, the journey to Gisborne has been both personal and professional. “After arriving in Gisborne, as a family we were looking for stability,” says Glen. “We quickly found that Kiwis are very welcoming and friendly so we knew right from the start it was a place to put down some roots.” Since taking on the Dealer Principal role in 2021 and later becoming a shareholder through the company’s joint venture programme, Glen has focused on strengthening the branch’s offering and deepening its ties to the local community. “With over two decades in the automotive industry, moving into agriculture showed me what a wonderful sector it is,” says Glen. “Rural people have an open, no-nonsense approach and that really resonates with how we like to do business.” Power Farming Gisborne offers a comprehensive range of new and used machinery, alongside parts and servicing support. Its portfolio includes globally recognised brands such as Deutz-Fahr, Kioti and JCB, complemented by equipment from Kverneland, McHale, Maschio and Vaderstad, as well as a wide selection from local suppliers. “Due to Gisborne’s geographical constraints, we aim to be a one-stop shop,” says Glen. “It’s about giving the right advice, backing that up with strong parts availability and ensuring our technicians are trained to the highest level.” That focus on service has not gone unnoticed. The branch was named Service Department of the Year for both the 2023 and 2024 financial years and also claimed Dealership of the Year in 2024 after finishing runner-up the previous year. “I’m incredibly proud of the team for those achievements,” says Glen. “It recognises their commitment to supporting our customers and constantly lifting the standard of what we do.” Behind those accolades lies a strong emphasis on training and support. Technicians undergo annual training, ensuring they remain up to date with the latest machinery and diagnostic technologies. Combined with access to over $70 million in parts inventory and overnight delivery capabilities, it ensures minimal downtime for customers. “The reason we get out of bed in the morning is to make sure our customers are not just the best in their district, but up there with the best in the country and even the world,” says Glen. “As the region continues to grow, Power Farming Gisborne is positioning itself to grow alongside it, firmly grounded in community, backed by global strength and driven by a commitment to keeping local businesses moving.” grown its team, evolving from a small family operation into a crew of four full time staff supported by three casual workers. Mike says the goal is to transition those casual roles into permanent positions as workload continues to increase. “We have plenty of work on, the biggest challenge at the moment is keeping up with quotes,” he says. “That is the bottleneck. I need to be able to step back from being on the tools a few days a week to focus on that side of the business.” Despite the move into residential and commercial projects, Mike says rural clients remain a core part of the business and bring different expectations. “In the rural sector, farmers still want to see the business owner on site,” he says. “They are used to that and they value it. On the residential side, clients are more focused on the end result as long as the job is done well.” That connection to rural clients reflects the company’s origins. Founded by Mike’s father John Blake in 1975, the business has been part of the local contracting landscape for decades. Mike has been on a fence line for most of his life and has worked alongside his father and brother, with John still active in the rural side of the operation. Blake Fencing Contractors continues to deliver a wide range of services, including rural fencing, boundary and privacy fencing, commercial and school projects, retaining walls, stock yards, and repairs, with a focus on strong, straight, long lasting results. Looking ahead, Mike says the focus is on sustainable growth, strengthening systems, and building a reliable team while maintaining the quality the business is known for. “We are an easy going team, but we have very high standards,” he says. “That is what we want to be known for as we keep growing.” Landscaping | Building | Fencing | Pole Sheds 027 201 4686 YOUR LOCAL GISBORNE SCAG MOWER DEALER. 65 MAIN ROAD, MAKARAKA, GISBORNE POWER FARMING GISBORNE 06 868 8908 GLEN.ASPDEN@POWERFARMING.CO.NZ We keep you growing We’re local, we care. proudly locally owned and operated Power Farming Gisborne | 06 868 8908 The four rail classic. A trusted partner
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