| 95 RURAL SERVICES » Otago Fencing Services Fencing that stands the test of time Building a new horse paddock at Kendall Park. Kelly Deeks As farms grow more complex and land use continues to diversify across rural Otago, fencing remains a vital tool in managing stock, enhancing biosecurity, and maintaining property values. Otago Fencing Services, led by Wanaka-based Andy Tindal and Lucia Chiclana, is one of the region’s trusted operators, providing reliable rural and lifestyle-block fencing solutions across Central Otago and beyond. “Good fencing underpins everything on a farm,” Andy says. “Whether it’s managing grazing rotation, separating stock, or protecting valuable pasture, well-built fencing is one of those things you don’t notice until it’s not there.”With a background in mountain guiding and search and rescue, Andy brings a sharp eye for detail, safety, and logistics to his fencing projects. Since purchasing and rebranding an existing business, Andy and Lucia have built a reputation for delivering high-quality, long-lasting fencing tailored to the client’s needs, from large-scale rural installs to lifestyle block perimeters. Currently, the team is working on a significant project at Kendall Park Equestrian for the Buttle family with a large-scale, architecturally designed equestrian centre complete with Olympic-standard arenas, grazing paddocks, and top-tier horse facilities. “We didn’t know a lot about the equestrian world before starting this, but we’ve learned fast,” Andy says. “Everything is precisely planned, right down to the subdivision layout and fencing lines. It’s a really impressive facility.” With their fencing services in high demand, Otago Fencing Services operates across the region, including Wanaka, Queenstown, and Cromwell. While Andy and Lucia keep the business intentionally small and personal, they’re not afraid of big jobs and they’ve built strong industry relationships that allow for flexibility and collaboration. “There’s a good culture in this industry where we don’t step on each other’s toes,” Andy says. “If another contractor is better suited for a specific type of fence, we’re happy to refer work on.” That camaraderie is important, especially in an industry facing labour challenges. While Andy says they’ve had some excellent young staff, getting long-term commitment from new workers is difficult. “Experienced fencers are hard to find. A lot of young people don’t see fencing as a career path, even though it’s such a great job, or Central Otago as the place to settle, even though it’s a great place to live. You’ve got to be a certain kind of person and enjoy the outdoors, the physical work, and the satisfaction of building something solid and useful.” Despite the tough Central Otago conditions, including frost, snow, wind, and rugged terrain, Andy thrives on the variety and pace of the work. “You’re always quoting, fencing, or fixing machinery,” he says. “And there’s always something new to learn – we’ve definitely become fencing nerds over the years.”By staying small and client-focused, Otago Fencing Services maintains high standards and strong relationships. Lucia handles quoting and administration, and Andy’s brother – also a fencer – lends a hand when big projects call. “We could grow the business if we wanted to, but we like it the way it is,” Andy says. “We enjoy looking after our local clients and sticking with rural work – being out in the countryside is where we want to be.” With an unwavering commitment to quality and the rural community, Otago Fencing Services continues to deliver fencing solutions that stand the test of time. • Decking • Garden Sleepers • Custom Profiles • Posts-Rai ls-Beams • Weatherboards • T&G T&GV • Macrocarpa Internal • Finishing Timber • Post and Rai l P 03 234 8390 E office@pankhurstsawmilling.co.nz 225 Ward Road, Longwood RD1 Riverton 9881 www.pankhurstsawmilling.co.nz Specialising in Macrocarpa Oregon | Radiata We’re proud to support Otago Fencing Services otagofencingservices@gmail.com Contact us: 027 3644 724 Rural and Lifestyle Fencing Rabbit-Proofing Equine Fencing Security Fencing www.otagofencingservices.co.nz
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