60 | Commitment, growth and skill in fencing Custom Fencing has built a reputation for reliability and quality. The company has long invested in developing talent. Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » Custom Fencing Otago’s Custom Fencing is celebrating a win for one of its own, with young fencer Galen Monks named Emerging Talent – Youth at the 2025 Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) Awards. The award recognises under-25s who demonstrate commitment, growth, and skill in the fencing industry. For Galen, 24, it marked the culmination of years of dedication to the craft. Judges praised his professionalism, reliability, and quality workmanship. Custom Fencing owner Nick Terry says the accolade was a proud moment for his team. “Galen has been with us for about five years. He came to me as a young fella keen to learn, had fenced his family’s own steep 4.5-acre block into tiny paddocks and just loved it,” Terry says. After encouraging Galen to get his driver’s licence, Terry put him straight to work. Having run a couple of smaller projects, Galen has recently been thrown into the deep end with a major rail corridor job, spanning from Saint Leonards to Port Chalmers. “He has done a great job under pretty demanding conditions,” Terry says. “It’s right next to the railway line, so every time a train comes past, he has to stop - sometimes 15 times a day. He still manages to get quality work done and has taken it all in his stride.” Galen, who first entered the award last year but didn’t win, says he took lessons from the experience. “I came back this year a bit older and wiser, and it paid off,” he says. He cites the variety of work, the fresh air, and the problem-solving involved as what makes fencing such a satisfying career. Custom Fencing, based north of Dunedin, has been operating since 2011. Terry bought an existing business and has grown the team to 11 staff, specialising in rural, industrial, and residential fencing, as well as retaining walls. In 2020, he and business partner Tame Cook established sister company Custom Construction, focusing on pole sheds and other projects. “Rural fencing is the backbone of our business,” Terry says. “Most of our guys are rural guys - they love being outdoors, hunting, and the lifestyle the work allows.” The company has long invested in developing talent. In 2022, Michael Conijn, another Custom Fencing team member, was named inaugural FCANZ Trainee of the Year after completing the NZQA National Certificate in Fencing Level 3. Terry says the association’s training programme, run with NorthTec and Primary ITO, has lifted the industry standard. “It’s created high-quality graduates who know the job inside out and can develop into skilled, professional fencers.” Custom Fencing has built a reputation for reliability and quality. Terry notes that diversifying beyond rural fencing has helped the business remain steady in uncertain times. “We work with commercial clients like Calder Stewart and Transpower, who always have ongoing work, and long-standing farmers who fence consistently each year. That keeps us going even when the market fluctuates,” he says. For Galen, the award is both recognition and motivation. He’s just purchased a nearby section where he plans to build two houses and workshop, planning to continue developing his welding and leatherwork skills alongside fencing. Terry says retaining skilled, motivated staff like Galen is central to the business’s success. “I always treat people how I want to be treated, and the boys appreciate that. Galen’s a good example of what happens when you invest in young talent - it’s a win for him and for us.” 027 642 6800 daniel@airfluid.co.nz www.airfluid.co.nz MARCHANT PNEUMATIC POST DRIVERS Now represented in New Zealand by Sales • Service • Repair Agent Engineered to perform. 100% Australian designed &made. www.cargillcontracting.co.nz Phone: 027 224 0311 • Earthworks • Water Cartage • Gravel Supplies
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