70 | Crafting the art of a good fence line The award recognises outstanding achievement among graduates of the NZQA Level 3 National Certificate in Fencing. Kelly Deeks Selwyn-based fencing contractor Tom Rathgen has proved there’s real craftsmanship in the art of a good fence line, taking out the Level 3 Trainee of the Year award at the 2025 Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) Awards. The award recognises outstanding achievement among graduates of the NZQA Level 3 National Certificate in Fencing, with judges noting Tom’s consistent commitment to excellence, willingness to help others, and natural leadership on training days. For the 26-year-old, the win marks a proud milestone in a career that’s been forged in hard work, family values, and a touch of creative flair. Tom started fencing full-time in 2017 after trying his hand at cabinet-making in Christchurch and Timaru. “I left school at 16 and worked in a joinery workshop for a few months, but it just wasn’t for me,” he says. “When I came back to fencing, I realised how much I loved the work. There’s actually a lot of crossover between making fine furniture and fencing - both take precision, pride, and problem-solving.” Those lessons in craftsmanship are still visible in the Rathgen Fencing standard today. “Sometimes I want to make every fence perfect like a piece of furniture,” Tom laughs. “But in this game, you also have to know when to get the job done efficiently. It’s about balancing quality with productivity.” Tom works alongside his father David Rathgen, who started Rathgen Fencing more than 40 years ago, and brother Luke, who brings a sharp mind for logistics and planning. “Dad’s the workhorse, Luke’s the thinker, and I’m the detail guy,” Tom says. “Mum Lee takes care of all the administration as well as having the most important job in the world - looking after all of us boys and keeping us all in line. We make a good team, and working together as a family is pretty special.” Based in Selwyn, the Rathgens cover an area stretching from Oxford to Methven, taking on both farm and lifestyle fencing projects for a loyal client base. “We travel to keep our clients happy and cover most of the district,” Tom says. “We just want to keep learning, keep improving, and make the business as successful as it can be.” RURAL SERVICES » Rathgen Fencing FERTILISER SPREADING | FARM MAPPING GPS TRACKING | VARIABLE RATE SPREADING LIVESTOCK CARTAGE | DAILY FREIGHT CONCRETE SUPPLIES | GRAIN CARTAGE SHINGLE SUPPLIES | FERTILISER SUPPLIES Leeston: 03 3248 070 | Dunsandel: 03 3254 039 reception@ellesmere.co.nz Pole Sheds &Hybrid Pole Sheds! Selwyn 15 Station St, Leeston 7632 www.buildlinkselwyn.co.nz T 03 324 3385 E info@buildlinkselwyn.co.nz OPEN 6 DAYS Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm Saturday: 8am-12pm Sunday: Closed Building Supplies Power Tools Hardware Hybrid sheds mix timber and steel components. 9.0 wide bays no problems! Clear span no issues! We're passionate about quality fencing, experience the 'Rathgen' difference Post Driving Sheep & Deer Netting Timber, Post & Rail Cattle & Sheep Yards Wind Break Cloth Quality Fencing Services for Canterbury OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE 027 324 8028 info@rathgenfencing.co.nz www.rathgenfencing.co.nz
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