| 51 FCANZ – supporting members in tough times Fencing Best Practice Days (top). FCANZ’s Help a Mate, Buy a Gate campaign raised enough funds to give away 100 gates and gudgeons and 10,000 Beattie Insulators at the East Coast Farming Expo at Wairoa. Kelly Deeks Fencing Contractors Association NZ (FCANZ) 2024 AGM and conference in Christchurch in August is all about thinking outside the box and seizing different opportunities that could help businesses to prosper during tough economic times. FCANZ president and CPC Fencing owner Phil Cornelius says there are all sorts of opportunities for fencers looking for a way through the recession. “A lot of business owners go from day to day without really looking into their operation,” Phil says. “It’s the perfect time to have a look at where you might be able to improve your profit margin and have a successful business.” Many fencing contractors, including CPC, are broadening their horizons from a sole focus on rural fencing and jumping seamlessly into residential and security fencing, and even shed building and bridge building. “There is so much more besides fencing that fencers can do.” FCANZ is providing further opportunities for its members to chase growth with its industry-specific webinars teaching a wide range of business staples and upskilling members. An upcoming webinar covers the important topic of marketing to help members reach out effectively and expand their target markets. This year FCANZ is also providing Fencing Best Practice Days around the regions where members are learning new skills, seeing the latest fencing gear, and meeting like-minded fencing contractors. For the low cost of $15 per member, including lunch, these rewarding days out are suitable for fencing contractors, fencer generals, horticulture workers, farmers, and those starting out or interested in a fencing career. Earlier this year Phil and the FCANZ board visited the Hawke’s Bay and East Coast in support of cyclone affected farmers and their ongoing recovery. Phil says more than a year on from the cyclone, there is still a lot of hurt in those regions with many farmers struggling to find the finances to get materials and contractors in to fix their fences. “It’s looking like a five or 10-year recovery. Some have been lucky enough to have the RURAL SERVICES » FCANZ experience and the manpower and the finances to build their own fences and get back up and running, although not like they were before but they’re functioning. “For many more the recovery is ongoing, and we’ve got to hope like hell that no other weather Full fencing service, from rural fencing to residential & commercial, retaining walls and more. Proud Supporters and participants of the FCANZ Conference Certified Fencing Contractor Farm & Lifestyle • Stock Yards Commercial & Security Pool & Tennis Courts Residential Vineyard Development Mike - 021 416 798 | Brad - 021 416 703 rennerfencing@hotmail.com www.rennerfencing.co.nz RENNER FENCING C O N T R A C T O R S events come up in the meantime, and it is getting to that time of year. It’s been dry on the coast, it has cooled off and the grass growth is kicking in to where it should be, but the sheep and beef prices aren’t that flash so these farmers aren’t getting the income in to get their repairs done.” FCANZ’s Help a Mate, Buy a Gate campaign raised enough funds to give away 100 gates and gudgeons and 10,000 Beattie Insulators at the East Coast Farming Expo at Wairoa. “We’re here to support our members and their communities through this long recovery.”
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