60 | Specialised equipment and quality craftsmanship Precise Fencing provides rural, lifestyle, commercial, orchard, and vineyard fencing across the region. Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » Precise Fencing Precise Fencing has built a reputation on expertise, specialised equipment, and quality craftsmanship, with the Cromwell business standing out across Central Otago as demand grows across rural, horticultural, lifestyle, and development sectors. Precise Fencing provides rural, lifestyle, commercial, orchard, and vineyard fencing across the region. Owner Ruben Connelly says the business has deliberately positioned itself to handle both small jobs and major contracts, giving clients confidence the team can scale to suit any project. “When developers need an entire site fenced before houses go up, that is the sort of work we can take on,” he says. “We have geared ourselves up for those larger projects.” Recent major projects have included vineyard development for Cloudy Bay and a three kilometre fencing package for a Wanaka residential subdivision completed alongside Benchmark Construction. Ruben says larger contracts help create consistency for staff, while smaller jobs remain an important part of the business. “We use the smaller jobs as fillers in between the bigger projects, so it keeps everyone moving and keeps the workflow steady.” Agriculture also remains a key part of the workload. While Central Otago has limited dairy farming, the region’s dry climate makes it ideal for winter grazing and support blocks, with stock regularly coming into the region from Southland, Otago, and Canterbury. “That creates good opportunities for fencing, repairs, maintenance, and farm laneways,” Ruben says. “With the dairy payout strong, farmers are more willing to invest in improvements that make their properties easier to run.” He says Central Otago conditions bring their own challenges, with hard ground and rocky soils demanding the right machinery and experienced operators. “The ground here is unique and tough, so having reliable machinery is critical. We could not do without our augers, post drivers, and rock spike gear.” The business runs modern late model equipment and specialist fencing machinery, allowing crews to work efficiently across difficult terrain. Precise Fencing now employs eight staff, supported by an operations manager, office administration, and Ruben’s wife who helps run the business behind the scenes. Ruben entered fencing after a decade in the dairy industry, seeking a career that still connected him to the rural sector while offering more balance for family life. “It is a rewarding industry and it suits having a young family. There is consistency in the work and every day you can see what you have achieved.” Beyond the business, Ruben is also involved with the Fencing Contractors Association, and is focused on the Association’s mission to promote fencing as a genuine long-term career pathway. “We need more young people coming through. You can start as a junior, move into leadership roles, become an operations manager, or eventually own a business yourself.” He regularly supports training initiatives including FCANZ best practice days with other fencing Proudly supporting Precise Fencing YOUR LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED FENCING SPECIALIST TIMBER, POST AND MILLING SERVICES 03 688 2591 www.pointlumber.co.nz PROUD SUPPLY PARTNER TO PRECISE FENCING PLACEMAKERS CENTRAL OTAGO (03) 440 0198 ALEXANDRA & CROMWELL Summit Steel & Wire are proud to support Precise Fencing as an Installer Partner. contractors, and practical sessions with Growing Future Farmer students, teaching real-world fencing skills on working properties. “All farmers need fencing knowledge, even if they bring contractors in for the bigger jobs. Repairs and maintenance are always part of farming life.” Ruben says technology will play an increasing role in the sector, with AI now helping with rescheduling and administration through to smarter farm systems, but skilled people will remain essential. “They are not making robots to replace fencers yet,” he says.
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