The FCANZ Industry Awards were created to recognise and acknowledge those who exemplify the Association’s mission of raising the profile of fencing as a professional trade, delivering high quality work, and adhering to best practice standards.
NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2026 AWARDS OPEN ON 1 MAY AND CLOSE 30 JUNE 2026!
Trainee of the Year – Level 3
This award recognises an individual who undertakes fencing work as their primary form of employment and who completed the NZQA National Certificate in Fencing Level 3 course in the previous calendar year. They will have demonstrated to the tutor that through the course, they have obtained the skills and knowledge for excellent fence line installation.
Criteria
- Completed NZQA Level 3 course during the previous calendar year
- Employer is an FCANZ member (including during the period the trainee was enrolled in the course)
- Shows excellent knowledge of fence line practices, and it is evident that they have been trained well by their employer
Level 4 Excellence
This award recognises the graduate of the NZQA National Certificate in Fencing Level 4 who consistently displayed excellence across their coursework. Awarded to only one of the graduates from the previous calendar year, this award acknowledges the student who consistently produced excellent work, identifying them as a true asset to the fencing industry.
Criteria
To be considered for this award, students must have excellent attendance and consistently:
- Participate openly in all group discussions, assisting other members of the group by sharing their knowledge and experience while maintaining an open mind to the opinions and experiences of other members
- Complete all studies and assessments within appropriate time frames while demonstrating a willingness to achieve and maintain consistent gains within their learning
- Demonstrate a willingness to accept new and alternate methods and systems, and the ability to adapt their thinking to consider and apply gained knowledge where applicable into their approach to the operational processes within their given business and working environment
FCANZ Emerging Talent – Youth Award
This award is for those in the industry who have demonstrated a commitment to fencing as a career opportunity and have demonstrated growth and excellence in their workplace.
To be eligible for this award, the nominee must be:
- Under 25 years of age
- Employed in the industry by an FCANZ member
- Have been employed as a fencer for a minimum of 2 years.
Each nomination is to be accompanied by a signed employer’s declaration confirming the worker:
- has demonstrated good work habits
- is punctual and reliable
- demonstrates interest in the job and a willingness to learn
- produces high-quality workmanship
- has demonstrated good uptake and understanding of fence line systems
- has good uptake of Health and Safety and demonstrates a willingness to engage
Women of Influence
This award recognises women who support and advance the New Zealand fencing industry, whether as a fencer or through other contributions.
Chosen by the FCANZ Board, recipients of this award are acknowledged for the significant impact they make in what is traditionally a male-dominated industry — adding value on the fenceline and within the wider fencing community.
Industry Contribution Award
This award recognises an individual who supports and advances the New Zealand fencing industry. The Board chooses recipients of this award to acknowledge the great work put in by those within the wider fencing industry to support and advance industry best practice.
FCANZ Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement
The FCANZ Legacy Award is a rare and prestigious honour, presented to individuals of the highest calibre—those whose dedication, service, and personal contribution have significantly shaped and advanced the fencing industry in New Zealand.
To date, just four recipients have received this distinction: the legendary Bill Schuler, Frank Prince, Paul Van Beers and Wayne Newdick.
This award recognises those who have selflessly given their time, expertise, and energy in service of the industry’s growth. It is not awarded lightly and will remain a seldom-bestowed mark of excellence.
Recipients of the Legacy Award are also granted honorary Life Membership to FCANZ in recognition of their lasting impact.
Criteria
(Based on historical FCANZ Life Membership criteria)
- Is currently a member of FCANZ or has been involved in FCANZ previously
- Contributed to the industry with a “lifetime” involvement
- Calibre of person – well-regarded throughout the industry
- Displayed a high level of workmanship and was recognised as such
- In-depth knowledge of the application of industry best practice
- Awarded by the FCANZ Board
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