Health and safety is a foundational pillar of any successful fencing business. Across New Zealand, fencing contractors operate in environments that present a unique mix of critical risks, including working with machinery and vehicles, navigating uneven terrain, and operating around livestock and remote job sites. With the recent changes introduced through the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Act 2026, now is a great time for you to review your health and safety practices a

Health and safety might not seem like a natural fit for feature fences and gateways, but let s not sit on the fence about it they re some of the most effective safety controls on any property. When people think about feature fences and gateways, they usually focus on appearance, craftsmanship, and the statement they make at the entrance to a property. A well-designed fence or gateway can enhance a farm, lifestyle block, or rural business, creating a strong first impression

How annual and sick leave entitlements are changing After years of confusion, costly payroll errors and endless debate, New Zealand s Holidays Act 2003 (the Holidays Act ) is finally being replaced. The Employment Leave Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 6 August 2026 and will replace the Holidays Act on 6 August 2028. The new Employment Leave Act 2026 introduces a simpler, hours-based system for calculating annual leave and sick leave. While the changes are still two years a

New health and safety reforms could significantly change how many small trade businesses manage workplace risks, but there is now more time to prepare. The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill passed through Parliament on 1 July 2026 and received Royal Assent on 9 July 2026. Changes take effect 1 April 2027, giving businesses, workers and industry groups extra time to adjust. The reforms are intended to refocus New Zealand s health and safety system on what the Government

We all love a good deck – just not one that moves independently of the house. Retaining walls, decks and structural builds are a common sight across New Zealand, from residential subdivisions and commercial builds to farm tracks, races, banks and lifestyle blocks. Whether you’re holding back soil on a hillside, creating level ground, or building something elevated, these structures are expected to do one simple thing: stay put. These structures play a critical role in both fu

Why rising costs are hitting harder than most tradies realise. Let’s look at some real numbers. Diesel at the pump: $1.88 per litre in January 2026 vs $3.51 per litre in April 2026. That’s $130 more every fill. On an 80-litre tank, with only one fill a week, that’s $6,780 a year extra. Just in diesel. Just one vehicle. You either recover that cost, or you eat it. And most tradies right now are eating it. Not because they don’t know costs are up, but because they’ve bumped the

For Nick, having a broker who genuinely understood his business made a noticeable difference. Insurance isn’t something most fencing contractors think about day to day. But in 2026, underinsurance is quietly becoming one of the biggest risks facing businesses across New Zealand, including sole traders and small operators. Many contractors assume their cover will hold up if there’s a fire, theft or breakdown. This issue is that as businesses have evolved in recent years, many

Remote area first aid for fencing contractors: what to carry, what to do, and why the kit on the ute is not enough. Fencing is one of the few trades where you will regularly find yourself genuinely remote. No cell coverage, no-one within earshot, and a drive out that takes longer than any ambulance is going to get to you. Agriculture is one of PracMed’s biggest client sectors, and fencing sits right at the sharp end of that risk profile. Often solo or paired. Physical work wi

WorkSafe New Zealand is urging businesses to take a fresh look at how they store and handle petrol, warning that even small lapses can create serious and entirely foreseeable risks. Petrol is one of the most common – and most underestimated – hazards in workplaces. Its vapours ignite easily, and everyday sources such as heat, sparks, static electricity, running engines, or electrical equipment can be enough to trigger a fire or explosion when controls are inadequate. More tha