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Industry Awards 2026
Outstanding trainees, emerging talent, industry leaders and major fencing projects recognised in Nelson.
There was plenty to celebrate at this year s FCANZ Conference in Nelson, with the 2026 Fencing Industry Awards shining a light on some of the people doing great things across our industry. From trainees and young fencers finding their feet to industry stalwarts and contractors delivering standout projects, the awards recognised skill, hard work and a willingness to contribute.
Now in their fourth year, the awards have become a real highlight of the FCANZ calendar. This year also saw the introduction of the Project of the Year Award, recognising not only the finished fence, but everything that goes into delivering a great project - from workmanship and design through to planning, problem-solving and delivery.
FCANZ President Phil Cornelius says, These awards are about recognising the people who keep our industry moving. From trainees starting out to people who have spent decades sharing their knowledge, every finalist and winner has earned their place. The new Project of the Year Award has also given us a chance to show the quality of work fencing contractors are delivering around the country.
Prizes for the 2026 Awards were proudly supplied by Delfast, Stockade, PGG Wrightson and Farmlands.
Here's who this year's nominees and winners were:
Level 3 Trainee of the Year Award
This award recognises outstanding achievement among those who recently completed the NZQA Level 3 National Certificate in Fencing. Finalists included Lewis Kenian-Sackree, who stayed in close contact with his tutor when work commitments prevented him from attending some sessions and completed all required work to a high standard; Mac Hansen, who found the paperwork challenging but stuck at it, maintained a good attendance record and shared his practical knowledge with others; and Rhodri Pryce of Omata Contract Fencing, who achieved 100 percent attendance and actively shared his knowledge and skills during block courses.
The award went to Rhodri Pryce, whose assessments were submitted on or ahead of time and consistently achieved merit-level grades. His tutor praised his thirst for knowledge and noted that he had already begun part of the Level 4 course before completing Level 3.
Level 4 Excellence Award
This award honours graduates of the NZQA Level 4 National Certificate in Fencing who demonstrated consistent excellence, professionalism and a willingness to learn. Finalists were Manu Tavalea, who showed considerable perseverance to complete the course while working in his second language; Mitchell Van Dam, an eager student with a real drive to develop and advance his business; and Tom Rathgen of Rathgen Fencing Ltd, who contributed strongly to group sessions and supported others by sharing his knowledge.
Tom Rathgen received the award after submitting consistently high-quality assessments that demonstrated excellent knowledge and skill, while still showing a willingness to learn and expand his expertise. The win follows Tom s success as the Level 3 Trainee of the Year in 2025.
Emerging Talent - Youth Award
This award highlights the commitment and growth of under-25-year-olds who have chosen fencing as a career. Following nominations from their employers, the finalists completed online panel interviews with Association Patron Craig Wiggy Wiggins, 2023 FCANZ Legacy Award recipient Paul Van Beers and NorthTec Pathway Manager for Primary Industries Justin Tilly.
James Richards of HB Fencing Ltd brought a qualified builder's eye for detail, finish and presentation, along with broad practical experience and a strong team-focused approach.
Noah Jaunay of Precise Fencing impressed the judges as a well-rounded young fencer who combines strong practical ability with initiative, problem-solving and a genuine commitment to continued learning.
Tom Kerley of T Garrick Fencing was recognised for making a remarkable early impact on competition fencing, becoming the youngest-ever Golden Pliers finalist at just 20, and demonstrating drive, resilience and strong practical skills.
The award went to Noah Jaunay, with the panel particularly impressed by the pride he takes in his work, his ability to get a team underway and the satisfaction he gains from helping others develop.
Industry Contribution Award
This award recognises individuals who go above and beyond to support the growth and development of the fencing sector. We were delighted to announce Hugh Morrison as the 2026 award recipient. Hugh is a globally recognised educator and competition judge who has spent more than 30 years in the industry. He has freely shared best-practice fencing knowledge through workshops and digital education for more than two decades, and his 20-year contribution as a judge of the Golden Pliers and Silver Spades competitions reflects his commitment to passing high standards on to the next generation. His contribution has also included running a fencing contracting business, serving on the NZ Fencing Competitions committee, attending industry events across the country and promoting best practice through his long-standing association with Strainrite Fencing Systems.
The Women of Influence Award
This award acknowledges women making a significant impact in what remains a traditionally male-dominated industry. The 2026 recipient, Joelene Bouskill of S & J Contractors, co-runs her family's fencing business and manages much of the administration, logistics and scheduling that keep the operation moving. During nine years at Smedley Station and Cadet Training Farm, she also provided pastoral care, community and structure for agricultural cadets developing their rural skills. Joelene is well known for the hospitality she provides at FCANZ Best Practice Days and other industry events, where she has fed, housed and supported local and international fencers. Her nomination was unanimously supported by the FCANZ Board.
Project of the Year Award
Our inaugural Project of the Year Award recognised fencing projects demonstrating outstanding workmanship, design, problem-solving, communication and project management. Three entries were received, and all were in the Large Project category for work valued at more than $50,000.
Custom Fencing's Port Otago MacAndrew Road Boundary Project involved a complex mix of fencing in a highly visible port environment, with railway access, multiple stakeholders, changing timeframes and public safety all needing to be carefully managed. The judges were impressed by the creative problem-solving, thoughtful material selection, excellent finish and clear communication.
GB Fencing's Onetahua Restoration Project combined a high-profile public setting with an important long-term environmental purpose and a limited not-for-profit budget. The judges highlighted the care shown for the site and client, the quality of the finished work and the contractor s willingness to find a financially workable solution with lasting benefits.
Heasley Fencing's Mount Cass Wind Farm Stage 1 required several fencing systems to be delivered across steep, rocky and exposed terrain. The judges praised the team s technical ability, consistent workmanship, practical choice of materials and collaborative approach in challenging conditions.
The entries were de-identified before being assessed against six weighted criteria by the FCANZ Board (except where there was an identified conflict of interest, i.e. they were an entrant), Association Patron Craig 'Wiggy' Wiggins, and representatives from PGG Wrightson and Farmlands. Each judge received the contractor s submission, project photographs, client feedback and client scores. Scoring was completed independently and without discussion between panel members. The final scores reflected the strength of all three projects, with only 0.495 points separating first and third place.
Custom Fencing received the inaugural 2026 FCANZ Large Project of the Year Award for their Port Otago MacAndrew Road Boundary Project. The judges selected it for combining exceptional workmanship and design with creative problem-solving, clear communication and careful management of a complex, highly visible site involving multiple stakeholders, railway and port constraints, and public safety.
The winner's prize package is valued at more than $9,000 and includes a trophy, a pallet of wire supplied by Farmlands and a four-page spread in WIRED. Runners-up GB Fencing and Heasley Fencing will also each receive a two-page spread in the March issue of WIRED.
We look forward to seeing entries in both the Large and Small Project categories next year.
Written by Jaime Bigwood
Photos by Anna Heasley Photography
Published in WIRED issue 82/September 2026 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ
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