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BOARD MEMBER Q&A: Burne Maxted
Business name? Maxted Fencing Limited
Based in? Manawatu
In the fencing industry since: 2012
How did the business come about? My previous employer giving me the push I needed; bit scary at the start but definitely worth it!
Who is in the team? A good subcontractor and a young fella.
What style of fence is your favourite to build or what do you specialise in? I enjoy a good conventional but lately we’ve been really enjoying aluminium fencing . Variety is key to keeping it feeling fresh.
What’s the best thing about being a fencer? As most would say, working outside. But also the feeling looking back over a job and thinking we/I built that. There are few jobs that give you that sense of ownership and satisfaction.
What project are you most proud of or have most enjoyed? A carpark development at our local meat works. All black steel posts hydrovaced in and black chain-link and barb wire.
What project has been the most challenging? We’ve been doing the odd school fencing job and it’s been an experience, dealing with all the compliance side of the business and fixed contract deadlines etc.
What has been the hardest part of running a business? For me, its balancing home and work life, always so much to do and plan. But also, it’s my availability, and not being about to say no.
What keeps you sane as a business owner? (Apps, tools, tricks, people) Getting out and about with my wife and 2 sons during the weekends.
What’s one thing you would tell someone new to running a fencing business? Focus on doing every fence right, not fast – your reputation will get you more work than anything else.
Word travels fast. One bad job can cost you more than ten good ones gain you, especially in rural communities. If you nail quality early on, everything else (pricing, repeat work, referrals) gets easier.
Why do you belong to FCANZ? I belong to the Fencing Contractors Association to lift myself and my business to the next level professionally, for the networking opportunities and to be part of a body that are lifting the bar for our industry.
What’s for lunch? Usually, a coffee and tuna and crackers.
Ranger or Hilux? Dmax
Favourite tool? I recently bought a Milwaukee M18 bandsaw. It’s been perfect for cutting pipe for security fencing.
What do you listen to at work? Podcast or music? Podcasts.
Favourite song or podcast? Joe Rogan podcasts, always a variety and a bit of a laugh.
Published in WIRED issue 81/June 2026 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ
You may also like: Board Member Q&A: Janine Swansson
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