Gordon ‘Gordy’ Hansen: 1963 - 2026

FCANZ

Sep 23

5 min read

Gordon was, at heart, an outdoorsman. He loved hunting, jet boating, and any excuse for an adventure – especially if it meant getting out there and actually doing it.

Whether it was a trip into the hills or time on the river, Gordy was in his element. Rugby was another of his great loves. He played all over, and wherever he went, people followed. He had that Pied Piper quality – not just with young people, but with adults too. There was something about his energy, his authenticity, and the way he carried himself that drew people in.

He had a real gift for mentoring, particularly young fellas who needed a bit of direction. Gordy helped turn more than a few lives around. He had patience to burn and a genuine way of showing interest in people – really seeing them, taking the time, and making himself available. He could spot qualities in others that they didn’t yet recognise in themselves and give them the push to realise what they were capable of. He believed in giving people a go, offering opportunities to work and grow – including his own boys. Mac has become a skilled shot and fencer, and Hugh a very capable welder – both reflections of their dad’s influence and belief in them.

Born on 26 May 1963 in Marton, Gordon was the first son of Hoani and Diana, named after his grandfather – Gordon Gerald Hansen II. He attended South Mak School, where he proudly earned his first “A,” though what for remained a mystery. From there, it was Marton Intermediate and then boarding at Palmerston North Boys’ High School, where he played in the First XV.

After leaving school, Gordy went shepherding, a path that suited him far more than the brief six-week stint at Lincoln, where studying the life cycle of a thistle didn’t quite spark his interest. He returned to practical work, shepherding in Tutira and later at Tirangi Station for Murray Hayes – a place he loved. Gordy and his brothers were well known around town, often for a bit of mischief, but above all, they were close – brothers and mates, a bond that remained strong throughout his life.

It was his brother Tony who brought him into fencing, a trade that became both a career and a passion spanning more than 40 years. In the late 1980s and early ’90s, Gordy travelled overseas, spending time in Zimbabwe, where he felt a strong sense of connection. He worked on a crocodile farm and played rugby there, thriving in the environment. A stint in London confirmed he wasn’t a city man, and he soon returned to Zimbabwe before eventually heading home.

Gordy married Sophie in 1995, and together they built a home in Rissington – literally, with his own hands – something he was immensely proud of. They had two daughters, Ruby and Stella.

Time moved on and lives shifted. He and Sophie separated. Gordy and Jen met 23 years ago and after a few years together expanded their family, with Mac in 2008 and Hugh in 2010. Gordy shared his love of the outdoors with his boys – hunting, camping, jet boating – and passed on skills that will set them up for life. He and Jen worked hard but also made sure to enjoy life along the way.

Alongside his trade, Gordy became deeply involved in competition fencing. As Shane Bouskill recalls, “Gordy was a fencing contractor – and a good one – but competition fencing was right up there.” Gordy began competing in the 1980s, making his first Silver Spades Doubles final with his brother Tony in 1986 and his first Golden Pliers® final in 1992.

Shane first noticed Gordy at competitions in the late ’90s. “I didn’t know any of them at the time,” he said, “but Gordy was one of the fencing guns who always made the final.” When they eventually met, it made an impression. “When I shook his hand, my hand just disappeared into this massive mitt.” From then on, they’d catch up at competitions – have a beer, talk fencing, and, more often than not, talk hunting. “Gordy was always interested in what you’d been up to.”

In 2006 came a call that would spark a lasting partnership: “Yeah Shane, it’s Gordon here, how ya going?” Gordy was looking for a partner for the Waverley A&P Show. Despite an injury, Shane jumped at the chance. They came second at Waverley and followed it up with a win at Taumarunui. It was the beginning of years of success together.

Of course, no partnership with Gordy was complete without an adventure. A near three-week hunting trip to Fiordland with a group of mates became the stuff of legend. “We had a ball,” Shane said. “Gordy was in his element.” The stories were many – though, as he put it, “what happens on tour stays on tour” – including one memorable night involving too much whiskey and a roll of baleage tape.

Over the following years, Gordy and Shane consistently placed in the top ranks across North Island competitions. The elusive Fieldays Silver Spades win finally came in 2012. “We were rapt,” Shane said. “Handshakes all round, a few beers at the camp… Gordy sorted that one out.” They repeated the feat the following year, marking the highlight of their competitive careers.

Across more than three decades, Gordy made 18 Golden Pliers® finals and 20 Silver Spades finals. But for Gordy, it wasn’t just about winning. Shane believed his proudest moment came more recently – competing alongside his son Mac at the Hawke’s Bay Show. They didn’t place, but Gordy’s pride was unmistakable.

Gordy was inclusive, generous, and full of humour. He had no time for drama, but if there was a chance to stitch you up, he’d take it without hesitation.

With his sudden passing, his mates came together to handcraft his coffin – a final act of respect and friendship for a man who had given so much.

Gordon has walked his last trail, strained his last fence, hooked his last trout, shot his last sika, watched his last sunset over the Kawekas, and stoked his final fire. Though the fire has burned down to embers, the warmth he leaves behind will keep us through the night.

We will miss him always.

An extract of the eulogy given at Gordy’s funeral, with contributions from Shane Bouskill

Published in WIRED issue 81/June 2026 by Fencing Contractors Association NZ

Read WIRED online