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Narrow Win in Inaugural FCANZ Project of the Year Award

Writer: FCANZ
FCANZ
Aug 31
4 min read

Just 0.495 points separated first and third place in the inaugural FCANZ Project of the Year Award, announced at the 2026 Fencing Industry Awards during the FCANZ Conference in Nelson in August.


Now in their fourth year, the awards recognise the dedication, skill and contribution of people throughout the fencing sector. New for 2026, the Project of the Year Award was created to recognise the workmanship, planning, problem-solving and project management that go into delivering a high-quality fencing project.


Three entries were received in the Large Project category for work valued at $50,000 or more. Custom Fencing’s Port Otago MacAndrew Road Boundary Project involved several types of fencing in a busy port environment, with railway access, public safety, multiple stakeholders and changing timeframes all needing to be managed. GB Fencing’s Onetahua Restoration Project combined a high-profile public site and an important environmental purpose with the limited budget of a not-for-profit client. Heasley Fencing’s Mount Cass Wind Farm Stage 1 involved constructing several fencing systems across steep, rocky and exposed terrain.


To make the judging as fair and consistent as possible, each entry was de-identified and independently scored against six weighted criteria, with project photographs, client feedback and client scores included in the assessment. Scores from FCANZ Board members, FCANZ Patron Craig “Wiggy” Wiggins and representatives from PGG Wrightson and Farmlands were then combined to determine the final outcome.


Nick Terry’s Custom Fencing took out the inaugural 2026 FCANZ Large Project of the Year Award for its Port Otago MacAndrew Road Boundary Project. The team received a prize package worth more than $9,000, including a trophy, a pallet of wire supplied by Farmlands and a four-page feature in the March 2027 issue of WIRED - the fencing industry’s quarterly magazine. Runners-up GB Fencing and Heasley Fencing will each receive a two-page feature in the same issue.


Judges said the winning project combined excellent workmanship and design with practical problem-solving, clear communication and careful management of a complex site.


FCANZ President Phil Cornelius said the new award provided an opportunity to showcase the standard of work being delivered by fencing contractors around New Zealand.

“The quality of all three entries made this a very close result. These were three very different projects, but each showed the skill, planning and problem-solving that goes into professional fencing work.


“The Project of the Year Award gives us a chance to recognise that work and show the wider public what fencing contractors are capable of.”


Alongside the new project award, the 2026 FCANZ Fencing Industry Awards recognised trainees, emerging talent and people who have made a lasting contribution to the industry.

Finalists for the Level 3 Trainee of the Year Award were Lewis Kenian-Sackree, Mac Hansen and Rhodri Pryce. Rhodri received the award after achieving 100 percent attendance, actively sharing his knowledge during block courses and consistently submitting merit-level assessments on or ahead of time. His tutor also noted that he had started working towards Level 4 before completing his Level 3 qualification.


At Level 4, finalists Manu Tavalea, Mitchell Van Dam and Tom Rathgen were recognised for their professionalism, knowledge and willingness to learn. Tom received the Level 4 Excellence Award after consistently producing high-quality assessments that showed excellent knowledge and practical skill, building on his success as the 2025 Level 3 Trainee of the Year.


Three excellent young fencers were shortlisted for the Emerging Talent Award. James Richards from HB Fencing impressed the judging panel with his eye for detail, broad practical experience and team-focused approach, while Tom Kerley from T Garrick Fencing was recognised for his drive, resilience and early success in competition fencing, including becoming the youngest Golden Pliers finalist at just 20.


The award ultimately went to Precise Contracting’s Noah Jaunay, with the panel highlighting his practical ability, initiative and problem-solving skills. Judges were also impressed by the pride Noah takes in his work and how much he enjoys helping others develop.


Industry stalwart Hugh Morrison received the 2026 Industry Contribution Award in recognition of more than 30 years in the fencing industry. Hugh has shared best-practice fencing knowledge through workshops and digital education for more than two decades. He has also spent 20 years judging national fencing competitions, run a fencing contracting business, served on the NZ Fencing Competitions committee, and promoted best practice through his long association with Strainrite Fencing Systems.


Joelene Bouskill was named the recipient of the 2026 Women of Influence Award. Joelene co-runs her family’s fencing business and handles much of the administration, logistics and scheduling that keep it operating. During nine years at Smedley Station and Cadet Training Farm, she also provided pastoral care and support for agricultural cadets developing their rural skills.


She is also well known for the hospitality she provides at various fencing events, where she has fed, housed and supported both local and international fencers. Her nomination was unanimously supported by the FCANZ Board.


Prizes for the 2026 Fencing Industry Awards were proudly supplied by Delfast, Stockade, PGG Wrightson and Farmlands.


Looking ahead to next year, Phil said: “We’re looking forward to seeing the people and projects put forward when nominations and entries for the 2027 awards open next June. We know there are plenty of good people doing quality work across the country, and it would be great to see them recognised. We hope that also includes entries in the Small Project of the Year category for work valued at under $50,000.”


Read more about the FCANZ Fencing Industry Awards



 
 
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