Fencing contracting is the trade of building, repairing and replacing the fences that mark boundaries, divide paddocks and keep stock where they should be. For Hayton G C it means taking a line from a rough idea through to a finished fence: looking at the site, choosing the right fence type and materials, setting the posts, and finishing the line so it is straight, tight and tidy.

Circular saw cutting a length of timber held by a tradesperson outdoors — Timber cut to length and prepared before it goes into the fence line.

What fencing contracting covers

A fencing job is more than digging holes and dropping posts in. The work starts with the line itself — where it runs, what it has to do, and how the ground behaves along it. From there the fence is planned so it will hold up to weather, stock and time.

In practice, fencing contracting covers:

Assessing the boundary, paddock or garden line and checking access.
Setting posts, strainers and stays so the fence has a solid frame.
Fixing rails, palings, panels, netting or wire to the frame.
Hanging and aligning gates so they open, close and latch properly.
Repairing or replacing posts, rails and wire on tired fence lines.

Fence types we work with

Different sites call for different fences. A residential section usually suits a timber panel or paling fence that gives privacy and a clean boundary. A lifestyle block often suits post-and-rail, which is strong and looks right against open ground. Working farms generally need post-and-wire or netting that will hold stock and stand up to heavy use.

Gates are part of the same job. Farm gates, driveway gates and pedestrian gates are hung on solid strainer posts so they swing freely and keep their shape over the years.

Materials and construction

Timber and galvanised steel do most of the work in a New Zealand fence. Timber is used for posts, rails, palings and panels, while galvanised steel is used for wire, netting, gates and hardware. The right mix depends on the job: a fence that has to hold stock is built differently from one that exists mainly to mark a boundary or give privacy.

Good fencing comes down to the details — posts set to a consistent depth and line, strainers braced correctly at corners and ends, and wire tensioned so it does not sag. Those details are what keep a fence straight and working long after the day it is built.

Old timber posts and wire netting on a rural fence line through long spring grass — Aged post-and-wire lines can be repaired or rebuilt depending on their condition.

Consent, boundaries and the Fencing Act

Fencing rules vary by district and by the height, type and location of the fence, so it is worth checking your local council's district plan before work starts. Fences near a road, over easements or above certain heights can carry extra requirements.

Boundary fences between neighbours sit under the Fencing Act 1978, which generally allows adjoining owners to share the cost of a standard boundary fence. The detail depends on the fence and the agreement between neighbours, so it pays to sort it out in writing before any work begins.

Preparing for the job

A little preparation makes a fencing job run smoothly. Clear the line of plants, stock and obstacles where you can, mark any underground services before digging, and have a clear idea of the fence type, height and gate positions you want. A walk-over of the site before quoting helps pin down the details and avoid surprises on the day.

Service area

Hayton G C is based at Prebbleton and provides fencing contracting across Prebbleton, Christchurch and the Canterbury Region. That includes town sections, lifestyle blocks and rural properties throughout the region.

Fencing contracting