Fences come in many different sizes, materials and styles and depending on their purpose, some require more maintenance than others.  Unfortunately no matter how good the quality of your fencing is, at some point they will probably need fixing or replacing. Maintaining fence lines can be a daunting task especially rural and farm fencing and even more so if you are just learning how!  The most important thing is to catch problems early so any damage or wear and tear can be repaired.  This is a much less costly option than leaving things too long and needing to replace the fence all together.  

​So, we are bringing you a list of some common fencing problems you might come across and what you can do about them. 

There are a few reasons why a fence is leaning and it's a common issue that can occur.  A leaning fence is usually caused by:

• Rotting fence posts
• inadequate foundations or too much weight on the foundations
• Tree roots
• ​High winds or damage from impact 

Repairing a leaning fence will depend on what the cause is so there are a few things you can look for.  Start with the fence posts is the woo Soft and rotting at the base of the fence post?  Sometimes a fence will lean due to to post not being anchored deeply enough in the ground?  Rotting fencing posts will need to be replaced with a new possibly more durable material.  Posts at the wrong depth need to be re-installed at the correct depth. 

Tree roots can also cause problems with the foundations of your fence posts.  Before carrying out any repairs or reinstalling the fence the roots will need to be dealt with first.  

It can be difficult to identify problems like these as they are not alway obvious so before you take on the project yourself we alway recommend contacting a specialist fencing contractor for this.  Wear Fencing is able to offer you advice on the repair and maintenance of issues like this to prevent the same damage happening again in the future. 

As we've already mentioned, even the most we built fences can crack or deteriorate.  The rails that run horizontally can become damaged if fence posts were installed to far apart, start to rot or move or if too much pressure is put on the rail for support.  once again, you will need to understand why or how the rail was damaged in order to understand how to repair it.  

Depending on the cause, repair options inculde:

• Replacing the rail with a different more appropriate material for the purpose of the fence
• Adding extra support
• Installing more fence posts
• Installing fixings

Wire fencing is a common choice for farm and rural fencing.  It usually consists of two strainer posts adjoined to a 45 degree stay which takes the strain and stops it falling over.  Between the trainer posts are evenly spread out pickets which are used to direct the wire along or around the area of your choice.  

Common problems that can occur with wire fencing include:

• Broken or split wires
• Corrosion 
• Damage caused by Tree and vegetation growth
• Wear and tear from livestock

If the fencing on your lifestyle block of farm is in poor condition then maintaining livestock can become tedious and you increase the risk loosing them.  For example goats usually burrow and find the loose wires lower on the fence to escape through.  The wires will need to be strained tight to reduce the chance of livestock escaping and discourage this behaviour.  

You may also have fallen trees and branches that have caused damage to the wire or vegetation that has grown over or against the fencing.  Overgrown trees are common culprits of fence damage. They grow into the fence, pressuring it into a lean. Repairing a leaning fence is generally quite affordable, and can be as simple as replacing a post and removing the tree, or part of it.

Regularly checking your fence for these types of issues will make it a much easier task to maintain fencing boundaries and often if the problem is small and simple you will be able to repair this yourself.  

We do recommend that if you are having regular issues with wire fencing that you talk to a rural fencing contractor to discuss if there are other more sustainable options for you.  

When you have your fence installed by a fencing contractor they should let you know how to best maintain your fencing, to make it last in the short and the long term.  At Wear fencing we do our best to answer any questions our clients have and educate them on what to look out for how to get the best value and life from their new fencing.

​A properly installed and maintained fence can last for 10 or more years, depending on the materials.  It can save a lot of time and money knowing what to look out for and steps you can take to keep your fence in good condition and fit for purpose.  

If you are due for maintenance or inspection of your fencing you are looking for a fencing contractor in Christchurch or Canterbury, then Wear Fencing can help.   Contact Us today for more information on repairs, maintenance, installation and information.

If you want to build a fence between your property and your neighbour's, you don't need to argue forever about how it should be done or who will pay. The Fencing Act sets out your rights and obligations.

Can you ask a neighbour to contribute to the cost of a new fence?
Yes. Generally, if you want to build a fence on a common boundary with your neighbour, or upgrade an existing one, you can expect the neighbour to go halves on the bill for the fence. That is, one that is "reasonably satisfactory" for the purpose it is intended to serve.
You should discuss your plans with your neighbour before you start putting in the fence-posts though, and keep the proposal reasonable. They are entitled to object if they disagree about what is appropriate.
If you can not reach an agreement, or your neighbour refuses to pay half, there is a formal process you can follow. First, you must serve your neighbour with a "fencing notice".

What should the "fencing notice" say?
The notice should state that it is served under the Fencing Act 1978 and contain the names and addresses of both you and your neighbour. It must describe:

• The boundary to be fenced.
• The type of fence to be built.
• Who will build the fence.
• The estimated total cost.
• How materials are to be purchased.
• The start date for work.

It must also explain that your neighbour has 21 days to object to any aspect of the proposal and make any counter proposals. It must say that if your neighbour does not accept liability, you must be told within 21 days the reason why and be given the name and address of whoever your neighbour believes is liable.
The notice must also say that if your neighbour makes no communication within 21 days, they will be deemed to have agreed to the proposals and will have to share the cost.  Remember to sign and date the notice, and keep a copy for yourself. You can deliver it by registered letter or in person. 
You can find a sample noice in the Fencing Act to help you with this.

What if you or your neighbour doesn't want a new fence at all?
If your neighbour objects to the new fence or if you have received a fencing notice and do not agree with it then it should be responded to with a cross-notice. They can object to part or all of the  proposal if they believe the existing fence is adequate, or think your proposal is excessive. They can also object to being asked to pay if they don't own the property.

What should a cross-notice say?
This cross-notice must be served in person or sent by registered mail and must be received within 21 days. It should detail your neighbour's objection and any counter proposals. It should also state that it is served under the Fencing Act.  There is also sample cross-notice is included in the schedules to the Act.

What happens next?
If you can't agree between you, your options to resolve the dispute include mediation, arbitration, a Disputes Tribunal or a District Court.  If you can't agree on the type of fence you can also get this issue resolved durning mediation but your neighbour doesn't have to pay any more than half the cost of an "adequate" fence.

My neighbour still objects to the fence and won't let the builder cross the boundary line while building the fence. Can they do this?
Yes. But if it happens, you can seek an order from a District Court or Disputes Tribunal to allow anyone building the fence to enter your neighbour's property at reasonable times and do whatever is reasonably required to build the fence.  It is a good idea to raise this issue in your fencing notice. This way, at the initial hearing the court or tribunal can authorise you, or anyone employed by you to build the fence, to enter your neighbour's property.

Exactly where should the fence go?
The fenceposts should be placed right on the boundary line or as near to it as practicable. If there are no posts, the middle of the fence should be on the boundary line.

My neighbour destroyed our fence and now they want me to help pay for a new one. Do I have to?
No. They were responsible for the damage and they have to pay.

The fence has been destroyed in a storm, but my neighbour is overseas and I need to get it repaired quickly. Can I ask them to help with the cost when they get home?
Yes. If your neighbours are away, and a fence needs immediate repairs, you can do the work and recover half the costs from the other owner.
If the fence requires replacing, you should replace it with a comparable fence. But you can't upgrade the fence without your neighbour's agreement.

How high can my fence be?
You can usually build up to 2 metres in height without getting planning consent from the local council.
However, you should always check with the council to make sure. It may be that you live in a special heritage area or are affected by rules in the district plan that mean you cannot build your fence this high.

All rural and farm fencing is different and there are some things to consider when decided what type of fencing is needed.  
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What you need to know when choosing rural fencing:

• The type of animal that is being kept in or out of a property
• Is the fence is an internal fence or boundary fence?
• The topography of the site

If your intention is to keep cattle in an enclosure, they will require heavier fencing materials because cattle are heavy animals and can place more pressure on a fence.

An internal fence is a smaller fence that may keep cattle, sheep or other animals in a small enclosure.
​A boundary fence will enclose the boundary of the property and should be chosen to withstand floods if necessary and be able to be installed on flat areas, gullies and hillsides.

There are three main components needed for a rural fencing:

Strainer assemblies ​​
The strainer assembly is at the ends of a fence. Strainer assembly is important because it transfers tension from the wires to the ground. Diagonal stays hold some types of strainers in place and a box assembly is another way to keep strainer assemblies from leaning over under the pressure of the wires.

Intermediate posts
Intermediate posts can be placed at an appropriate distance depending on the size of the fence. They are needed to fix wire or timber to and prevent the fence from sagging.

​Wire for boundary fences
Wire can come in prefabricated rolls, plain wire, woven wire or barbed wire. Barbed wire can be placed at the top of the fence, but sometimes is used on all of the wires.

Treated pine can be an inexpensive and effective type of boundary or internal fence, but the posts should be chosen for in-ground use. ​

As already mentioned, large cattle can put more strain on a fence than smaller animals, so choose fencing that is appropriate for the type of animal you want to keep within boundaries. If you are choosing fencing to keep animals out of the property, the fencing should be high enough to keep them from jumping over the fencing and if you want to keep smaller animals out, woven wire may need to be close together to keep them from passing through.

​Wires are usually strung using a multi-wire strainer, which will keep the wires an exact distance apart and they can easily be attached to posts. In addition, "grippies" should be installed periodically. Grippies will allow you to adjust the tension of the wires as they will become slack over time .

Rural fencing should only be installed by professional rural fencing supplier. Wear Fencing can help with this. 

We know what has to be done to keep animals in an enclosure or feral animals out of an enclosure and how to construct quality fencing that will stand the test of time.  Get in touch with us to arrange a quote for your next fencing project. 

In the aftermath of the fires in Australia people are coming together to help those affected to rebuild.  One such organisation is BlazeAid, an organisation of  volunteers who help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.

BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. ​ The organisation works with those affected who are not insured or are under-insured for the cost of rebuilding their rural fencing, or where their personal, physical or financial circumstances are such that they are in genuine need of BlazeAid’s assistance.

​BlazeAid volunteers work in a disaster-affected areas for many months, not only helping individuals and families, but also helping rebuild the local communities.  Volunteers work in fencing teams, with at least one experienced fencer in each team. Working together, they clear the fence lines and re-stand, rebuild or replace fences, working with those affected so that they don't have to work on the repairs alone. Many friendships are formed among volunteers and families as they work together on the fence lines.

You can find more information and live updates on the Australian Bushfires here

New Zealand farmers take great pride in looking after their farms, its animals and the land.  Every part of it contributes to it becoming a  successful, thriving business. 

It’s important to assess and identify risks like effluent ponds and do the planning necessary to avoid accidents.  Assessing the potential risks around Effluent ponds is and important responsibility.  There are various ways to address these risks. 

Farm rules 
Put in place rules for effluent pond safety control who is allowed in the pond area.  Be specific about who can enter the area and that no one is to enter the fenced area alone. This will keep non-swimmers out of the danger and ensure there are always at least two people inside the fence when working.

Fencing
Ponds should be fenced off with a netting fence, this prevents stock, visitors to the farm and children from accidentally falling into the pond.  Ensuring that gates are locked is important as well as considering other farm fencing options such as electric fences.

Ladders
There must always be a minimum of one escape ladder or other means of escape in the pond incase a person falls into the pond.  It is also a good idea to have easy access to a life buoy.

​Signage
Warning signs used along with fencing can be utilised to keep people out of the area but direct communication with people is important too. Talk with farm staff, contractors and visitors about the effluent pond risks.

Visitors​
If you have visitors coming to the farm, make sure that they are aware of the risks around the pond especially for visitors, children and contractors.  During construction it is important to communicate the safety precautions and risks to the supervising engineers, construction companies and contractors and do your research into the company before hand.  

An effluent pond is an investment for any farm and is a way to protect land and waterways from any environmental risks.  It gives farmers peace of mind and the flexibility to spread effluent in the correct conditions, reducing the risk of effluent non-compliance.

Making sure that you have assessed the risk and put safety regulations in place along with the correct farm fencing and signage.  This will protect you and your in the long run.

The 2017 Healthy Waterways report ​has recorded its best stream health trends in 21 years, in the Taranaki Region.   Published by the Taranaki Regional Council, the report looked at trends from 20 years of monitoring and showed most measures were improving or not changing significantly for the ecological health and physical and chemical state of 99% of Taranaki rivers and streams.  

TRC director of environment quality, Gary Bedford, said the report's findings were exciting and validated community efforts to improve water quality. "We're excited about the latest assessments of in-stream life – these are the little insects living in water - the primary indicator of water quality, these are the best ever results since we began measuring," he said.Bedford attributed the changing course of Taranaki water health trends to the work of farmers and landowners, as part of TRC's riparian planting and rural fencing scheme. 

When comparing the regions water quality data with the national standards it was found that across the 11 different monitored sites

• 38 out of 55 were in the A category rating  
• 15 out of 55 were in the B category rating
• 1 ourtof 55 were in the C category rating
• ​Only one was below the national bottom line for acceptable water quality, with a D rating.  

You can read the full report ​here

However, a new study from has found that rural and farm fencing is only the start when it comes to improving New Zealand waterways. 
Freshwater scientists at the Cawthron Institute found that Holistic and sustainable land management are needed in order to restore waterways.  
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"There is no simple solution to restoring a healthy river ecosystem," said lead author Katharina Doehring. "rural fencing is just one component. Stock can't get into the river and can't deposit faeces in fenced sections of the river" . Farm fencing and rural fencing reduces E coli and sediment inputs in the water.  Short sections or Rivers and streams that have been fenced don't then repair themselves.  The only indicator that improved in this study was shade, brought about by planting along stream edges. As they mature, bushes and trees shade the water and can lower its temperature, a desirable result.  The bigger picture is that streams and rivers are connected ecosystems and restoration needs to happen across whole catchments.

"Our waterways need to be managed at a catchment or large scale because small scale efforts have little effect on stream ecosystem health," Doehring said.  "Ideally the landowners in a catchment work together and develop … a coordinated environmental management plan for that catchment'

Unfortunately there isn't a single answer and it depends on what landowners can afford however Dohering is urging land owners to continue fending and planting as they are important first steps.  

A well-built fence blends with its environment and follows the contours of the land. ​ There's one really easy way to know if a fence is well built: a good fence is one you don't notice. That's the golden rule of experienced contractor Simon Fuller, the President of the Fencing Contractors Association of NZ (FCANZ). ​

When you're looking for a fencing contractor these are our top tips to getting a quality job done by skilled contractors.  

References
Word of mouth is a great way to narrow down your list of potential fencing contractors.  Many contractors run ads in local newspapers and may be perfectly good fencers but just because their ad looks professional, don't assume anything.  Do your research, social media is a fantastic way to find honest customer feedback.  Ask around at your local timber yard or farm fencing merchants and ask for recommendations.  Most will have two or three that they recommend on a regular basis.
Nothing beats a close-up inspection of the contractor's past work. If possible, see if you can inspect a recently completed fencing job that is similar to your project.

Look for a member of the Fencing Contractors Association
This industry group only accepts fencing contractors who can prove their competency to a high level. They must: 

• Hold an NZQA certificate in fencing which covers all aspects of fencing practice, including design, how to work with different soil types and terrains, and practical wire skills. 
• Have a working health and safety policy 
• Have public liability insurance 
• Have been in business for at least three years, to prove their business acumen and tax/financial practices 
• Provide references from satisfied clients to FCANZ 

The FCANZ website has a directory of members nationwide.  
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For more information and advice on your next fencing project contact us we have the know-how, team and plant to get the job done. 
We build durable South Island fencing solutions which are suitable for kiwi conditions. Our mobile unit enables us to deploy and base our crew on-site. This delivers a faster turnaround times and value for our rural customers.
We are a full-service fencing contractor and our services including planning, design, construction, installation and repairs and maintenance.
Our Earthmoving and Excavation services include land clearing, tree removal, irrigation projects and upgrades, dairy conversions, dams and ponds, pipe and cable laying, site works and construction, demolition, landscaping, section development and underground infrastructure.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Conservation Week, our friends at DairyNZ bring you 50 ways dairy farmers are showing their love for their waterways, land and environment.

Our dairy farmers care deeply for the natural world that surrounds them every day of their lives – and they are passionate about protecting and nurturing it for future generations.
For dairy farmers, the focus in the past few years has been on improving waterways, enhancing biodiversity, and controlling predators, both weed plants and animal pests, such as possums, rats and stoats.  

The farmers around the country who are part of the Dairy Environment Leaders programme, set up six years ago to develop responsible dairying, are true kaitiaki. They not only roll up their sleeves on their land, but they are also inspiring other farmers. They are active in their communities, on boards and local committees and catchment groups, leading the way in achieving good outcomes for the environment and farming. 
With the 50th anniversary of Conservation Week underway – and to honour dairy farmers’ protection of their special part of the planet – they have come up with 50 actions that are being embraced across thousands of farms in New Zealand: each farmer does a few to a lot of these 50 ‘loves of the land’.  Here are our top 20 from the list. 

On the farm

1. Creating farm environment plans (FEPs) to recognise on-farm environmental risks and set out a programme to manage them.  FEPs are unique to each farm and reflect the local climate and soils, the type of farming operation, and the goals and aspirations of the farmer.
2. Fencing waterways to keep cows out – 24,249 kms of waterways are now fenced, comprising 98.3 percent of significant dairy waterways (more than one metre wide and 30cm deep).
3. Bridging stock crossings, again to exclude animals from waterways.
4. Installing constructed wetlands, again to remove key contaminants before they enter streams.
5. Protecting natural wetlands.
6. Trialling new electronic virtual fencing technology that enables greater control of where cows need to be at certain times to reduce contaminant losses from critical source areas. 
7. Providing important ‘native corridors’ through New Zealand’s pastoral landscape with riparian planting and protecting remnant bush areas on farms.
8. Spending, literally, millions of dollars on installing and maintaining effluent management systems.
9. Using ‘green gold’, the natural fertiliser, cleverly and efficiently: effluent spreading on paddocks.  There’s even an app many farmers have on their smartphones to instantly tell them how much and when to spread.
10. Using recycled water to wash down cow sheds and feed pads.
11. Installing solar panels on cowsheds.
12. Some wind turbines too.
13. Recycling and upcycling.
14. Reducing plastic waste.
15. Stabilizing hillsides to reduce erosion and sediment entering waterways.
16. Retiring marginal land and protecting it with stock-proof fencing.
17. Fencing off and protecting significant trees.
18. Protecting native birds by fencing out dogs.
19. Keeping beehives and harvesting honey from their riparian manuka plantings.
20. Adopting technology that helps to lower the footprint, including various smartphone apps, and sophisticated devices for water and fertiliser measurements and for irrigation.

Farmers’ environmental effort has carried over into their homes and into the community too.  

You can read the full article from DairyNZ here.  ​

New Zealand's largest company Fonterra has just published its second annual sustainability report covering its economic, social and environmental impacts for the 2017/18 dairy season.  Fonterra says it has some work to do to reduce its environmental impact.  
​
​The 98-page report covers a wide range of topics including animal welfare, biosecurity, water, climate change and community development.  

​​Fonterra's director of sustainability, Carolyn Mortland, said its environmental ambitions and targets required the most effort.
"This report shows we've got some work to do to reduce our environmental impact, and a great role to play in providing people with natural and nutritious food. "We really need to reduce our environmental impact... our focus is on climate change, water and waste,"

The report also noted that ​99.6 percent of farmers now had fencing in place excluding their dairy cattle from permanent waterways on their farms.

​"We think this actually reflects where we stand now and where most farmers are asking us [to be,] which is to be tough on those who haven't quite completed the requirements that most other farmers are at,"

​According to DairyNZ Under the sustainable Dairying Water Accord:
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• All stock must be excluded from any permanently flowing rivers, streams, drains and springs, more than a metre wide and 30cm deep
• All lakes must have all stock permanently excluded
• Any significant wetlands, as identified in your regional plan or policy statement must also have stock permanently excluded.

These regulations came into effect as of May 2017 so the fencing of waterways should be a priority for farms and commercial rural properties.
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 Credit to rnz.co.nz and DairyNZ