The country’s leading and emerging fencing contractors were recognised at the annual Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand industry awards.
FCANZ president Phil Cornelius said the awards recognise and acknowledge those who exemplify the association’s mission of raising the profile of fencing as a professional trade, delivering high-quality work, and adhering to best practice standards.
He described the calibre of nominees and recipients this year as “incredibly high”.
“Being nominated and making it as a finalist is recognition of the high regard that these fencers and their work are held in.”
Four extra award categories were added this year, bringing the total number to six: Emerging Talent for under 25-year-olds; Trainee of the Year, which recognises a worker who was enrolled in an NZQA National Certificate in Fencing Level 3 course; Level 4 Excellence; FCANZ Legends; Women of Influence; and Industry Contribution.
The Legacy award, an occasional award introduced last year, was not presented this year.
The winners were:
Emerging Talent: Murray Graham, White Fencing, Clevedon.
Trainee of the Year: Martin Tomars, Whangārei.
Level 4 Excellence: Scott Heasley, Heasley Fencing, Canterbury.
FCANZ Legend: John “Noksee” Noakes, Nelson.
Industry Contribution: Sarah Foley-Smith, Geraldine.
Women of Influence: Debbie White, Franklin.
