Federated Farmers: Fencing in the quake-ravaged High Country

It's tough work for the fencing gang on steeper country of the Worthingtons' farm, especially when digging is done by hand.

Fencing in the Canterbury High Country is hard graft and not the most attractive occupation but for some it's a worthwhile opportunity to see the country and help those in a tight spot.

Tauranga-based Ian Flavell and wife Prue decided to leave behind home comforts and head to the South Island to assist quake-affected farmers with their recovery effort.

Ian is in charge of a fencing team working at the Worthington property just inland from Kekerengu, 20 kilometres north of Kaikoura. Prue looks after the admin and helps on the fence gang when she can.

On the first day, one of the guys lifted a post straight onto his shoulder just like Colin 'Pine Tree' Meads would do, so I knew from that moment we would be just fine.

They both wanted to get involved after seeing the devastation of last November's Kaikoura-Hurunui earthquake.

"We wanted to help and we're lucky to be in a position to do so. I'm sure there are others who would too, but don't have the circumstances or can't afford to," says Ian.

The couple had provision for food and fuel courtesy of the Government's skilled worker initiative programme, which had been set up in January to assist those affected farmers.

They were staying on site and hadn't regretted the decision to come south. "We've got a double bed and television in our motorhome, and we're fortunate to have that luxury compared to others here," he laughed.

Ian's team had a particularly strong Gallic presence with two recent recruits from the hospitality industry.

Frenchman Benjamin Pierson, who has been in the country for six months, said, "It's a really good experience to work in another sector and improve my skills. I like being on the farm, eating with the family, sharing time together and improving my English."

While Ian revealed his hearing was not the best, it had not hampered his interactions with his co-workers.

"They are motivated and approach me when there is other work to do.

"On the first day, one of the guys lifted a post straight onto his shoulder just like Colin 'Pine Tree' Meads would do, so I knew from that moment we would be just fine."

The coming winter will be a challenge and more experienced fencers were urgently required.

"Most fencers are physically fit and you need to be working in this steep terrain," said Ian.
The other challenge was working without a post rammer; this was usually what fencers would use when renewing numerous poles in any one area.

"Up here the terrain is too steep and so we have to dig by hand. It's really tiring work and you can get pretty buggered after doing that all day," Ian said.

¦If you are a fencer or interested in helping the quake recovery effort in Marlborough and North Canterbury, call 0800 327 646.