Fencing champion gives field day demo

Dunstan High School pupils Bob Watson (15) (left), Ryan Ward (15) and Dylan Tapper (16) attended the field day. Photo / Yvonne O'Hara.

The man with a 'PhD' in fencing, world and national fencing champion Shane Bouskill, of Hawke's Bay, was at Fruitlands, near Alexandra, last Friday, demonstrating best practice fencing techniques to 67 students, staff and contractors.

The field day at Earnscleugh Station was part of a series of workshops run by the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) to promote standards, and provide training to members.

In addition to sponsors' representatives, there were several Dunstan High School students attending.

FCANZ board member John Noakes, Mr Bouskill and Rural Safe health and safety consultant Debbie Robertson, of Taupo, had travelled down on Thursday after holding similar events at Ashburton and Nelson earlier in the week, with 170 people in total attending all three.

Fencing champion Shane Bouskill during a Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) field day at Earnscleugh Station. Photo / Yvonne O'Hara

Mr Noakes said Mr Bouskill had a PhD in fencing or rather, ''Post Hole Digging''.

He said the day had been ''fantastic'' with an excellent turnout.

''It was about sharing ideas, and we had our partners to talk about different products,'' Mr Noakes said.

''The day was about doing the basics well and showcasing the best of the best.

''We also helped out with [contractors'] business side of things, making it smarter so they make more money for what they do.''

Mr Noakes said they were considering holding a fourth field day, but not until next year as there were quite a few fencing competitions being held in the North Island during the next few months.

Samuel Fencing contractor Mike Samuel, of Alexandra, said they were grateful to Earnscleugh Station for allowing them to hold field day on their property.

- Southern Rural Life