Most people only see wires and posts when they look at a farm fence, but Manawatu fencer Allan McLean sees a lot more.

For Allan, erecting a good, stable, visually appealing fence is a craft – a mix of sweat and skill. "There's a huge difference between a good-looking fence and a bad one. It's to do with how it flows with the contour of the land. If it's all jagged and up and down, it doesn't actually look that good to the eye," he says.

So how do you learn the skills to become a good fencer? "You have to know both the theory and practical side of fencing. Books or courses are available to explain the theories and the technical terms. Like, if you are on hill country, you need to foot a post [attach a length of wood to bottom of post to prevent it lifting out of the ground] and learn how to hold strainers [larger posts at the end of fencelines] in the ground, so there's quite a bit to it. When it comes to the practical side, it'll take a decent month or so to learn how to work with the wire."

Allan found it easier because he is from a farming background, and fencing was one of the skills taught at a year-long sheep and beef course he did at the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. "Plus my brother is a fencer and I worked for him for two years before I started my own business, Fenceworks, six years ago.

"I think the main attributes you need to start fencing are a keenness to do the work and an ability to learn quickly. You also need to be someone who doesn't mind getting the odd blister."

Those blisters pop up because the work can be hard and physical. "You get conditioned, but it can be exhausting carrying posts up a hill, or when you come across some rock in a post hole you're digging and you have to use a crowbar. That can take it out of you."

But that feeling of physical exhaustion is one of the things Allan likes about fencing. "I enjoy having a good workout, when you feel like you really deserve that cold beer at the end of the day. And I love being outdoors. Especially on one of those cracker days – you're out in the middle of the countryside most people only drive past, and there's just you. It can be very tranquil."   

"You are outside everyday in this work, and that's something I like. Also we get the chance to work in many different locations, especially if we are working on a number of smaller projects."

Steve Kirk did a butcher's apprenticeship, but decided that what he really wanted to do was to work outside. He initially did contract drainlaying, concreting, and other work for local councils, private customers and companies. His decision to get into fencing came when his company did the fencing and driveways for an entire street of houses that were being built.

"Our fencing work can include anything from barriers to retaining walls and everything in between. We're able to do almost any type of fence, be it three-metre chainlink fences, dog runs, picket fencing and farm fencing."

Steve employs two people full-time (one of whom is a trained carpenter), and a number of others part-time. He also employs other people on a casual basis when he has bigger projects to work on. "I look for people who have the right attitude for this work. They need to enjoy working outside, be able to handle physical work, and have the ability to work by themselves. I also try and hire people who'll think about the clients, and will clean up after themselves. It's really important to take all the off cuts and rubbish away with us.

"It's really important if you're managing a company to be able to talk with your clients, and help them figure out what sort of fence they need, and how much it will cost them. You also need to be diligent in your work, and you've got to do your best for the client."

Mark Turton is a qualified electrician, and got involved in fencing through his family's hardware, timber and fencepost yard. "My father used to be a fencer, and I learnt the skills from him. I've also done a number of fencing courses. We've entered a few fencing competitions, which have been a lot of fun. They sharpen up your skills no end because if you're not on the ball you'll be penalised."

Mark started off by doing a one-off fencing job and pretty soon was fencing full-time. "I went from employing one person to employing five others and running two fencing crews. I've been working in this job for about 12 years now, and I'm still employing two crews.

"We construct all types of fencing. Some of the fences we can do include security fencing, residential fences, deer fencing, and of course conventional farm fencing and electric fencing.

"I enjoy the fact that we get to work outside. It's not so nice when the weather is bad, but if you can handle those days it's a great job. What makes a good fencer? Someone who is particular in what they do, takes pride in their work, and enjoys being outside."