NICK SETS THE STANDARDS ON NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND
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New Zealand is into rugby in a big way. Nick Terry is no different but his first priority, after family, will always be fencing and nurturing the business he’s owned for over 13 years.
Operating out of Waikouaiti near Otago amidst the scenic splendour of New Zealand’s South Island, Nick started out in farming before focusing in on fencing.
He explained: “I left school at a young age as it wasn’t for me and went farming. My father has a small farm so I had a taste of it there and the farm I worked on involved doing everything ourselves.
“Aside of shearing the ewes and spraying, everything else was done in house right down to felling trees in order to make our own fence posts. It was a great place to learn a wide range of agricultural skills.
“I learnt to fence there and loved the fact you could look back at the end of each day and see exactly what you’d achieved even if it had been a tough day digging through rock. That sense of satisfaction makes the beer taste good!” added Nick.
Towards the end of 2011 an opportunity arose to start his own company and the date is etched in his memory.
“It was the 7th November 2011 when Custom Fencing was born! I had the chance to buy an established business with a client base, tractor etc. I’d worked with the existing owner for a short while beforehand, getting to know his clients and understand his workload before making the leap.”
Thirteen year on, Custom Fencing has grown to the point where Nick employs eight and operates as part of three or four crews at any given time on an array of contracts.
He went on “I’m based around 30 minutes north of Dunedin and cover the east Otago region, occasionally venturing further afield. The main focus of Custom Fencing is post and netting with hot top wire with plain wire at the base as well as 7-8 wire post and Waratah 4mm plain on bottom and 100mm barb wire on top.
“We operate three Massey Ferguson tractors: a 7615, 7614 and 5465 as well as the old girl I first started with, a Same Silver 90. She’s done more hours than I’ve had hot meals and is still going strong although she’s semi-retired now.
“We use Revolution post drivers as well as a range of other tools from rock drills and compressors to Waratah drivers and a Solonet machine.
“I’ve recently purchased a tandem tipping trailer that I tow behind my pick up. I knew it would be a handy trailer but its exceeded my expectations!” he added. An enthusiastic member of trade body FCANZ, Nick is only too keen to extoll the virtues of the organisation.
“The main benefits are contacts and contracts! It’s not necessarily what you know in this world but who you know and being part of a group who all want the industry to better itself inevitably drives you on to do high quality jobs with high quality products.
“I like to think that the knowledge I’ve gained over the years coupled with the equipment we use and the people we employ has contributed to the success of Custom Fencing. We understand exactly what it takes to install a fence that will be around for a very long time and always aim to save money for our clients.”
Outside of fencing Nick leads an active life with an interest in hunting, fishing and diving in addition to being president of his local rugby club, Eastern RFC. He’s also part owner of two racehorses and closely follows their progress around the country.
“I also have a majority share in a construction company called Custom Construction 2020 ltd with business partner Tame. We have six staff in that business and complete anything from new house builds to small renovations, farm building etc.”
His biggest priority will always be his young family with partner Anna and two children – three-yearold Alf and Maeley, 18 months.
“I have little in the way of spare time but wouldn’t have it any other way!” he concluded.
Whatever Nick turns his hand to, you can bet that passion and integrity will be a big part of the mix, the true All Blacks way!
