Rathgen Fencing - the art of a good fence line - Business News Publications in New Zealand

Selwyn-based fencing contractor Tom Rathgen has proved there’s real craftsmanship in the art of a good fence line, taking out the Level 3 Trainee of the Year award at the 2025 Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) Awards.

The award recognises outstanding achievement among graduates of the NZQA Level 3 National Certificate in Fencing, with judges noting Tom’s consistent commitment to excellence, willingness to help others, and natural leadership on training days.

For the 26-year-old, the win marks a proud milestone in a career that’s been forged in hard work, family values, and a touch of creative flair.

Tom started fencing full-time in 2017 after trying his hand at cabinet-making in Christchurch and Timaru. “I left school at 16 and worked in a joinery workshop for a few months, but it just wasn’t for me,” he says. “When I came back to fencing, I realised how much I loved the work.

There’s actually a lot of crossover between making fine furniture and fencing – both take precision, pride, and problem-solving.”

Those lessons in craftsmanship are still visible in the Rathgen Fencing standard today. “Sometimes I want to make every fence perfect like a piece of furniture,” Tom laughs. “But in this game, you also have to know when to get the job done efficiently. It’s about balancing quality with productivity.”

Tom works alongside his father David Rathgen, who started Rathgen Fencing more than 40 years ago, and brother Luke, who brings a sharp mind for logistics and planning.

“Dad’s the workhorse, Luke’s the thinker, and I’m the detail guy,”

“Mum Lee takes care of all the administration as well as having the most important job in the world – looking after all of us boys and keeping us all in line. We make a good team, and working together as a family is pretty special.”

Based in Selwyn, the Rathgens cover an area stretching from Oxford to Methven, taking on both farm and lifestyle fencing projects for a loyal client base. “We travel to keep our clients happy and cover most of the district,” Tom says. “We just want to keep learning, keep improving, and make the business as successful as it can be.”

As part of his professional growth, Tom is now completing the Level 4 Fencing qualification, which focuses on leadership and business management. He’s also passionate about helping the next generation find their way into the trades.

“Too many young people are being told they have to go to university, but that’s not for everyone,” he says. “There’s huge demand in industries like farming and fencing, and we need more young Kiwis learning a good work ethic and practical skills.”

Tom has taken that message to local schools, and helped to introduce students to fencing through the Down To The Wire fencing competition, which he and Luke launched last year at the Ellesmere A&P Show at Leeston.

The event has already gained traction, with both youth and contractor divisions encouraging

newcomers and professionals alike to get involved.

Whether it’s on the training field, at a competition, or out on the farm, Tom is focused on raising the standard of his craft and his business. “Getting accredited with FCANZ and building our reputation for quality is where we’re heading,” he says.

“At the end of the day, we just want to put up good fences, keep our clients happy, and do the family proud.”