Golden Pliers and Wiremark Celebrate 35 Years at Mystery Creek Fieldays

The annual Waikato Draught/Wiremark Fencing Championships, now in its 35th year, is set to be a crowd pleaser at this year's Mystery Creek Fieldays, June 14 to 18 2006.

The competition, which first began at the Te Rapa National Fieldays in 1969, has been an annual fixture at the Mystery Creek Fieldays since 1971 and is still going strong.

Farmers, fencing contractors and general fencing enthusiasts are encouraged to participate, with entries closing on June 1, 2006.
 
Principal sponsor Wiremark says that the competition has been an excellent way to promote fencing and each year the field is so strong, it's impossible to pick a winner.

"Every year the competitors' skill level improves, reflecting a professional trade where standards are on the rise.  The Golden Pliers has been the training ground for many a young fencer starting out and it is excellent to see young guys coming through thirsty for knowledge and wanting to compete." 

"The introduction of the consolation round has meant that guys who miss out on the finals can take away judges comments, learn from their mistakes and try and improve on their performance for the next year," says Simon Fuller, chairman of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand.

Wiremark is especially proud to once again be principal sponsors of the Golden Pliers and to put its name to quality workmanship and a quality event. 

Last year's Golden Pliers winner, Owen Petersen of Owhango in the King Country, says that participating in the competition has been a great experience and a learning curve.

"This will be my fifth year in the competition and every year I learn something new. I thoroughly recommend that other fencers get involved," he says.
 
"A good fence is not just about how you put it up, but about the quality of it. It's also important to use quality wire that is made for New Zealand's conditions," he adds.

Competitors will be required to erect a 40 metre line-wire fence consisting of two diagonal strainer assemblies, nine posts and two 2.50mm high tensile wires.

Judges will be marking the singles and teams competitors on speed, quality and appearance. Judges will also test the fence for loading, footing strength and wire tension.

The judging panel for this year's competition consists of a range of fencing professionals, who have all been on the fencing scene for many years; many of who have themselves entered the competition.

The eight finalists for the singles, (Golden Pliers) competition and the six teams for the doubles finals will be decided on at the heats beginning on Tuesday 13th June, so come along and support your local contestant.

The winner of the singles competition will not only walk away with the coveted Golden Pliers trophy, but also $5,000 cash, a Stihl prize pack and Wiremark merchandise. 

The doubles teams will compete for the Silver Spades trophies and $2,500 in cash as well as a Stihl prize pack and Wiremark merchandise.

Consolation and 'Best Quality' prizes are also up for grabs as well as spot prizes, supplied by Wiremark and the sponsors.

For those who want to learn more about fencing, Murray Marshall will be onsite at the Wiremark stand, site L37, to provide practical advice on fencing.

Chairman of the newly-formed Fencing Contractor's Association of New Zealand Inc (FCANZ), Simon Fuller, will be onsite at the Wiremark tent and will be answering any questions regarding the association. Fencing Contractors are encouraged to get along and sign up to this professional body.

For entry forms for the Golden Pliers or Silver Spades competitions please contact:

Elysia Shirtliff
Marketing Executive
Mystery Creek Events Centre
Ph: 07 843 4497
Email: elysias@mysterycreek.co.nz