Fencing contest rises to new challenge

NZFC is set to organise and run the NZ Fencing Championships in October at the 150th Hawkes Bay A&P Show at Hastings on October 23-25.

Speculation has arisen over the axing of the prestigious Golden Pliers and doubles fencing competitions, run at Mystery Creek Field Days for 40 years. Main sponsor Wiremark, owner of the naming rights to the Golden Pliers, stopped sponsorship due to “communications issues with Fieldays,” says Andrew Hibbert, Wiremark sales and market development manager.

NZFC event coordinator Debbie White says the newly formed association is now focused on its future, developing over the past few months “a strong structure, and achieving a significant amount, thanks to volunteers in our organization”.

Three competitions will run in Hawke’s Bay: Bill Schuler Novice Round, the Golden Pliers Singles and the NZ Fencing Doubles Championship. 

“The Hawke’s Bay Show has been positive and accommodating regarding this event,” White says. “The Golden Pliers and the Doubles competitions are pinnacles of representation for the industry. 

“It gives fencers the opportunity to pit themselves against the best and to try and topple leaders, such as the 14th time current Golden Pliers champion Paul van Beers.”

NZFC has become the umbrella organisation for regional competitions nationwide, organised and run locally with A&P shows and Central Districts Field Days.

“Having NZFC formed and run by fencers… the ones competing… gives us assurance they are in it for the good of the industry,” says Hibbert. “They also value their sponsors and will provide us with regular updates.”

White refers to strong support from the industry for the new organisation. Sponsors are Pacific Steel/Wiremark, Fencing Contractors Association NZ, Cyclone, Steel and Tube/Hurricane, Strainrite Electric Fencing Systems, Stihl, Stockade/Paslode and Goldpine.

The fencing competition’s location and layout has been designed so spectators can easily view the event. 

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