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FCANZ PATRON
Supporting FCANZ through advocacy, connection, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our industry.
Why FCANZ has a Patron
FCANZ represents an industry with strong rural roots. Many fencing contractors work long hours, travel widely, operate in isolated areas, and support farmers and rural communities through demanding and sometimes difficult conditions.
Having a Patron gives FCANZ an experienced and respected advocate who can help raise the profile of the Association, support our wider objectives, and strengthen our connections across the rural sector.
What our Patron does
The FCANZ Patron supports the Association by:
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providing advice to the Board and Executive Director
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promoting FCANZ and the fencing industry where appropriate
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helping build relationships with people and organisations that support our strategic direction
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attending major FCANZ events when available
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championing the wellbeing of fencing contractors and rural communities
The role is one of advocacy, connection, and support rather than governance or day-to-day involvement in the Association.
Meet Craig “Wiggy” Wiggins
FCANZ is proud to have rural health and wellbeing advocate Craig “Wiggy” Wiggins as our Patron.
Wiggy is well known throughout New Zealand’s rural sector for his practical, down-to-earth approach to mental health, wellbeing, and community connection.
His work is centred on encouraging people to look out for one another, start honest conversations, and seek support before problems become overwhelming.
Wiggy’s work
Through the Whatever with Wiggy Charitable Trust, Wiggy supports rural people, businesses, and communities across New Zealand.
His initiatives include "Lean on a Gate, Talk to a Mate", which encourages people to take the time to check in with others and have meaningful conversations.
His wider work also includes rural health and wellbeing checks at agricultural events, seminars for rural service businesses and professionals, and initiatives designed to keep rural communities connected.
What began as an online gathering during the 2020 COVID lockdown has grown into a wider programme of practical support, advocacy, and connection.
A natural fit for FCANZ
Wiggy’s work aligns closely with the values of FCANZ.
Fencing contractors are an important part of rural New Zealand. They work alongside farmers and landowners, often during periods of considerable pressure, and can face many of the same challenges themselves.
Our partnership with Wiggy helps keep wellbeing visible within the fencing industry and gives FCANZ another way to support the people behind the businesses.
The relationship also builds on a long-standing connection. In 2022, FCANZ members and Industry Partners raised $15,000 for the Whatever with Wiggy Charitable Trust through an impromptu auction at the FCANZ Conference. To date, FCANZ members have contributed more than $30,000 to the Whatever With Wiggy Charitable Trust for their Lean on a Gate work.
Read more about Wiggy’s appointment as FCANZ Patron and how the partnership began.
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