Chase Pruden - Terminate a wire around a stay. : Pruden Contracting

We recently spent time with Chase Pruden of Pruden Contracting, a second-generation fencing contractor based in Marlborough, to learn more about his path into the trade and his method for terminating GOFENCE SPRINTER Wire around a stay - a technique that helps prevent the post twisting when the wire comes under strain.

Like many in the industry, Chase’s introduction to fencing started at home. “I grew up on back country, helping Dad out during the school holidays,” he said. “I was running wires while I was still in primary school. From there, it naturally turned into a full-time career.”

Pruden Contracting is a well-established family operation, founded by Chase’s father, Tony, more than 30 years ago. Chase has worked alongside him full-time for the past ten years, with projects taking them right across Marlborough - from the Sounds to Northbank and throughout the Wairau Valley.

A large portion of their work comes through forest management company M & R Forestland Management, largely focused on repair and maintenance. Another portion of their work consists of Council compliance fencing, providing steady, consistent projects that often involve seven-wire systems, Superpost fencing, and site control. They also take on deer and dairy fencing, working with a range of systems including hot wires and high tensile lines.

One of their biggest recent undertakings has been ongoing fencing along the Whale Trail cycleway. “We’ve been working on that for a couple of years now,” Chase said.

Chase also values the long-standing relationship the business has with Goldpine. “They’ve been awesome to deal with. Whether it’s for personal use or commercial jobs, they go the extra mile to make sure we’ve got what we need.”

When it comes to terminating wire around a stay, Chase explained that this approach helps minimise rotational torque, keeping the stay post more secure. By alternating the knots left and right, he reduces the tendency for the post to twist when the wire is under tension.