John Noakes- Testing the Strength of Stays in Cromwell: Noksee Fencing - Tasman

Strong fences rely on strong end assemblies. To better understand how different stay systems perform under load, Fencing Contractors Association New Zealand (FCANZ), alongside member John “Noksee” Noakes of Noksee Fencing, put six common stays to the test in Cromwell, in hard and shaley terrain.

Noksee, based in Motueka, has been actively involved in fencing and Fieldays across New Zealand for over 21 years. He sat on the board of FCANZ for 12 years, and now MCs Best Practice Days, where fencers come together to learn new techniques and check out new gear. He also delivers Level 3 fencing training in the South Island through NorthTec and the FCANZ, focusing on technical best practice, ground conditions, and lifting industry standards through hands-on testing and certification.

Noksee explained that they measured the strength of the stays in hard terrain in Cromwell, using a straining strop with a gauge attached, which was then pulled by a tractor to apply a load. The gauge recorded the tension in tonnes at the point where each stay started to move or failed. Each stay was pulled until failure and measured in tonnes. John shared the results they found, providing a clear comparison of real-world strength.

Overall, the testing confirmed a clear pattern: traditional timber braced systems, particularly the driven diagonal and box stay, delivered the highest strength under load. Simpler or lighter systems can be effective in the right context, but as tension increases, so too must the strength of the stay.