Goldpine
Mark Buckingham: Installing a Panel of Boards at the End of a Gate
M&J Fencing
We headed to the bottom of the country to meet Mark Buckingham of M&J Fencing, an experienced fencer based near Invercargill.
Mark covers the Southern region, taking on everything from lifestyle blocks to farm boundaries.
Operating mainly for friends, family, and local clients, Mark has built a reputation for reliable, high-quality fencing work. He started as a farmer for several decades - since he was 18 - until 2017, when he began fencing full-time. From residential projects to farm boundaries, his business grew through word-of-mouth and dedication to doing the job right. “I’ve seen lots of poorly installed or rough-looking edges, so it’s just a bit of pride in your work and making things look neat and tidy,” he explained. With decades of farming experience, Mark understands the importance of quality work.
Mark and his wife Joanne – the J of M & J Fencing- split their time between Southland and Wales, Joanne’s home country. Spending nearly half the year in each country allows the couple to enjoy warm summers year-round and escape cold winters in both locations.
The Buckingham family has deep farming roots in Southland, with Mark’s brothers and cousins carrying on the farming legacy. They’ve stayed because of their love of the area - despite the chilly winters. Mark said that he and his family primarily use Goldpine materials, with the brand being “a family favourite,” he said. “I always shopped there when I was farming, and built up a good relationship with the team. They look after me,” he said. Mark’s cousin recently bought 500 Goldpine posts to replace a fenceline on his farm.
Mark showed us his tip for installing a panel of boards with a circular skill saw. The skill saw is used to pre-cut panels, avoiding cutting after installation. This technique saves time and produces a neater finish, Mark said. “Precutting them, as opposed to cutting them after they’re on the post, works better so you can see what you’re working with before you put them up,” he said. Read on to see Mark’s tip for installing a panel of boards at the end of a gate.
