Will Pei: Tying Netting onto a Strainer

Will Pei is carving a niche for himself in the fencing world. Originally hailing from Te Anau, Will has been a local in Balclutha for the last four years.

His fencing projects are scattered across Otago and Southland, with a current focus around Gore. He described his work as varied but mainly centred around sheep netting fences. “We’ve got a bit going on everywhere at the moment,” he explained, “a lot of tidying up jobs.”

Before diving into fencing, Will spent six years as a shepherd and contractor on deer farms. However, the monotony of sitting in a tractor day after day pushed him to seek a more gratifying career, which he found in fencing. “I actually didn’t like fencing when I was younger” he shared with a laugh, “but the older I got, I realised that if you’re good at it, it’s a satisfying job.”

Will primarily works on sheep and beef netting fences, but also has a confident hand in post and rail, yard work, and electric fences. His favourite, however, remains netting fences. “It’s more satisfying. It looks nice and tidy, and it’s easy to do,” he revealed.

Recently, Will has been getting involved in New Zealand fencing competitions, which he shared had been a significant learning experience. “Craig and I won the doubles competition at the Waimumu Fieldays, so we got a trip up north to have a crack at the Mystery Creek Fieldays." For Will, competing alongside Craig again in The Fieldays Silver SpadesTM doubles championship "wasn't about winning. It was more about learning from the guys up there. They were really easy to talk to and taught me heaps.” His involvement in these competitions was spurred by Craig, a seasoned competitor with 14 years of experience. Working for Craig, Will emphasised, has been incredibly rewarding. “I didn’t know a hell of a lot when I started with him, and now I’m pretty confident in most areas of fencing.”

Outside of fencing, Will enjoys spending time with his family, and has a keen interest in fishing, and diving. Living in Balclutha offers the perfect setting for his hobbies. “The ocean’s about a 20-minute drive. You can jump straight in the water and spear a fish or grab a pāua.”