QnA with our stockist Sam Kneebone
Waikato Fencing Contractor | Sheep & Beef Farmer | Shovel Maker | @justanother_fencer
Where are you from, Sam? Give us your background.
I’m based out in the Waikato, where me and my wife Chloe work on a dry stock farm. We’ve got two girls, Cameron and Blakely, who keep things lively. I’ve been fencing for years, started off working for others then eventually went out on my own. These days I split my time between the farm, contracting, and making custom spades on the side.
What made you want to become a farmer and fencing contractor?
I was between farm jobs and thought I'd do a winter fencing for one of my good mates and ended up selling the work dogs and stayed fencing for around 10 years until now.
Why did you decide to become a Repost stockist?
Honestly, it just made sense. I was already using their recycled posts on jobs — they’re solid, priced right, and better for the environment. Farmers are more aware now of where stuff ends up, and Repost is offering a real solution for that vineyard waste. It's good gear and good people behind it and I like supporting small businesses like Repost who's values align with mine, it was a #nobrainer and glad to be helping my community of Waikato with easy access to their products.
What’s your favourite part of the role?
The mix. I like being hands-on, whether I’m banging in posts or building up a custom order of spades. But I also enjoy having yarns with farmers, figuring out what’ll work for their setup, and getting them sorted with gear that lasts.
How have you found working with Repost so far?
Easy as. The team are straight-up and always keen to help. Orders turn up when they say they will, and the gear does what it says on the tin. I like that they’re not just selling a product, they’ve got a bigger purpose around circular economy stuff.
What feedback do you get from farmers when they’re looking at fencing materials? Do they usually source their own or rely on you?
Bit of both. Some farmers are pretty hands-on and know what they want, others are happy for me to bring what I recommend. Once they see the quality of Repost stuff — especially for the price — they’re usually on board. Durability matters, but so does keeping costs realistic and Repost is very transparent there whole business has been built of farmers feedback and word of mouth, I like that.
What’s the hardest part about fencing work?
Honestly? The weather. Cold mud, hot sun, sideways rain — you’ve got to be out there regardless. That and rock. When you hit a rock shelf and it’s post number 112… that’s when you start questioning your life choices.
How did you come up with your spades?
Started off with me just modifying a few for myself — longer handles, different blades — stuff that made long days easier. Then a few other fencers saw them and wanted one… next thing you know I’ve got orders coming in and a forge set up in the shed. I do it because I love it and because i've got through a lot in my career so made sense to build a more resilient one to handle NZ terrain...Like Repost I saw an issue and am trying to fix it one spade at a time building one to last for decades.
What made you start posting videos? You’ve got quite a cult following on @justfencing!
Bit of a laugh to start with. I figured if I was out there in all conditions doing the mahi, might as well share a bit of it. It’s been cool seeing it grow — turns out people enjoy watching fences go up and shovels get made! It’s mostly for fun and to help farmers or mates that would say 'how do i do this' id send them my videos and its helped a few people which is rewarding, but it’s connected me with some great folks in the industry.
What’s a fun or normal fact about working with Repost people might not know?
Those posts have got more lives than a farm cat. I’ve pulled some out of vineyard piles thinking they were knackered, but once they’re cut and re-tipped, they’re solid as. People don’t realise how many of them would’ve gone to landfill otherwise, this year Repost will have repurposed over 1 million; there doing good things for a huge waste issue and i'm proud to be part of it.
Crocs or work boots?
To be honest I've never owned a pair of crocs, it's socks and jandals, redbands or lowas!
Any advice for young fencers or contractors starting out?
Don’t cheap out on tools — they make the work bearable. Learn from old hands, but don’t be afraid to do things your way. And stay curious — there’s always a better way to drive a post.
