Tauranga-based Ground Up Services Ltd started up in 2007 after Darryn Astill returned North having completed a large fencing set for a Canterbury dairy conversion. At the start, Darryn drew on his experience in the family engineering business and offered general building services, retaining walls and fencing. The fencing really took off. Now Darryn runs four staff covering all types of rural fencing across the Bay of Plenty from Waihi to Rotorua.
What was the first tool you were ever given?
Pair of wire cutters from ex-father-in-law in 2007 when I was farming.
What was your biggest fencing achievement?
Early on, doing 6km of fence on my own and then a 1000m of post and rail on my own.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The finished job. Knowing that you have done it right and that it is going to last forever. Some of the most rewarding jobs would have to be cattle yards – you have to consider all sorts of things, the design has to be right, they have work for stock flow.
What keeps you motivated?
Fencing work pays the bills, gets you out of bed in the morning, keeps you fit! I enjoy it.
What piece of advice would you give to someone considering getting into the fencing business?
Just take the bull by the horns and do it! Get into it. Go to work every day.