Two-time defending champion Tim Garrick will be the man to beat at the Future Post NZ Speed Fencing Championship, part of the Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games in Palmerston North on Saturday 14th March.
The Gisborne contractor has claimed back-to-back NZ Speed Fencing titles at the Rural Games in 2024 and 2025. Last year, he also added the Golden Pliers Singles title and the Silver Spades Doubles Championship alongside regular partner Cory Twigley.
NZ Fencing Competitions presents the event with Strainrite and Summit Steel, bringing together elite competitors from across the North Island to showcase speed, precision, and craftsmanship under pressure.
NZ Fencing Competitions Chair Tim Stafford said the depth in this year’s field is incredible.
“You’ve got world champions, multiple Golden Pliers winners, and hungry young blokes all chasing the same title.”
Standing in Garrick’s way is Hawke’s Bay’s Tony Bouskill, a World Champion, 5-time Golden Pliers winner, and 2019 Ford NZ Rural Sportsman of the Year. Garrick’s doubles partner Cory Twigley is also in the mix, with four Golden Pliers finals appearances to his name. The pair’s Silver Spades victory at Fieldays in 2024 saw them defeat the legendary father-son combination of Shane and Tony Bouskill.
Tairāwhiti talent runs deep. Kupu Lloyd brings over 20 years of experience, including time serving in the NZ Army where he built a security fence in the Sinai Peninsula. Since 2023, he’s qualified for Silver Spades Finals twice and taken second in the Bill Schuler competition.
Young gun Tom Kerley, 19, has only been fencing two years but competed in the Bill Schuler final at the 2025 Fieldays Nationals – a stepping stone towards the Golden Pliers.
The Wairarapa is represented by Masterton pair Jade Williams and Carl Hayes. Williams, a former shearer, has been competing for 2.5 years and recently took out fastest team in a powered post drive competition. Hayes spent time fencing in Norway before making his competition debut after six weeks working alongside Williams.
Napier’s Jared Nicholson (Cowboy) rounds out the field with 15 years’ experience, including 6 Golden Pliers and 8 Silver Spades finals.
Future Post NZ founder Jerome Wenzlick said he’s proud to support the event.
“These competitors bring the same work ethic and determination to the arena that they bring to the fence line every day. With Tim Garrick chasing a three-peat and champions like Tony Bouskill looking to reclaim the title, it’s shaping up to be a cracking event.”
Event details:
What: Future Post NZ Speed Fencing Championship
When: Saturday 14th March 2026
Where: Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games, Palmerston North
Competitors: Tim Garrick (Gisborne), Tony Bouskill (Putorino), Cory Twigley (Gisborne), Kupu Lloyd (Gisborne), Tom Kerley (Gisborne), Jared Nicholson (Napier), Jade Williams (Masterton), Carl Hayes (Masterton)