Instead of number eight wire Mokau farmer Tom Komene has used a heap of well-tensioned barbed wire, battens and posts to keep his stock from wandering on the road.
The small costal settlement of Mokau 45km north of Whangarei, has been a trouble spot for wandering livestock for 22 years and last week three horses were shot by an animal control officer. Authorities received a complaint of three pigs and a couple of cattle on the stretch of rural road on Saturday.
Some fences bordering the main road are not stock-proof but during the past few months some owners have made some improvements.
Leading the way has been Mr Komene, who in the past year, has worked hard to upgrade the boundary fence on his property. He has also offered to help others with upgrading fences but he says money is usually the stumbling block.
"It comes down to cost for most people. I've spent $4500 on posts to do this fence," Mr Komene said.