BUILT FOR NZ. TRUSTED WORLDWIDE.

Fifty years of manufacturing, innovation & Kiwi ingenuity

About us

A family legacy of practical innovation

Bayonet is a proudly New Zealand-owned manufacturer, built on five decades of real-world problem-solving. Founded in a Tauranga garage in 1972, the business has grown steadily over five decades - evolving from a small local operation into a trusted supplier of building materials across New Zealand and international markets.

We manufacture from a purpose-built facility in Tauranga, producing thousands of tons of fencing, netting and building products each year. Our range is designed specifically for New Zealand conditions - whether it’s fencing for rugged rural terrain or compliant mesh for construction projects. With most of our products made in-house, we maintain full control over quality, design, and delivery, ensuring consistency and reliability from start to finish.

Still 100% family-owned and operated, Bayonet is now led by the third generation. That original can-do ethos continues to shape how we work - with integrity, responsiveness, and a commitment to helping our customers build better. Today, our products are not only trusted across New Zealand but are also exported to markets around the world, where they’re valued for their durability and performance.

Third-generation leadership: Joel and Frank Bishop continue the Bayonet legacy of hands-on service and practical product design.

Our history

  • 1972

    Doug and Paul Bishop build a machine to produce bituminous building paper, launching Paul Industries.

  • 1970s

    Demand grows. They add roof netting machinery and expand into hexagonal netting for construction.

  • 1980s

    Rural fencing begins with rabbit netting. The range grows to include wire, barbed wire, and staples.

  • 1990s

    Safety standards drive innovation. Bayonet becomes NZ’s first manufacturer of roof safety mesh and netting.

  • 2000s

    The company responds to market demand for faster systems by broadening its range with synthetic wraps.

  • 2010s

    A purpose-built Tauriko facility opens. Rural fencing expands with Kiwi Knot and Fixed Knot systems.

  • 2020s

    Leadership passes to Joel and Frank Bishop. The company rebrands as Bayonet, unifying product lines.

  • 2022

    Bayonet celebrates 50 years of NZ-owned manufacturing, committed to practical, solutions-first service.

Ready to Build Better?

We’re here to help you get the best result - whether it’s rural fencing, construction mesh, or a custom solution tailored to your project. Let’s talk about what you need.