1 September 2026
Media Release from: Connexis
New Zealand’s top electricity supply industry (ESI) trainees have been named as finalists in the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards for 2026.
These annual awards recognise the country’s standout ESI trainees across seven different categories, as nominated by their employers.
This year, 20 industry trainees from some of the country’s leading energy companies have been named as finalists in the categories of Transmission Trainee of the Year, Distribution Trainee of the Year, Generation Trainee of the Year, Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year, Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year and Advanced Trainee of the Year. Of these categories, one winner will also be named Overall Trainee of the Year (this year sponsored by Connetics).
Another three ESI workers have also been named as finalists in the Leadership in Electricity Supply Industry Training Award, which recognises those who go above and beyond in training others and helping them succeed.
2026 has also seen the introduction of a new Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year category, recognising the vital skills of utility arborists, who keep key ESI assets safely clear of vegetation.
See the full list of finalists below.
Set up and championed by Connexis, New Zealand’s leading training provider to the energy sector and other infrastructure industries such as civil, telecommunications and water, these awards are designed to shine a light on the future leaders of the electricity supply industry.
Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the awards offer a unique opportunity to recognise the achievements of these industry trainees and celebrate them in front of their industry peers, employers – and maybe future employers.
“Over the years we’ve seen dedicated and hard-working trainees celebrated at these awards who have then gone on to become leaders in the industry,” Gaukrodger says.
“We know that training can be challenging as people balance work and family commitments while meeting the requirements of their programmes. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate those who are succeeding, while also inspiring and motivating others on the same journey by showing them what’s possible.”
The Connexis Energy Trainee Award winners will be announced at an awards dinner in Pukekohe on October 22, marking the close of the Annual Connection three-day industry skills competition, managed by Connexis.
Over October 20-22, Annual Connection, this year hosted by Counties Energy at Franklin A&P Showgrounds in Pukekohe, will see line mechanic crews, cable jointers and supply electricians compete in a series of competitions designed to showcase the skills and expertise they use to keep New Zealand connected.
Gaukrodger says: “It’s fantastic to bring Annual Connection 2026 to the North Island again this year. We’re excited to welcome crews from across the country to Pukekohe.
“Annual Connection is a great opportunity for the electricity supply industry to demonstrate how good they are and to connect with each other in one high-voltage celebration.”
Counties Energy Chief Executive Judy Nicholl says hosting Annual Connection for the first time is an incredible opportunity to support the industry and showcase the work it does every day, both within local communities and across the country.
“This year feels like a true milestone. Hosting it on our own patch is our way of celebrating the skill and grit our teams bring to work every day, while helping the wider industry become stronger and more resilient together.”
Connexis Energy Trainee Awards finalists:
| Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Treescape) | Transmission Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Transpower) |
| Conn Carbery Stoddart – Treescape Danyel Cook-Lyon – Asplundh Remy McDonald – Asplundh Logan Wheeler – Scanpower | Mihailo Zivkovic – Omexom Kristin Sweetnam – Omexom Zinzan Coop – Northpower |
| Distribution Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Touchprint) | Generation Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Cory’s) |
| Lily Wilson – Top Energy Ltd Michael Mitchell – Top Energy Ltd Bayley Christy – The Lines Company Tia Fasi – EA Networks | Callum Bryant – Genesis Energy Malcom Johnston – Meridian Energy Evan Ashby – Genesis Energy |
| Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Kiwi Rail) | Advanced Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by PowerNet NZ Ltd) |
| Gurpreet Singh – Kiwi Rail John Weston – Kiwi Rail Roy Lewis-Brown – Kiwi Rail | Jessie King – Omexom Damien Martinus – WEL Networks Trent Burbidge – Northpower |
| Leadership in Electricity Supply Industry Training (Sponsored by Omexom) | |
| Nick Weight – Omexom Tracy Paniona – Northpower Andy Cooper – Northpower | |
Find out more:
About Connexis
Connexis is a training provider for New Zealand’s Civil, Energy, Telecommunications, and Water infrastructure industries. Connexis works with infrastructure employers to develop and deliver nationally recognised programmes for apprenticeships and professional qualifications that sit on the New Zealand Qualification and Competency Framework. Connexis is committed to increasing the capability and capacity of New Zealand’s infrastructure workforce through high quality, work based training across these industries which are vital to keeping New Zealand connected.
For more information, please contact:
Tracey Mehrtens
Accento Communications
tracey@accento.nz
021 430 606