The essential workers New Zealand relies on when the power goes out, the weather turns nasty or critical infrastructure needs repair will be putting their skills to the test at Annual Connection in Pukekohe later this month.
Annual Connection is a three-day skills competition for the country’s best line mechanics, cable jointers and supply electricians being held at Pukekohe Showgrounds across October 20-22. The event, run annually for more than 20 years, with the support of Connexis, New Zealand’s infrastructure training provider, has Counties Energy as its 2026 host sponsor.
Over three days of competition, line mechanic crews, cable jointers and trainee supply electricians will compete in a programme of skills-based events designed to test and showcase the skills and knowledge required to keep the country connected.
More than 90 competitors, as well as 10 logistics personnel, 30 judges and support crew will descend on Pukekohe over the three days of competition. The event concludes with the announcement of competition winners, as well as winners of the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards, at the Connexis Excellence Awards function.
Competitors are attending from around the country, including as far afield as Invercargill to compete at the event.
Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says it’s exciting to be hosting Annual Connection in the North Island again, after a successful event in Christchurch last year.
“We’re thrilled to have Counties Energy on board as our host sponsor this year. They have a long history with Annual Connection having been involved in the very first event in 2002, and the company’s line mechanic crew will be competing at this year’s event.
“South Auckland is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions, making Pukekohe a fitting location for an event focused on the people and skills needed to support the country’s future infrastructure,” Gaukrodger says.
Counties Energy CEO Judy Nicholl says hosting Annual Connection is a unique opportunity to support the electricity supply industry (ESI) and showcase the work its skilled people do every day, within the local community and across the country.
“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.”
Nicholl says a highlight of Annual Connection is always seeing the relationship and rapport between competitors. “The standout is always the synergy on the field. It’s inspiring to see crews bring out the best in one another, showcasing the pride, wide range of skills and commitment to safe work practices that define the industry. The second the tools are down, that competitive spirit turns into genuine camaraderie, and it’s that chance to reconnect with the wider industry whānau that makes the event so special.”
Annual Connection is also an opportunity to showcase the career pathways and potential of working in the ESI to the next generation. Local schools from around the Franklin region will attend the event to try their hand at some of the skills required, meet key employers, and see first-hand what working as a line mechanic, cable jointer or supply electrician is like.
“Like many infrastructure-focused industries, the ESI is facing a shortage of skilled workers,” Gaukrodger says. “Events like Annual Connection help Connexis, New Zealand’s leading work-based training provider to the industry, to demonstrate in a visual, practical way, all the different career opportunities that can come from taking up infrastructure apprenticeships and training in this sector.”
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About Connexis
Connexis is New Zealand’s infrastructure training provider, supporting work-based training across the civil, energy, telecommunications and water industries. Connexis works with employers, learners and industry partners to deliver nationally recognised training that helps build a skilled and sustainable infrastructure workforce.