Thursday July 2, 2026: The next generation of New Zealand women are stepping up to take their place on the country’s major infrastructure projects and work sites. 

Throughout June, Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis^® saw female secondary students from around the country visit their local infrastructure employers to find out more about the career opportunities in industries such as civil construction, electricity supply, telecommunications and water treatment.  

While onsite in the country’s power stations, highway construction sites and water treatment plants, the students were able to try for themselves some of the skills required to work in infrastructure trades, and connect with other women already working in them, as well as local employers. 

Girls with Hi-Vis^® (GWHV), now in its 11th year, was developed by infrastructure industries training provider Connexis, to make more young women aware of the traditionally male-dominated career pathways open to them that they may not have previously considered. 

In 2015 the event began with three Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) companies hosting events and 50 female students in attendance. This year saw more than 30 events scheduled around the country with more than 80 schools and 800 students attending. 

Connexis now has its highest-ever number of enrolled female learners; with the proportion of female learners doubling from 8% in 2015 when GWHV was first launched to 16% in 2025. 

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the growth of GWHV since it began in 2015 is testament to the value it offers both students and employers. 

“In 2015 Connexis had 8% of trainees in trade and technical roles were female, today that figure is 16%. We are now attending Girls with Hi-Vis^® events hosted by female apprentices who were introduced to their employer at a Girls with Hi-Vis^® event,” Gaukrodger says.  

“Women still represent a largely untapped employment market for a lot of our infrastructure industries, many of which are facing skills shortages. One of the most effective ways of changing that is simply awareness.  

“So many of the students attending a Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis^® event come out of it with their eyes open to new opportunities that have never been presented to them before. On top of that they are making key connections with employers in their local area.” 

Connexis GWHV also offers a great hands-on opportunity for young women to see industry-led trades apprenticeships as a practical, valuable path to training and qualifications, if they are looking for alternatives to university that let them earn while they learn, Gaukrodger says. 

“Trades training is no longer an after-thought for two-thirds of school students who are not looking at an academic career pathway through university. It’s recognised as an important, affordable option for gaining a tertiary qualification while working that will provide the foundation and step up into long and varied careers, using high-demand skills that are unlikely to be overtaken by AI.” 

Read more about Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis® from our inspirational ambassador and recent Outward Bound scholarship recipient Annabelle Thorpe-Hall here 

For more information on Girls with Hi-Vis®, including inspirational work stories, visit the Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis® page. 

For more information please contact 

Kerri Jackson 

Accento Communications 

kerri@accento.nz 

0220885860 

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. 

The post Creating opportunities for women in infrastructure appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

“I knew I didn’t want to go to university but I loved doing hands-on work and learning in a practical way.”  

The answer to that equation for 19-year-old Annabelle Thorpe-Hall was taking on an electrical trade apprenticeship, with ElectriNET, part of the Horizon Energy Group, in Gisborne.  

“The subjects I enjoyed in school were maths and physics. I spoke to my careers advisor at school and she showed me some of the options. I decided to contact some local businesses to see if I could spend some time shadowing them at work.  

“I reached out to a range of trades and ElectriNet offered me the opportunity to spend a day a week with them where I spent time with electricians, fire technicians and data technicians. I loved my time there and was lucky enough to be offered an apprenticeship so here I am.” 

Now Annabelle is spreading the word about the opportunities that lie in an electrical trade by taking part in Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis^® in Whakatane with Horizon Networks. The nationwide event held each year through June, offers female secondary students to meet with local potential employers onsite to learn about infrastructure trade careers, meet the women already working in them and try their hand at some of the technical skills required. 

“I am looking forward to meeting other girls who might be interested in getting into trades, just being able to answer any questions they might have or tell them what I do in a day” Annabelle says. “It might help them decide whether it’s something they would like to do or not.” 

One of the things Annabelle would like other women to know about her job is just how varied it is. 

“The variety of work and opportunities that I have at ElectriNET is huge. I never realised how many different jobs electricians do,” she says. “What I really enjoy about my job is having a wide variety of work. Every day is different. You get to visit so many different sites and meet a whole range of people. 

“I get to use lots of different problem solving skills, and be able to help people. 

“If it’s something you are interested in and enjoy hands-on work then give it a go. Don’t be put off thinking it’s a male-dominated trade. My attitude has always been that if you’re willing to learn and want to do the job then that’s all that matters. It doesn’t make any difference whether you’re a male or female.” 

Annabelle  was also a recipient of a Connexis Outward Bound scholarship and recently completed her course. She says the experience was challenging but in a positive way. 

“I absolutely loved Outward Bound. It was the perfect environment for me to be pushed out of my comfort zone and I was able to learn so much about myself. I was able to participate in so many activities I wouldn’t have normally done.  

“I learnt that I’m capable of much more than I thought, and I learnt many skills around communicating and being around a new group of people. I learned that putting yourself out of your comfort zone can be a huge positive and you can get so much out of an experience if you just give everything a go and don’t always say no just because you’re nervous or don’t think you’re capable.  

“I learned to give everything a good go and don’t turn down opportunities even if you’re really nervous and don’t want to go. Speak up if you have ideas and encourage other people around you to do the same, working in a team can be so much more efficient and your ideas can become so much more developed.”  

The post Every day is different appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

As well as building local capability, with all four Chatham Island trainees successfully achieving their NZ Certificate Drinking Water Treatment (Level 4), the visit highlights Connexis’ strong commitment to developing skilled water operators in remote communities.  

Expert assessor and respected water treatment specialist Marty Simpson travelled to the islands to complete final on-site assessments for the operators Latoya Hough, Bruce Winter, Russell Phillips, and Rikard Kamo. Their on-job practical, full-time experience at the Waitangi Water Treatment Plant on the Chatham Islands was supported by Connexis with structured learning, including workbooks, e-learning modules, and a block course delivered by WSP in Petone, Lower Hutt. 

During their time on-course in mainland New Zealand, the group also visited leading facilities along the Kāpiti Coast, including Waikanae, widely regarded as a gold standard site for treatment plant operations. 

It was a first trip to the Chatham Islands for assessor Marty and one that has left a strong impression. 

“Supporting trainees goes beyond technical learning—it also means providing strong pastoral care to ensure they feel supported throughout their journey.” 

“It’s really encouraging to see the momentum continuing. All four newly qualified operators are now progressing to the Level 4 Wastewater qualification, further strengthening their expertise,” he says. 

The newly qualified operators, who have reached this professional milestone after several years working in the industry, say access to eLearning was important to their training success from a remote location like the Chatham Islands. 

“When I first enrolled, I wasn’t that interested in a career in water, but the online course made it accessible and really got me engaged in the subject.  

“Now that I’ve finished the course, we’re excited to progress into the wastewater learning programme and I’m keen to explore some of the Connexis plant operator courses too. Being so remote, the block course on the mainland was amazing, it gave us a chance to see bigger, more complex operations and processes than we have on the Chathams,” says Operator and Connexis learner Latoya Hough. 

The thirst for learning is continuing at Chatham Island water with team manager, Shingy Torga, also enrolling in the NZC Drinking Water Treatment (Level 4), demonstrating strong leadership and a proactive commitment to ongoing professional development within the Chatham Islands team. 

“The industry is evolving, and over the past two decades we’ve seen increasing diversity among trainees. The Connexis Drinking Water and Wastewater certificate and diploma qualifications are now widely recognised as a viable and rewarding career pathway, with strong opportunities for progression, including diploma-level study,” Marty says. 

This successful training initiative on the Chatham Islands underscores the value of investing in local capability and highlights the collaborative efforts between Connexis and employers to ensure sustainable water management across Aotearoa New Zealand, even in its most remote communities. 

For more information about water qualifications and career pathways, visit: https://connexis.org.nz/water-qualifications/

The post A thirst for learning: Connexis assessment trip builds water capability in the Chatham Islands appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Kia ora koutou,  

As we approach the shortest day of the year, we are moving closer toward our 2026 elections with many I’ve talked to hoping that it brings continuity in infrastructure investment and stability to the vocational education and training system that has been in an extended state of change. 

The recent Budget 2026 announcements brought welcome investment in infrastructure, such as the Waikato Expressway extension, rail investment, state highway resilience and energy stability. This signals not only increased activity but also employment and training opportunities across the infrastructure sector as the need to grow our skilled local infrastructure workforce continues to increase. 

The Budget also takes a positive step toward meeting the growing demand for a skilled local workforce, through curriculum changes that introduce more industry-led subjects and increased investment in trades training for Years 11 to 13. This shift is encouraging, as it recognises and supports the more than two-thirds of school leavers who do not pursue a university pathway. 

For Connexis, this shift reflects what we have long understood, vocational pathways play a critical role in building both individual careers and a strong local workforce to support the health and prosperity of New Zealanders through quality-built infrastructure. 

The wider vocational education and training (VET) system continues to evolve through its current redesign. Connexis remains part of the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (EIISB), following the transition out of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST – formally known as Te Pūkenga,) as the government moves to close NZIST. Within this context, Connexis has received strong support from employers and key stakeholders to continue as a national provider for infrastructure work-based training and we are working closely with the EIISB, New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) with the aim to transition out of the EIISB later in 2026. The final approval for the transition out of the EIISB is made by the TEC Board. 

While this work progresses, we want to reassure employers and learners that it is very much business as usual. We continue to support current learners and welcome new enrolments with the confidence that every learner will continue to be supported through to the end of the training programmes and attainment of their qualification. You can keep updated on the vocational education and training developments on our dedicated VET review page here. 

Alongside system changes, our focus remains firmly on supporting delivery of high-quality training and development opportunities. We’ve been pleased by the strong uptake of our Lead Well leadership programmes, delivered both in person and online nationwide. These programmes support not only trade and technical capability but also those moving into leadership roles, providing practical tools and confidence to lead effectively in the workforce. 

Another key initiative in developing resilient leaders is our Connexis Outward Bound scholarships. You can read about the latest recipients in this eNews. It’s inspiring to hear how participants grow and return to their workplaces better equipped to handle challenges. 

June marks our Girls with Hi-Vis® (GWHV) month, now in its 11th year. This nationwide initiative continues to grow, with over 30 host companies across New Zealand, 80 schools and over 800 female schooled students registered to attend this year. Through site visits, practical activities and meeting other females already working in the sector, these events are helping to broaden career horizons and deliver real opportunities as students connect with local infrastructure employers. It’s exciting to see females who first were introduced to infrastructure careers through GWHV, now hosting these events for their employers. Since its launch, we have seen the proportion of Connexis female trade and technical trainees grow from 8% in 2015 to 16%. 

Finally, we recognise the commitment it takes for our learners to be working fulltime while undertaking their training. Balancing work life, home life and study can be challenging. At Connexis we have a number of support mechanisms available. If someone is finding the learning challenging, there are tools and support available including reader/writer assistive technologies and one-on-one support. Please do reach out to your account manager if one of your team are feeling particularly challenged on their learning journey. Or if a learner needs help to find that life balance or support with relationship concerns, or requires financial or legal advice, they can access FREE support through VITAE here. 

As always, thank you for your continued investment and commitment to building and retaining a skilled, capable and resilient infrastructure workforce.  

Ngā mihi

Kaarin Gaukrodger
Connexis Executive Director

The post A word from our Director – June 2026 appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Hands-on work experience is key to connecting young women to the wide variety of career opportunities that exist in traditionally male-dominated infrastructure trades, according to one of the industry’s leading training providers. 

Kicking off this week Girls with Hi-Vis^® (GWHV) is an annual month-long series of events developed by Connexis, infrastructure training provider for the civil construction, energy, telecommunications and water industries. Throughout June every year GWHV sees New Zealand’s major infrastructure employers host female secondary students onsite to demonstrate the career pathways open to them working in fields such as highway construction, power distribution and water treatment.  

While onsite the students are able to try their hand at some of the day-to-day tasks required in different infrastructure trades and hear from other women already building successful and varied careers in the industries. 

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says as well as making more young women aware of career opportunities in infrastructure that they may not have previously considered, GWHV makes an important connection between the value of vocational pathways, offering tertiary qualifications while building a successful career in an industry that offers plenty of pathways for ongoing development. 

“At GWHV events the female students have fun and engage in opportunities to find out what these types of jobs really involve. They see for themselves that they are more than capable of doing this practical, physical work that is crucial to the health and prosperity of their local community.” 

“They also see the skills required and how they are able to gain those skills through work-based training they can complete while working, earning and building their career,” Gaukrodger says. “Most importantly it connects the students with local employers and the Connexis team who can work with both the businesses and the schools to find Gateway work experience placements that can lead to apprenticeships and jobs.” 

GWHV has been running for more than ten years, and Gaukrodger says its success at opening up infrastructure trades to more women is evident in its growth each year and the increase in females undertaking infrastructure training. In 2015 the event began with three Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) companies hosting events and 50 female students in attendance. This year there are 30 events scheduled right around the country, with more than 80 schools and 800 students set to attend. 

“That growth indicates employers and school careers advisors recognise that young women have generally been overlooked as a potential workforce. Many of our schools and employers are also repeat participants which is a good indication of the value they see in the event,” she says. 

Connexis now has its highest-ever number of enrolled female learners; with the proportion of female learners doubling from 8% in 2015 when GWHV was first launched to 16% in 2025. 

“That growth is partly due to the ongoing impact of GWHV,” Gaukrodger says. 

“We are now in the fantastic position of having women working in infrastructure careers who attended a GWHV event and are now passing their knowledge and experiences on to other young women at GWHV events being held by their employer.” 

This year’s GWHV includes a te reo Māori event in Ōtaki on the expressway construction site at Te Pae o Tararua: Ōtaki to north of Levin. 

For a full list of Girls with Hi-Vis® events, inspirational work stories and information, visit the Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis® page.  

Read Azra’s career journey to becoming a line mechanic field supervisor. 

For more information please contact 

Kerri Jackson 

Accento Communications 

kerri@accento.nz 

0220885860 

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 learning across these industries which are vital to keeping New Zealand connected. 

The post Changing the face of who keeps New Zealand connected  appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

“It can be overwhelming when you get all the assessments at once but once you break this down it becomes more manageable,” Rob says. “Have a timeframe for each assessment.” 

Rob, 21, completed his NZ Certificate Surveying (Level 4) ahead of schedule, which he says was made easier by the support he was given by his employer, Taupo-based Energy Surveys. 

“We were given time at the office and resources to get practical and theory tasks, and assessments done. They were open to any questions we had, and helped us understand how to use the equipment,” he says. 

“I didn’t know a whole lot about surveying when I first started. It’s important when you’re coming into a new role to be open-minded and make the most of the opportunities that are given to you.” 

The ability to work outdoors and travel around the country working on key energy assets like dams and power stations was a big part of what appealed to Rob about his role. 

He says the training involved in his qualification has been vital to making his days on the job be productive. “It gives you a better understanding of what and why we do what we do out in the field. It gives meaning and context to my day-to-day job. It’s great to be able to do a qualification while you’re working.” 

Time management was Rob’s biggest challenge through his qualification but says having someone else on his team studying at the same time was a big help. 

“We work away a lot of the time so trying to fit in the office time and collect evidence can be difficult. Studying with someone else meant we could push each other along, and work together at the end of the day. I think it helped us both and we both really didn’t want our training to drag on “ 

“It was really cool to see our qualification progressing quickly while we were also developing skills in our jobs. 

Rob says he was well supported by Connexis through his qualification with Customer Service Account Manager (CSAM) Amy Young regularly checking in to make sure he was staying on track, and assessors offering regular feedback on how assessments had gone. 

“That really helps with motivation, and completing the qualification has helped me in developing confidence and good habits.” . 

Rob says his positive experience gaining his Surveying LG means he is open to further study to keep his career moving forward. “I’d consider doing the diploma in Surveying, but at the moment I’m still looking at my options.”  

Find our more about Connexis Civil qualifications here: https://connexis.org.nz/civil-qualifications/ 

The post Surveying the future  appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Deciding to move here permanently Kyle began working for his uncle at Final Fusion where he is now a water supervisor and foreman, supporting major contractors and working alongside other civil companies to help deliver water infrastructure projects for the small Bay of Plenty contracting company.

Kyle, who completed his NZ Certificate in Pipeline Construction and Maintenance (Level 4) with Connexis, says though he has previous UK experience, training has been a key part of his career in New Zealand. 

“I started off here just learning the fundamentals of what I needed to do in this country, because the standards are completely different.”  

Since then Kyle has gone from strength to strength within the company, and is a huge advocate for the importance of training and its benefits for trainees and small civil businesses – as well as the general public. 

“There are a lot of challenges in the industry and it’s pretty competitive, so being able to train and develop our staff is really important for the business. But it also helps strengthen the civil infrastructure sector and improve the networks the public rely on. At the end of the day, that’s why we do this work — it’s for the public,” he says. 

Training also helps everybody adapt to the needs of the job on the job, which can vary greatly. 

“You need the ability to be able to think on your feet and come up with a solution to the job at hand, while providing the best service that you can.” 

Part of Kyle’s current role is to work with the company’s apprentice as they learn on the job. 

One of the biggest lessons Kyle has learned from working with the Final Fusion team is that there is more than one way to correctly complete a job.  

“There are multiple ways to get to the number 10; or the end result. We all have our own way. As a leader, it’s not necessarily about telling someone how to do it. It’s giving them the opportunity to figure it out as well. At the start of the day you have your briefing, and you might need to lay 12 meters of pipe, but how someone trenches it or where they put their dirt, might be completely different to how you’d do it. So it’s about allowing them to give it a go, or let other people lead as well, because that’s what allows them to develop as a person, and from an apprentice into a leader.” 

For those considering a civil apprenticeship Kyle says it offers great opportunities, though the first six to 12 months can be challenging. 

“The key thing is to just be patient, keep learning, be clear minded and just keep showing up. It’s always going to be hard getting started because you’re figuring out something new, as well as learning about the people around you, but if you’re open-minded and start building a relationship with the team around you, that’s what’s going to help see you through.” 

The post Patience is key to training success appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Instead Azra Wenzlick pivoted toward training as a line mechanic, following in the footsteps of both her father and grandfather. 

“I actually knew about the industry because my granddad, back in the day, was a line mechanic, and then also my dad was a line mechanic. I really enjoy working with other people and having a laugh. It makes the day go by so much quicker,” she says. “Being a team leader does come with a lot more responsibility and pressure because the buck stops with you, but I enjoy that. I’m naturally quite assertive, so I think I fall into that kind of role anyway. Even when I was a line mechanic I was leaning toward this kind of role anyway.” 

Azra, who completed her line mechanic apprenticeship through Connexis and was a member of the Connexis Ultimit first all-women line mechanic crew at Annual Connection, says there are still challenges that come with working in a male-dominated field, and she’s passionate about supporting other women to success. 

“I can’t sugarcoat it and say: ‘It’s fantastic. Everyone loves me all the time.’ I’ve been doing this for quite a while now and there are times that I still feel like I have to prove myself with some people. The people around me aren’t like that, but you do still feel it on site with other people or subcontractors onsite.” 

The most important aspect of having women on a crew is to remember they don’t expect to be protected or treated differently, she says.  

“Sometimes you get guys, who are actually trying to be respectful and helpful, say ‘oh that’s too heavy for you’ or something and want to help, but we actually can and want to do it ourselves. I see both sides, but none of us have chosen this job because we want others to help us through it. We want to stand on our own two feet, and have the chance to show we can do it. 

“Theres a balance in dealing with that between being assertive and being too aggressive. I’m still learning that!” 

She adds that it’s also important to acknowledge the support and confidence boosts she’s had from the men she’s worked with through each stage of her career so far. 

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the men in my company who have backed me and taught me everything I know, especially my manager, Warren. He’s the one who pushed me to do things like Annual Connection, and to just be the best I can be. He created an environment for me to thrive in.”  

Azra’s main piece of advice for any young person considering training as a line mechanic is to make sure they’re enjoying the work. “If you don’t love it at the start you’re probably never going to enjoy it because we do some extreme hours and work in some extreme conditions at times. 

“But I actually think it’s a fantastic and underrated field to work in,” she says. “I love the versatility of it. Once you have a qualification, there’s so many ways you could go with it. We work in beautiful places every day. We work outdoors, and you’re constantly moving, so I think it’s really good for your mental health as well as your physical health.” 

There is also a huge amount of satisfaction to be had from a job well done, she adds. “We’ve had some pretty big storms up in Auckland, where we’ve gone in where everything’s been flattened. By the end of the day, with a few crews working, we have everything back up and running and people are out saying thank you. That’s really satisfying because you can really see what you’ve achieved.” 

The post Leading the way appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

28 April 2026

New Zealand’s energy workforce will showcase the dynamic skills and expertise that power the industry and country at Annual Connection 2026.

Line mechanic crews, cable jointers, and energy trainees from across New Zealand will compete in hands-on challenges that showcase their skills, teamwork, and industry expertise in one high-powered event that puts their real-world skills to the ultimate test.

This year’s Annual Connection will be hosted by Counties Energy at Pukekohe Showgrounds from October 20-22. Over three action-packed days, attendees will tackle hands-on challenges, catch up on the latest industry trends, and excellence will be celebrated.

Managed by Connexis, the leading training provider for New Zealand’s energy sector, this prestigious competition not only displays and celebrates excellence, it also demonstrates to the community how rewarding and varied careers in the energy sector can be.

Connexis executive director Kaarin Gaukrodger says, “It’s fantastic to bring Annual Connection 2026 back to the North Island this year. We’re excited to welcome crews from across the country to Pukekohe. 

“Annual Connection is considered the annual icon event that showcases the electricity supply industry and connects teams and individuals from across New Zealand. These are the people that head out in New Zealand’s worst weather conditions and during emergencies to keep our communities connected, safe and healthy.”

Counties Energy Chief Executive Judy Nicholl says the event is an opportunity to celebrate the people and partnerships behind the industry.

“Annual Connection 2026 is set to be an incredible event. Counties Energy is proud to host this industry showcase in Pukekohe, bringing together the very best in skill, innovation and teamwork, and demonstrating the dedication that drives our sector. We look forward to welcoming crews from across Aotearoa and sharing with our communities a first-hand view of the people and collaboration that keep New Zealand powered, connected and resilient every day.”

Kaarin adds that the nature of work in the energy sector is evolving rapidly.  “Annual Connection gives our crews a chance to not only demonstrate their hands-on expertise and problem-solving skills, but also learn off others from across the motu and see what latest technology and innovations are on offer at the suppliers expo.

“It’s a showcase of the talent and skills powering our industry, and the types of careers that can be built on apprenticeship training and qualifications.”

Annual Connection also has a school’s programme for local school students to learn about possible careers and is open to the public to come and see first-hand these skills in action and support their local lines company.

Entries for Annual Connection 2026 opened on 1 April 2026, with early indications of good support from the industry.  For updates and to see the teams in video action at Annual Connection 2025 visit annualconnection.co.nz

Ends

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 learning across these industries, which are vital to keeping New Zealand connected.

About Counties Energy

As one of New Zealand’s most progressive energy companies, we power everything from homes and businesses, through to new tech innovations and life-changing ideas. But we’re more than just power – we’re a technology and energy business, and as Aotearoa New Zealand transitions to a low carbon future, we’ll continue to lead change to be fully prepared for what’s next.

Stretching coast to coast between southern Papakura and Mercer and west of the Waikato River from Mercer to Waikaretu – we’re proud to have been energising our region for over 100 years.

Our purpose is to power thriving communities, which we will achieve through our vision of unlocking the full energy potential of our region to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

www.countiesenergy.co.nz 

For more information, please contact:
Tracey Mehrtens
Accento Communications
tracey@accento.nz
021 430 606

The post Powering Excellence – NZ’s energy workforce takes centre stage appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Gemma, 28, is a Power Technician with Empowered Technical Services in Waikato, where she’s been for the past two years working in high-voltage (HV) and Medium Voltage (MV) substations. Gemma has completed the NZ Certificate Electrical Supply – Power Technician (L5) through Connexis and, in 2025, was named Advanced Trainee of the Year in the Connexis Energy Trainee Excellence Awards.

Gemma, who entered the electricity supply industry (ESI) as an apprentice electrician, says she never turned back once she discovered how much she loved the work in substations.

“Once I was there I saw a lot of opportunities to further my training. The learning never actually stops.”

That work includes tasks such as relay protection, acceptance, functional, primary and secondary injection testing of high voltage (HV) assets such as circuit breakers, current transformers (CTs), voltage transformers (VTs), and power transformers, ensuring that all equipment meets strict industry standards prior to energisation.

Gemma is particularly passionate about making sure people know there is more to a career as an electrician than working on residential, commercial or industrial buildings.

“There is a general shortage of workers in the supply industry, and people just don’t know there’s this whole flipside to the industry with lots of other avenues you can go down like working in the medium voltage and high voltage sectors.

“I just happened to fall into it, and now I’m never leaving!”

Gemma says the biggest hurdle to completing her level 5 qualification was balancing work, which often requires her to be away, with completing her training, as well as her love of sports and finding time for friends and family.

“Your level 5 Power Technician qualification comes with a big portfolio of work you have to complete, which is difficult to stay on top of at times. It comes down to carefully managing your time, and having good communication with my bosses at work and my sports teams to fit it all in.”

Her biggest piece of advice for others completing the course is to be diligent about keeping a written diary of everything they are doing as part of their job, as they do it. “Even if you do it monthly rather than weekly. The course requires you to have an annual work record, and it’s really hard to think back over the year at the end of it, and remember what you’ve done.

“It might seem frustrating and hard to find the time to do it, but you’ll be grateful you did.”

Has Gemma’s story inspired you to check out a career in infrastructure? Girls with Hi-Vis is running across the country this month, find out more and register your interest in attending here

Find out more about our Connexis Energy qualifications, developed with industry to help our people skill up and achieve nationally recognised qualifications here

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