Connexis
1^st April 2026

Connexis launches three new Level 4 Temporary Traffic Management micro-credentials

Connexis has launched three new Level 4 Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) micro-credentials, available from today. Connexis is the first provider in New Zealand to offer these new credentials.

Micro-credentials are short, NZQA-recognised training programmes of between five and 40 credits. They can contribute towards a full qualification or provide targeted training in specialised skills.

These new micro-credentials support the sector’s transition from a compliance-based approach to a risk-based framework for temporary traffic management, in line with the 2023 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management.

“The new micro-credentials will support frontline Temporary Traffic Management learners and builds on Connexis’ existing suite of Temporary Traffic Management micro-credentials launched in late 2024 and mid-2025,” says Kaarin Gaukrodger, Executive Director – Connexis. “Through this work, we continue to support workforce capability and safer outcomes across the infrastructure sector.”

Connexis new Level 4 micro-credentials:

Micro-credential in Temporary Traffic Management: Foundation Specialisation Requirements (Level 4)
NZQA reference 5285-1

Designed for people who need foundational knowledge of the Temporary Traffic Management system, including its principles, roles, and regulatory requirements, to support safe TTM practices.

Micro-credential in Temporary Traffic Management: Monitoring TTM Controls (Level 4)
NZQA reference 5286-1

Designed for people who are currently working in Temporary Traffic Management who are responsible for monitoring and maintaining static TTM controls to ensure safety, and quality assurance on worksites.

Micro-credential in Temporary Traffic Management: Mobile Supervision (Level 4)
NZQA reference 5287-1

Designed for people who supervise mobile operations in the Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) industry and who manage the risk and supervise the deployment of personnel and equipment to deliver a safe mobile operation.

These credentials further strengthen Connexis’ suite of temporary traffic management learning programmes which can be found here,

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.

Connexis | Infrastructure Training

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This hands-on experience in an infrastructure role while he was still at school has opened doors for Northland’s Halen Pihema. 

In 2025, while still a student at Broadwood Area School in the Far North, Halen completed a Connexis Gateway programme, working with Map Projects. The skills he gained through Gateway, which saw him work onsite with Map Projects for part of the week, then helped Halen find a job with civil contracting company Solid Civil Solutions. 

“At the start of school last year my School Gateway Co-ordinator Tanya King, gave me some options of what to study and there was a career option, so I chose that. Then she asked if I wanted to try some work experience as part of that, so she got hold of the Gateway programme.” 

A civil construction career appealed as Halen has his sights set on gaining his heavy vehicle licenses so he can operate onsite heavy machinery like diggers and trucks. Halen says the infrastructure Worksites Level 3 Gateway Programme he gained through Gateway has given him a great start to those career goals, and definitely opened the door to his current job by giving him important basic skills. 

“It covered a lot of health and safety stuff, as well as things like how to read technical documents like site plans. One of the best parts of the training is knowing how to read all that. When I started and first looked at documents like that I didn’t know anything so it’s pretty cool to be able to read them and understand them.”  

Find out more about the range of Connexis Gateway programmes available here 

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Kia ora koutou,
 
As of January 1, Connexis has been operating within the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (EIISB), following the announcement of the disestablishment of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST – formerly known as Te Pūkenga). This is our temporary home as work-based training heads back to industry ownership. 

I would like to thank our employers and learners for the written support provided for Connexis to continue as your national training provider. You can be confident in continuing to enrol in our training programmes and we will be here now and, in the future, to ensure industry has the skills required to build and maintain quality infrastructure for our communities.  

At Connexis we continue with business as usual, enrolling and supporting learners and continuing to develop and improve our products and services, and behind the scenes we are working with our industry partners on the next steps in the return to industry ownership. Part of this is the establishment of a new legal entity that we can transition Connexis from the EIISB to. This new entity will be the future home for Connexis as an industry owned and led Private Training Establishment (PTE). 

Today we are excited to share that the new entity has been established – Connexis Inc, with industry partners Civil Contractors New Zealand, Electrical Engineers Association and Water New Zealand, joining as founding members. An application has also been lodged with NZQA for PTE status for Connexis Inc. There are still some key steps to undertake before we can transition into the new entity, and our aim is for Connexis to be operating as a industry owned and led PTE in 2027. If you would like to understand more about this transition, we are keeping our Vocational Education and Training page updated on our website and you can visit here. 

 
I’m sure you’ll also be pleased to hear that while there is work being undertaken on these administrative challenges, the Connexis team are focused on improving our training programmes and support to our employers and learners, with learner success as our key driver. 
 
Our work programme for the year is well underway, with organisation of our 2026 high-profile national initiatives and events like Girls with Hi-Vis®, due to be hosted around the country in June, and Annual Connection which will be hosted by Counties Energy in October, in motion. 
 
Registrations have now closed for our sought-after Outward Bound scholarships and we look forward to announcing this year’s recipients soon. These opportunities are another way we help support learners with leadership and personal development skills as they continue into the next stages of their career. 
 
In 2026 we will further support leadership development with a series of half day Lead Well workshops running March to May. Designed to work alongside initiatives like one-to-one mentoring and our Vitae counselling services, these workshops equip learners with practical leadership tools they can apply immediately, in their training, on the job, and in their personal lives. 

 
Finally, as we near the end of our Q1, I’d invite you to consider talking to your CSAM and local high schools about the possibility of taking on Gateway learners. Building a relationship with your local schools who hold your future workforce of motivated students is a tried and tested way to secure good apprentices and future industry stars. 

 
I wish you all the best for a successful year ahead and look forward to continuing our work with you. 

Ngā mihi

Kaarin Gaukrodger
Connexis Executive Director

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

For Courtney Inglis, a trainee line mechanic with Omexom in Auckland, making the most of the support around her, and “being open to constructive criticism or different ways of doing things,” has been key to her own success.  

Courtney, 29, who is in the final stages of her programme before qualifying, wanted to be a line mechanic when she was fresh out of high school, but, on the advice of her dad who also worked in the industry, she tried her hand at a few other things first. 

“He just thought I needed to grow a little bit more and try out different things. I actually started my degree in early childcare but realized that it wasn’t really for me. Then, later in my 20s, my dad was the one that said that there was a training intake happening at Omexom and suggested I give it a go.  

“By then I wasn’t sure it was for more because I had changed a lot, but I honestly fell in love with it.”  

Courtney says that coming to her career as a line mechanic after trying other things has given her the confidence to stand her ground in what is still a male-dominated industry. 

“I do think having a few life lessons helps. You need a thicker skin at times,” she says. “The part I’ve found most challenging is when people underestimate what I can do. I know what I’m capable of and I don’t shy away from something that might seem too hard or too heavy. I think, as a female in this industry you just have to give everything a go.”  

When trainees are allowed to prove what they can do, it also makes it easier for them to ask for help when they need it, she adds. 

For Courtney, another two women have been key in her success so far. The first is Azra Wenlick, who came up through the ranks as a trainee at Omexom and is now a team leader.   

“She’s been the biggest role model for me, just in how she leads and supports her whole team as well as the female trainees. She really wishes the best for the females in the industry.” 

Courtney was also teamed with Azra in the 2025 Omexom Annual Connection line mechanic crew, in which she was the trainee, and Azra the team manager. The team won two individual events, the pole top rescue and the crane, and was placed second overall. 

“I had the time of my life. Being part of the Annual Connection team is the best opportunity for a trainee. It’s really stressful but I had the best support from the team and it was just the most fun I’ve had. Just being selected on the crew is a real confidence boost. You know you must be doing something right!” 

The other woman who’s had a role in Courtney’s success is her Connexis Customer Service Account Manager (CSAM), Kim Stuart, who’s “been amazing”, Courtney says. “Anytime I’ve needed anything she’s happy to help and she comes in for regular checks to make sure we’re on track with everything.” 

With her qualification exams looming, Courtney is feeling confident and excited about what the future holds. “I feel like the rest of my career will be forever changing. You never get to a point where you know everything and there’s always ways to improve, so I’ll always be learning, which is great. Plus the views from some of the places you work are amazing!”

The post Celebrating International Women’s Day 8th March – Courtney’s story appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Connexis is securing the future capability of New Zealand’s infrastructure workforce by providing trainees with a range of new professional development opportunities designed to support trainees and apprentices as they advance into leadership roles.  

In 2026, this includes a new pilot programme of free regional Lead Well workshops, alongside the established and highly sought-after Connexis Outward Bound professional scholarships, one-to-one mentoring supports and Vitae wellbeing services.  

Kaarin Gaukrodger, Executive Director – Connexis says: “As New Zealand’s infrastructure sector continues to grow, the need for confident, capable and resilient leaders has never been greater. This is why we are working hard to support leadership development. It’s critical to retaining people in the workforce and building long-term capability.” 

Lead Well workshops – practical leadership support, close to home  

The Lead Well workshops are designed for Connexis learners who lead others, formally or informally, and want practical tools they can apply immediately. 

Delivered as half-day, in-person sessions in regional locations, the workshops focus on supporting leaders to manage their own wellbeing while strengthening wellbeing within their teams. Kicking off March through May for in-person sessions, shorter online sessions are also available for flexible options.  

Outward Bound scholarships – immersive leadership development  

Registrations are also open for 2026 Connexis Outward Bound Professional scholarships. This five-day residential programme supports current and aspiring leaders to build resilience, adaptability, confidence and self-awareness through a series of physical and mental challenges.  

The scholarship is available to Connexis learners who have been training with Connexis for at least six months, demonstrate leadership potential in the workplace and meet Outward Bound eligibility requirements.  

Together, the Lead Well workshops and Outward Bound scholarships provide flexible leadership development options, allowing learners to engage at the right time and in ways that best suit their experience, goals and circumstances. 

• Find out more about the Connexis Lead Well workshops here 

• Read about participant Catherine’s Outward Bound journey here, and register for the 2026 programme.  

Media contact:  

Tracey Mehrtens 

021 430 606 

tracey@accento.nz  

www.connexis.org.nz 

About Connexis 

Connexis arranges, delivers, supports, and assesses work-based learning for the infrastructure industries of Civil, Energy, Telecommunications, and Water. Connexis works with industry to develop and provide programmes that are nationally recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and are delivered through on-job training with options for campus and online learning.  

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To support learner success, Connexis developed a tailored learning plan that recognised both the learners’ workplace context and their limited prior experience with online learning. The programme included fortnightly online tutorials led by Connexis Water Treatment Consultant Martyn Simpson, who provided encouragement, structure, and motivation to help learners stay on track with workbooks and agreed timelines. 

“This collaborative approach aligned well with the learners’ strengths, as they were accustomed to working together as a group,” says Kate Wallace Quality Assurance Manager. “One learner naturally stepped into a mentoring role, helping others link their learning to practical workplace experience.” 

Regular engagement with To Tatou Vai Ltd was a key contributor to the programme’s success. Connexis worked closely with the learners’ manager, with monthly progress meetings involving the Connexis Quality Assurance Manager and a Customer Service Account Manager. These conversations reinforced the importance of giving learners dedicated time and resources to study while learning on the job. 

After completing their online learning, the learners travelled to Wellington to attend a four-day block course. Connexis worked to provide pastoral care, ensuring learners were well supported during their stay, including accommodation. In partnership with Wellington Water, Connexis also arranged a site visit so learners could complete one of their compulsory Level 4 assessments at a working water treatment facility. 

In June 2025, Connexis Water Treatment Consultant Martyn Simpson travelled to the Rarotonga to conduct onsite assessments of all five learners. Every learner successfully completed their assessment and attained the qualification, a testament to their commitment and the strength of the support around them. 

“We are grateful for all the assistance and support we have received in enabling our learners to complete and attain this qualification.”- Ringi Tumutoa, HR Admin, To Tatou Vai Ltd. 

This initiative reflects Connexis’ commitment to high-quality pastoral care and inclusive learning pathways for all learners. As part of its Code of Pastoral Care, Connexis continues to develop and strengthen opportunities that support diverse learners. 

* The Cook Islands is a self-governing state in ‘free association’ with New Zealand, with a population of around 25,900.

Images: Learners Patricia Taea and Wilson Rau at the Greytown Water Treatment plant working on their Chlorine Assessment with one of our contracted onsite Water Treatment Assessors, Nick Hewer-Hewitt.

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For Cathrynn Schwalger (Pictured above second from left, top row), a 28-year-old, HV trainee electrician for Omexom, the Connexis Outward Bound scholarship offered the opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and push herself to achieve new things.

Cathrynn, who has been training through Connexis with Omexom for the past two years, first heard about the Outward Bound scholarship through another trainee. “I remember students from when I was in high school doing this course and they said they really enjoyed it.

Before I went I thought it involved a lot of physical activity, like a sports camp. That was partly why I wanted to apply for the scholarship, so I can have some fun playing some sports but I also wanted to apply because I saw the course was based around leadership and that is something I really wanted to grow strong in, especially in an industry dominated by males. I wanted to make sure I had the ability to be heard in a room full of experienced workers.”

Cathrynn says her time at the five-day Outward Bound Professional programme helped her find that confidence she wanted.

“Firstly, I learned that Outward Bound was more than a sports camp! The programme taught me the importance of taking risks and seizing opportunities to challenge myself.

“I am a very quiet, observant person which was noticed by the instructors. They gave me advice on how I can enhance my skills to grow my leadership. They are all things I would love to apply in my work life like speaking up and challenging myself.”

The biggest challenge of the course for Cathrynn came in the middle of the course.

“That was the self-reflection challenge. Being in a space with no distraction and  no way to tell time. It made me think deeply and actually focus on myself. But getting through that was also a highlight of the course.

“I felt I overcame all my doubts and fears once I had completed it. Another highlight I enjoyed was meeting the others in my group. We all held different types of leadership skills but all had a way of communicating smoothly with each other.”

Cathrynn says she loves working in her trade, because it’s hands-on and allows her to actively engage with her work. She also values the opportunities, like the Connexis Outward Bound scholarship, to grow.

“ I value the abundant opportunities there are to upskill, learn something new, and continuously expand my knowledge in a field that is both challenging and rewarding.”

She also highly recommends the Outward Bound Professional programme. “Definitely take up the opportunity to do the Outward Bound course, it can change you for the better.”

• For the past three years Connexis has offered scholarships each year to learners to take part in the five-day Outward Bound Professional course. The aim of these scholarships is to help grow an infrastructure workforce in New Zealand that has strong, visionary leadership for the future. The Outward Bound course is structured for current and aspiring leaders of any industry by testing resilience, adaptability, confidence and self-awareness through a series of activities. These scholarships have been possible through a grant to Connexis from the Infrastructure Education and Training Charitable Trust.
• Keep an eye out for more information on upcoming scholarship opportunities for 2026 at www.connexis.org.nz/scholarships.

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Every year at the Connexis Energy Trainee Excellence Awards we celebrate those trainees working in the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) around the country who demonstrate great willingness to learn, and who are working hard to build themselves a successful career.

Finalises are chosen in five trainee categories, based on nominations from employers. Winners are then chosen in each category, with one winner then named Overall Trainee of the Year.

This year’s Overall Trainee winner was Hugh Thomson, from Counties Energy, who also won Distribution Trainee of the Year.

As well as celebrating the winners of The Connexis Energy Trainee Excellence Awards we’d also like to shine a light on all the finalists, who were nominated by trainers, supervisors and senior executives in their companies for their hard work and commitment – to both their training and their jobs. We look forward to seeing how all of them progress in their ESI careers.

2025 Connexis Energy Trainee Excellence Awards finalists:

Transmission Trainee of the Year

Callum Fowden, Transmission Line Mechanic and Utility Arborist, Ventia

Winner

“I wanted to pursue this career as I love getting outdoors and this job has so many opportunities for seeing new parts of the country. All the opportunities this career comes with were right up my alley.

“A highlight of my training so far has been all the great people I have met along the way and learning all about how the industry works, one of the biggest highlights would be all the great friends I’ve made along the way.

“One of the challenges of the training so far would be figuring out rigging and working out all the rigs at the yard before heading out to site for the day’s task.

“I just love getting out there and giving everything. Whenever there’s something new to try I’m always the first to put my hand up to give it a go.”

Dylan Watson, trainee electrician, Omexom

“I’ve always loved working on computers; taking old broken desktops and combining them to make something that works better than the original version. It translated well into electrical distribution, as we work on lots of protection equipment, transformer control boards, motor control boards and things like that where I get to apply my prior knowledge of fault finding, testing and unleashing my ADHD on wire looming.

“A highlight of my training is being able to see my improvements in cable management and routing on systems I wire. Looking from the first board I wired to the ones I’m wiring now the difference is clear and I’m able to take pride in the systems I wire now.

“The best part of my job is working in a field that can’t accurately be defined as domestic/industrial/distribution. Substation maintenance has us working on a 220kv disconnecter, rewiring the control board for the motor one day. The next day rewiring an office building, installing a new lvac switchboard, and the next wiring s.e.l relays into a new panel, then completing scheduled maintenance and testing on a 350kv dc filter bank.”

Dylan Ngahooro, trainee transmission line mechanic, Omexom

“I previously worked in the industry as a tower structure maintainer and decided I wanted to build my skills and learnings within the transmission industry.

“A highlight of training so far has been my work mates putting in the time to teach me and give me feedback on how to further my skills as a transmission lineman. Since we work on such a broad mix of tasks, it can be tricky to hang on to certain learnings, especially for the ones we don’t do very often but I enjoy the physically demanding and the mental aspects of it.”

Distribution Trainee of the Year

Hugh Thomson, trainee line mechanic, Counties Energy

Winner, and winner of Overall Trainee of the Year, 2025

“I was doing civil work for distribution/transmission and I thought this job looked awesome and interesting with all the climbing and building lines so I decided to give it a go and try to upskill.

“The best part of training is starting to make sense of everything like pole designs, testing and switching; putting all the training and knowledge together while on site or on a shutdown.

It can be a challenge to remember things as there’s quite a lot of different tasks that you might not do everyday, to remember; lots of plants and equipment to learn, as well as knots and rigging – all while under pressure. But I love working with good people at Counties Energy, having armour rod or knot competitions between each other and having a laugh.”

Tom Anderson, trainee line mechanic, Electronet

“I was interested in this job because it was really hands-on, and  needed different skills every day. With this job you’re never in the same place and I love it.

“That’s also been a highlight of my training so far – the diverse work; from stringing wire with a helicopter, to doing low voltage fusses and pillar boxes. I don’t think I could have one highlight the whole career path had been wicked, and I’ve loved working towards being qualified.

“The only challenges I’ve come across through my training would be the paperwork. I’m definitely a more hands on person but thankfully, I’ve been able to seek advice from others and knuckle down to achieve all the written work.

“The best part of my job is being able to wake up and not go work in a factory or McDonalds, but to be able to explore the West Coast and work in a job where you don’t know where you’re going to be the next day.”

Harvey Mitchell, trainee line mechanic, Ventia

In nominating him for the award Harvey’s employers said: “Harvey is known for his unmatched self-motivation and go-getter attitude. He is not afraid to challenge the status quo or respectfully pull up even the most experienced team members when something is not right. Whether he is talking to CEOs, customers, or members of the public, Harvey brings the same level of confidence, clarity, and professionalism.

“What truly sets him apart is his ability to connect with everyone. Harvey engages with the whole team, no matter who you are, making everyone feel heard and valued.”

Harley Farnham, electrician, Buller Networks

“I enjoy hands-on work and wanted a job where I could learn useful skills and help keep the power on. Through training I like seeing my skills improve and being trusted with more responsibility. The challenge has been getting used to the early starts and tough coastal weather, but I love the variety of jobs and locations.”

Traction Trainee of the Year

Robert Ngawharau, traction line mechanic, KiwiRail

Winner

In nominating Robert for the award his employers KiwiRail said he is a mentor to other trainees and takes responsibility for his work and actions. “He communicates clearly with his team to make sure they understand their tasks and plans. He asks questions to avoid mistakes.”

Generation Trainee of the Year

Fiona Glennie, trainee power technician, Meridian Energy

Winner

“I grew up on a permaculture farm with a hybrid battery backed solar/wind set-up which my father installed, so I’ve always been surrounded by power generation, albeit on a far smaller scale.

“My first week in the job I had the chance to peek at the insides of one of the main unit transformers at Manapouri Power Station and I feel pretty lucky to be in the industry at a time when a lot of equipment is being upgraded and refurbished.

“I’ve enjoyed learning how to navigate working with colleagues across different business units. It’s been a new experience working with people I haven’t necessarily met and roles I don’t know well.

“It is pretty incredible to be in a role where my whole job is to learn. I’m very grateful to be in that position while being surrounded by so many colleagues, teams and contractors with many, many years of experience and stories that they are more than willing to share.”

Caitlin Manickum, generation electrical apprentice, Mercury Energy

“I wanted to pursue this career because the idea of electrical work sounded fulfilling and an area for me to exercise my problem solving skills while constantly learning new things.

“One of the highlights of training for me has been the opportunity to be involved in full station overhauls and one the challenges has been understanding all the different systems used in generation.

“The best part of my job is that there are new learning opportunities for me every day and I am fortunate to work with a very supportive team.”

Callum Bryant, operator/maintainer, Genesis Energy

“I wanted a career path that made me think, whilst being able to work with my hands.

“One of the highlights of my training has been being able to see inside Tekapo A during a four-yearly outage. I enjoy being able to make improvements to an old plant and keep it running.”

Advanced Trainee of the Year

Gemma Rose, junior power technician, Empowered Technical Services

Winner

“I was really interested in learning more of the technical side to this industry and seeing where it would take me. A highlight has been the variety of work and the fact there is always something more to learn.

“I really enjoy working with the other people in my company, which has a great culture. We also have many experienced technicians who are always willing to teach and share their knowledge with you.”

Mitch van Waelsden, trainee technician, Mainpower NZ Ltd

“I pursued this role because I wanted to further my understanding and knowledge of the power system as a whole. The highlight of training is applying your new skills to the job, and a highlight of the job is the variation of work and the places you get to see.”

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Over the last three months, Te Ara Tautoko Support Pathway trainee support workshops have been running across the country, offering mentoring and practical support to help trainees progress in their apprenticeships.

Connexis CSAM Amy Young has worked closely with Rotorua Lakes District Council, arranging workshops for their trainees and opening them to other local companies.

Two successful workshops have been delivered so far. The sessions were led by mentor Mark Baldock, who helped make the learning accessible and practical.

Trainees shared how valuable the workshops were:
● “Having a few more courses during the year will be beneficial for everyone – I was able to complete multiple units in one day.”
● “The tutor made every question easy to understand, which made each workbook easy to complete.”
● “The workshops helped me understand the requirements and shorten my answers – I feel more confident moving forward.”

These workshops are part of our ongoing commitment to supporting trainees to succeed, gain skills, and achieve their goals. We look forward to continuing these sessions throughout the year to benefit even more trainees.

For more information on the workshops, including how you or your trainees can get involved, please contact your local CSAM.

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Kia ora koutou,
 
Thank you for your continued support as we head toward the end of another big year and rapidly approaching the next stage of changes to the setup of vocational education and training (VET) within New Zealand. We are currently preparing Connexis to transition out of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST – formally known as Te Pūkenga) and into the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (ISB) on 01 January 2026.

Like the other transitions that have occurred since 2021, our focus is on ensuring no interruption to Connexis training programmes and qualifications, and no changes to the services we provide to our learners and employers. We will continue to take new enrolments across all our training programmes in the Civil, Electricity Supply, Telco and Water industries and ensure learners are well supported through to completion of their training programme to attain their qualification.

Our ISB is one of eight being established by the Government, to be gazetted as standard setting bodies, replacing the previous Workforce Development Councils. This is a holding place for Connexis and the other work-based learning divisions exiting NZIST, providing time for industry to take back ownership and leadership of industry training.

As part of industry training returning to industry, we are working with the TEC transition team on the plan for Connexis’ move out of the ISB. As part of this, TEC wants to hear from our customers as to whether you support Connexis continuing as your national training provider and transition into an industry owned and led private training establishment (PTE). As such, we will be coming out to seek written support for this.

You can find more information on the VET Review page on our website.

While the VET changes are a distraction, we continue to deliver our industry focused activities and review and improve our training programmes and delivery.

Connexis has just wrapped up another incredibly successful Annual Connection, the iconic Electricity Supply Industry competition that spotlights the skilled workforce and rewarding careers available. The event was held in Christchurch, and while we entered a state of emergency, everyone managed to pack up safely and there was a bonus having north island line mechanic crews in the south, as some stayed back to help the local companies respond to network faults.

Connexis is also thrilled to announce a new cohort of recipients of the Connexis Outward Bound and Whenua Iti scholarships. We are incredibly proud to offer these scholarships each year, as they provide our future industry leaders with incredible skills they can carry into all areas of their life.

Finally, I’d also like to draw your attention to a life-changing pilot training programme Connexis has been running in partnership with Corrections NZ at Whanganui Prison. This programme puts prisoners through training for the NZ Certificate of Infrastructure Works (level 3). At Connexis we are strong believers in the power education and training can have in changing people’s lives. It’s about giving people from all backgrounds the opportunity to obtain a qualification, feel successful, and take with them tools that will positively impact their future.

As the year comes to a close, I wish you all a safe and happy summer and look forward to working closely with you all in 2026.

Ngā mihi

Kaarin Gaukrodger
Connexis Executive Director

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