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

The post Not your everyday electrician appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

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

The post Connexis launches three new Level 4 Temporary Traffic Management micro-credentials appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

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 

The post Through the gateway to employment… appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

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.  

The post Media Release: Connexis opens new leadership pathways to build future infrastructure workforce….. appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

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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