16 February 2026 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 …
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Connexis supporting Pacific learner success….
Connexis is proud to have supported its first cohort of learners based in the Cook Islands, marking an important milestone in delivering bespoke services off shore. Over the past few years, Connexis worked in partnership with To Tatou Vai Ltd, the state-owned authority responsible for the Cook Island’s water supply, supporting five learners to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Drinking Water Treatment Multi-stage process …
Bound for leadership
“Outward Bound has taught me a lot. It helped me grow my inner voice, giving me the confidence to speak up, just be myself and to not shy away.” 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 …
Celebrating the ESI’s top trainees
Celebrating the ESI’s top trainees 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 …
Connexis trainee support workshops in Rotorua
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 …
A word from our Director – Nov. 2025
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 …
Congratulations to the Connexis Energy Trainee Excellence Awards winners
Congratulations to Hugh Thomson, trainee line mechanic with Counties Energy, who has been named this year’s Overall Trainee of the Year at the Connexis Excellence Awards. Hugh, who has been at Counties Energy since 2022 was also named winner of the Distribution Trainee of the Year. In nominating Hugh for the award Counties Energy described Hugh as going the extra …
Congratulations to our Annual Connection winners
Congratulations to Northland’s Top Energy who have won the Annual Connection line mechanic competition two years in a row! The same team that won in Te Awamutu in 2024 returned to Annual Connection 2025 in Christchurch to triumph again. Congratulations to: Team foreman Simon Bayliss, Michael Kava, Lance Kahotea, trainee Michael Mitchell and team manager Karl Wilson. On their path …
Meet Canterbury Westland’s top excavator operator
Timaru local Sam Burleigh has been named Canterbury Westland’s top excavator operator, taking out first place at the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice Excavator Competition held at Road Metals Quarry in Rolleston on 4 October. The Thompson Engineering 2002 foreman conquered a series of gruelling challenges designed to test precision, skill, and technical know-how – from truck loading to the …
Bringing the energy to win
Northland’s Top Energy are bringing the same line mechanic crew to Annual Connection 2025, which won the competition last year. What do you think the secret was to your success last year?Simon Bayliss (team foreman): “I don’t think there is a secret, but I think for us it was the ability to adapt under pressure. It was not all smooth …