23 October, 2026 New Zealand’s outstanding electricity supply workers have put their skills and expertise to the test in Pukekohe at Annual Connection 2026, showcasing the specialist skills that keep New Zealand connected and powered up. 

Managed annually by Connexis, the national infrastructure industry training provider, and this year hosted by Counties Energy, Annual Connection is a major event for New Zealand’s electricity supply industry. It brings together line mechanic crews and cable jointers from electricity lines companies around the country for a series of challenging, skills-based competitions, alongside opportunities to recognise emerging talent and promote careers in the industry. 

The winning line mechanic crew for 2026 is Top Energy, from Northland, the team’s third consecutive win, while the champion cable jointer is Jacob Linton from Waipā Networks, Waikato. 

The event also showcases the next generation of electricity supply workers through competitions for apprentices currently in training. The 2026 trainee cable jointer competition was won by Anare Elers from PowerNet in Southland, while the winner of the supply industry electrical apprentice competition was Oliver Ormandy from Independent Line Services, Christchurch. 

Annual Connection concluded with the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards, celebrating the country’s outstanding electricity supply industry trainees and the mentors who support their development. 

The overall Trainee of the Year for 2026 is Michael Mitchell, a line mechanic for Top Energy in Northland, also a member of the company’s winning line mechanic team. Mitchell also won the 2026 Distribution Trainee of the Year award. 

Mitchell recently completed his line mechanic apprenticeship through Connexis, and has already begun his second apprenticeship, training as a cable jointer. 

In nominating Mitchell for the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards, Top Energy Field Services Health, Safety, Quality & Risk Manager Anne Mason said Mitchell “consistently demonstrates the qualities, values, and commitment that represent the very best of the electricity distribution industry”.  

“Despite his relatively young age, Michael displays a level of professionalism, maturity, initiative, and dedication that is exceptional among his peers. 

“[Michael] is an outstanding team member because he genuinely values the success of the people around him. He believes that individual performance is a reflection of those who have invested time in teaching and mentoring others, and he actively contributes to a culture of teamwork, respect, and shared success.” 

The complete list of Connexis Energy Trainee Awards winners is: 

• Distribution Trainee of the Year: Michael Mitchell, Line Mechanic, Top Energy, Kerikeri. 

• Transmission Trainee of the Year: Zinzan Coop, Transmission Line Mechanic, Northpower, Hamilton. 

• Generation Trainee of the Year: Callum Bryant, Operator Maintainer, Genesis Energy, Tekapo. 

• Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year: Roy Lewis-Brown, Traction Line Mechanic, Kiwi Rail, Taihape. 

• Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year: Remy McDonald, Utility Arborist, Asplundh, Christchurch. 

• Advanced Trainee of the Year: Jessie King, Power Technician, Omexom, Invercargill. 

• Overall Trainee of the Year: Michael Mitchell, Line Mechanic, Top Energy, Kerikeri. 

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says Annual Connection is an important opportunity to recognise the skills, commitment and professionalism of the people who keep New Zealand’s electricity supply network operating. 

“A lot of the day-to-day work undertaken by these extremely skilled individuals and crews happens out of the public eye yet is essential to ensuring access to infrastructure services that literally keeps the country powered up,” Gaukrodger says. 

“Annual Connection is an important opportunity to showcase the skill involved in that work, as well as the exciting, long-term career pathways those skills, and the training behind them, can lead to.” 

Gaukrodger says an important part of Annual Connection is welcoming local schools, giving students the chance to experience first-hand some of the opportunities a career in the electricity supply industry (ESI) can offer. This year, around 80 students from eight local schools attended the event. 

Connexis was thrilled to have the support of Counties Energy, one of the earliest participants of Annual Connection when it first launched, as host sponsor, Gaukrodger says. A Counties Energy line mechanic crew was also entered in the competition. 

Counties Energy CEO Judy Nicholl says:“We’d like to thank Connexis for delivering an exceptional event and giving the community a chance to see our sector in action. The skill, teamwork and professionalism on display really reflect what makes this industry special.  

“While the technical side may draw newcomers in, it’s the people, shared knowledge and sense of purpose that make a career in this field so rewarding. Congratulations to all the competitors, and thanks to the other sponsors, volunteers and everyone who helped make the event such a success.” 

Gaukrodger says: “A huge thank you to Counties Energy for being the host sponsor of Annual Connection 2026 and for helping make this iconic industry event possible. Their support demonstrates a real commitment to the electricity supply industry and to recognising and promoting the community that ensures reliable access to power for all New Zealanders.  

“Thank you also to all our sponsors, industry employers, suppliers and the individuals who volunteer their time and for getting behind Annual Connection each year. The event relies on the industry coming together to share its expertise, support trainees and apprentices, showcase career opportunities to the wider community, and celebrate excellence. That collective commitment is vital to building the skilled workforce our industry needs for the future.” 

www.annualconnection.co.nz 

www.connexis.org.nz 

Annual Connection 2026 placings: 

Line mechanic competition 

Winner: Top Energy 

2^nd place: Waipā Networks 

3^rd place: Omexom 

Cable jointer competition: 

Winner: Jacob Linton, Waipā Networks 

2^nd place: Jarod Simmonds, Omexom 

3^rd place: Garth Leslie, Alpine Energy 

Trainee Cable Jointer Competition 

Winner: Anare Elers, PowerNet Ltd, Southland 

Supply Industry Electrical Apprentice Competition 

Winner: Oliver Ormandy, Independent Line Services, Christchurch 

For additional information: 

Please contact 

Kerri Jackson 
Accento Communications 
022 088 5860 
kerri@accento.nz 

About Connexis 

Connexis supports work-based learning for New Zealand’s infrastructure industries, including civil, energy, telecommunications and water. It works with employers and learners to develop the skills and capability needed to build, maintain and operate the country’s essential infrastructure. 

The post New Zealand’s top electricity supply workforce power up their own spotlight  appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Media Release from: Connexis 

New Zealand’s top electricity supply industry (ESI) trainees have been named as finalists in the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards for 2026. 

These annual awards recognise the country’s standout ESI trainees across seven different categories, as nominated by their employers.  

This year, 20 industry trainees from some of the country’s leading energy companies have been named as finalists in the categories of Transmission Trainee of the Year, Distribution Trainee of the Year, Generation Trainee of the Year, Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year, Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year and Advanced Trainee of the Year. Of these categories, one winner will also be named Overall Trainee of the Year (this year sponsored by Connetics). 

Another three ESI workers have also been named as finalists in the Leadership in Electricity Supply Industry Training Award, which recognises those who go above and beyond in training others and helping them succeed. 

2026 has also seen the introduction of a new Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year category, recognising the vital skills of utility arborists, who keep key ESI assets safely clear of vegetation. 

See the full list of finalists below. 

Set up and championed by Connexis, New Zealand’s leading training provider to the energy sector and other infrastructure industries such as civil, telecommunications and water, these awards are designed to shine a light on the future leaders of the electricity supply industry. 

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the awards offer a unique opportunity to recognise the achievements of these industry trainees and celebrate them in front of their industry peers, employers – and maybe future employers.  

“Over the years we’ve seen dedicated and hard-working trainees celebrated at these awards who have then gone on to become leaders in the industry,” Gaukrodger says. 

“We know that training can be challenging as people balance work and family commitments while meeting the requirements of their programmes. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate those who are succeeding, while also inspiring and motivating others on the same journey by showing them what’s possible.” 

The Connexis Energy Trainee Award winners will be announced at an awards dinner in Pukekohe on October 22, marking the close of the Annual Connection three-day industry skills competition, managed by Connexis. 

Over October 20-22, Annual Connection, this year hosted by Counties Energy at Franklin A&P Showgrounds in Pukekohe, will see line mechanic crews, cable jointers and supply electricians compete in a series of competitions designed to showcase the skills and expertise they use to keep New Zealand connected. 

Gaukrodger says: “It’s fantastic to bring Annual Connection 2026 to the North Island again this year. We’re excited to welcome crews from across the country to Pukekohe.   

“Annual Connection is a great opportunity for the electricity supply industry to demonstrate how good they are and to connect with each other in one high-voltage celebration.” 

Counties Energy Chief Executive Judy Nicholl says hosting Annual Connection for the first time is an incredible opportunity to support the industry and showcase the work it does every day, both within local communities and across the country.  

“This year feels like a true milestone. Hosting it on our own patch is our way of celebrating the skill and grit our teams bring to work every day, while helping the wider industry become stronger and more resilient together.” 

Connexis Energy Trainee Awards finalists: 

Find out more: 

connexis.org.nz

annualconnection.co.nz

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.   

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

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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

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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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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 sailing for us, but we supported each other. Safety was always in front of our minds, but it was really the way the team pulled together when it got challenging. We needed to stay calm, positive, and adjust quickly. I think that’s what got us over the line in the end.”

What prompted the team to want to compete together again this year?
Lance Kahotea: “Talking amongst ourselves, we agreed we loved our time at the Annual Connection competition; the atmosphere, and the chance to meet new people from the industry. Overall, it’s a great experience.

What does it mean to be returning champions?
Micheal Kava: “As returning champions, there is always added pressure to perform and win. I’m sure it will be no different this year for us or for the other teams competing, as everyone will want to do well. The main thing for us is to give it our best and enjoy the experience again.”

What does the team love about competing at Annual Connection?
Michael Mitchell (trainee): “The team enjoyed the different events and the event’s ability to bring different companies together. It is just as much as an opportunity to meet other lineys and see different equipment used, as it is a great competition. As a team, we really enjoyed the whole Annual Connection experience.”

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The winners will be announced at the Connexis Excellence Awards Dinner, being held on 23 October at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. Who will take out the top accolade of Trainee of the Year?

Good luck to all the finalists who are:

Transmission Trainee category:
Dylan Watson, Omexom, Otematata
Callum Fowden, Ventia, Upper Hutt
Dylan Ngahooro, Ventia, Upper Hutt

Generation Trainee category:
Caitlin Manickum, Mercury Ltd, Taupo
Callum Bryant, Genesis Energy Ltd, Tekapo
Fiona Glennie, Meridian Energy, Twizel

Advanced Trainee category:
Gemma Rose, Empowered Technical Services, Ngaruawahia
Mitch van Waelsden, MainPower NZ Ltd, Kaiapoi

Distribution Trainee Category:
Harley Farnham, Buller Networks, Westport
Harvey Mitchell, Ventia NZ Ltd, Hamilton
Hugh Thomson, Counties Energy, Manukau
Tom Anderson, ElectroNet, Greymouth

Traction Line Mechanic category:
Robert Ngawharau, KiwiRail, Auckland.

Contribution to training and development:
Andree Curly James, Ventia NZ Ltd, Auckland
David Haydock, Genesis Energy Ltd, Huntly
Paul Bryant, Genesis Energy, Tekapo

What is Annual Connection?
Annual Connection, managed by Connexis, is an annual three-day competition showcasing and celebrating the skills and expertise of New Zealand’s Electricity Supply Industry (ESI). It sees line mechanic crews and cable jointers from around the country compete in a series of challenges that put their workplace skills to the test.

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the training provider is thrilled to be bringing Annual Connection back to Christchurch, which last hosted the event in 2018.

“Bringing Annual Connection to Christchurch creates a fantastic opportunity to gather our ESI companies centrally in the South Island. There is nothing quite like this event to showcase the skill in our ESI workforce, while demonstrating to the community how rewarding and varied careers in the energy sector can be.

“It will be great to see the different teams, as well as suppliers and supporters, from all over New Zealand gather in Christchurch to test their skills against each other over the three-day competition.”

Annual Connection makes its return to the South Island this year with help from three host companies: Orion, EA Networks, and Connetics Ltd.

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