For Callum Bryant, one of the biggest attractions of working in the electricity supply sector is the variety. As an operator/maintainer with Genesis Energy in Tekapo, his role can take him from wiring up a pump one day, to controlling the Tekapo scheme as a generation controller the next, with fault-finding and dam surveillance also part of the mix. That …
“I knew I didn’t want to go to university but I loved doing hands-on work and learning in a practical way.”
The answer to that equation for 19-year-old Annabelle Thorpe-Hall was taking on an electrical trade apprenticeship, with ElectriNET, part of the Horizon Energy Group, in Gisborne.
“I was going to become an electrician, but a friend said I talk too much and I’d go nuts if I was working on my own a lot.” 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 …
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 …
Gemma Rose would like you to know there are lots of different ways to be an electrician. 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 …
“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 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 …
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 …
As the country’s top energy sector workers show off their world-class skills at a national competition event in Christchurch next month, two young local women are making their mark. More female competitors are making their presence felt at Annual Connection each year, and this year is no exception with a record number of women registered to take on the challenges …
The big reveal! The list of finalists for the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards, recognising the best and brightest trainees in New Zealand’s Electricity Supply Industry, is out! 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 …
