8 October 2025
They keep the lights on and the jug boiling – now they’re stepping into the spotlight. More than 100 of New Zealand’s best line mechanics and cable jointers are set to show off their world class skills and knowledge as they compete in Annual Connection 2025.
Annual Connection, organised annually by Connexis, the national training provider to the energy sector is a prestigious three-day competition involving a series of skills-based challenges, for line mechanic crews and cable jointers from the country’s electricity supply companies.
The 2025 event is being held at Christchurch’s Canterbury Agricultural Park, 21–23 October, thanks to co-host sponsors Orion, Connetics and EA Networks. It is the largest Annual Connection yet with 16 companies entering line mechanic crews, and 12 cable jointers from nine different power companies.
For the first time the event is also hosting new events including a competition specifically designed for trainee cable jointers, and another aimed at testing the skills of supply industry electrical apprentices.
Connexis executive director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the huge level of interest from power companies around the country is testament to how important Annual Connection is to the Electricity Supply Industry.
“Annual Connection is always extremely well supported when we bring it to the South Island but this year is bigger and better than ever. The Electricity Supply Industry recognises how important this event is to showcase and celebrate the skills and expertise of the people that literally keep New Zealand connected.
“It helps us showcase the challenging and exciting work involved in a career in the Electricity Supply Industry and the skills and experience you can gain through hands-on work-based apprenticeship trades training.”
Annual Connection also opens its doors to schools to give local students the chance to try their hand at some of the skills involved in a career, connect with local employers, and to witness the excitement of skilled competitors in action. “This competition is about more than simply comparing skills and expertise. It is an invaluable opportunity to spotlight our industry, emphasise the importance of electricity safety and industry best practice, and encourage new talent to consider careers in the ESI.
“It’s also an opportunity for our industry to come together and learn from each other in a way that elevates the entire sector for the benefit of New Zealand,” Gaukrodger says.
Each year Annual Connection closes with the Connexis Energy Excellence Awards to celebrate the top competitors as well as the country’s best energy trainees.
“The Excellence Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and commitment our trainees put in to establish their careers. We often see these winners go on to great success in the industry and share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of trainees,” Gaukrodger says
The Orion Group Chief Executive Nigel Barbour says an important aspect of Annual Connection is that it connects people from right across the ESI. “It also brings a recognition and celebration of excellence within our industry that you don’t often see.
“I think in this industry we often fly below the radar. We’re very good at just getting on with it and not seeking recognition. People know we exist but they don’t necessarily know what we do. Annual Connection is an effective way to grow that awareness, and the more of those people we can encourage to come along to the event the better.”
Connetics CE John Thompson says Annual Connection demonstrates the skills needed to work in the ESI as well as the variety and complexity of the work.
“It shows off the fact that you won’t be doing the same thing every day. I think a lot of people get a buzz out of working with others and the skills on display at Annual Connection show the importance of teamwork and how a good crew works together so everyone succeeds and the job gets done. They also show how success is not just about developing the right technical skills, but the right attitude, behaviour and leadership.”
EA Networks CEO Onno Mulder says Annual Connection is a chance to demonstrate a broad range of opportunities in the ESI to a wider range of people.
“It gives our people the ability to share their knowledge and skills with other frontline teams, and learn from them.”
“From an industry growth perspective, Annual Connection is a chance to demonstrate the broad range of opportunities in the sector to a wider range of people, and show how the work we do makes a positive difference in people’s lives.”
For more information:
Kerri Jackson
Accento Communications
0220885860
About Connexis
Connexis arranges, delivers, supports, and assesses work-based learning for the infrastructure industries of Civil, Energy, Telecommunications, and Water. Connexis is a national industry training provider and business division of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.
About Orion
From the Rakaia to the Waimakariri, and from Banks Peninsula to Arthur’s Pass, Orion owns and operates the electricity distribution network that powers central Waitaha Canterbury. We deliver electricity to more than 229,000 homes and businesses across rural areas, regional towns, and the City of Christchurch.
Our purpose is to power a cleaner and brighter future with our community. We’re committed to supporting our region’s economic success while meeting the growing demand for electricity, now and in the future.
About Connetics
At Connetics, we are proud to deliver energy solutions to power a cleaner and brighter future.
We’re passionate about designing, building and maintaining electrical infrastructure across Aotearoa – from street lighting to solar construction.
When combined with our project management services, specialist expertise, and supply and logistics capability, we’re uniquely positioned to provide turn-key solutions for our customers across all commercial and industrial spheres.
About EA Networks
EA Networks is a locally owned co-operative network company based in Mid Canterbury.
Our purpose is to enable our region, by delivering smart, connected, and reliable network solutions that support local economic prosperity and growth.
We are committed to remaining a relevant, agile, and customer-focused organisation that meets the region’s energy needs, while enhancing wellbeing, career opportunities and quality of life in Mid Canterbury.