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 …
Wellington, 2 November 2026 Infrastructure training provider Connexis has officially returned to industry ownership, giving the sectors it serves a direct role in guiding the organisation’s future. From today, Connexis will operate as Connexis Inc, an independent, industry-owned and industry-led Private Training Establishment (PTE), with a membership structure and charitable status designed to keep training closely aligned with the workforce …
New Zealand’s top electricity supply industry (ESI) trainees have been named as finalists in the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards for 2026.
“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 …
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 …
“The nerves turned into excitement and focus as soon as the hooter went.” Simon Bayliss, foreman for Top Energy’s winning line mechanic crew at Annual Connection 2024, says with all of the team members new to Annual Connection there were plenty of nerves ahead of the competition start in Te Awamutu. “Our team had a two-week training block prior to …
“People don’t think about this industry much except when the weather’s bad and the power goes off, so Annual Connection is a way to showcase the skills in the industry and recognise some of the best performers.” Rick Johnson has seen some of today’s electricity supply industry top performers and leaders rise through the ranks from being fresh-faced trainees, having …
