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	<title>Energy Archives &#8211; Connexis | Infrastructure Training</title>
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	<description>Connexis is New Zealands Infrastructure Training Provider.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2026 21:39:44 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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	<title>Energy Archives &#8211; Connexis | Infrastructure Training</title>
	<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/tag/energy/</link>
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	<item>
		<title>Variety, value-add and opportunity: Callum Bryant’s award-winning career </title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/callum-bryant/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agate]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2026 21:39:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Annual Connection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=38239</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>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.&#160; That ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/callum-bryant/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/callum-bryant/">Variety, value-add and opportunity: Callum Bryant’s award-winning career </a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That diversity, and the opportunity to take ownership of plant, is what makes the work so rewarding. “There is a broad range of hands-on roles that are very mentally stimulating. My role is very diverse,” he says.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Callum’s approach to learning and taking responsibility has helped him earn the title of Generation Trainee of the Year at the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards 2026.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Originally from Omarama, Callum has already completed his NZC Electricity Supply in Operation (Level 4) through Connexis, New Zealand’s Infrastructure Training Provider, alongside his Tekapo Operator Maintainer competency. He is now trusted to run outages in the power stations, an opportunity that provides both valuable experience and evidence for his electrical apprenticeship assessments.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“These are very rewarding and also provide opportunities to gather the evidence required for many of the on-job assessments in my electrical apprenticeship,” he says.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Callum, winning the award has meant having that hard work recognised. “We work in an industry where great work is usually expected rather than celebrated. To have the hard work I&#8217;ve put into my training recognised alongside such a strong group of competitors is awesome!”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">His advice to other apprentices is to think about the contribution they can make wherever they are working. “Every time you walk into a room, figure out what value you add.” He also encourages trainees to learn from everyone around them, including people who demonstrate what not to do, as well as those who show them the right way.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And he believes developing good habits makes a real difference. “The amount of effort required to do your study and job well is likely only 10% more than it takes to scrape by but will give you far more than 10% better knowledge and opportunities.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Find out more about Connexis Energy programmes, developed with industry to help our learners skill-up and achieve nationally recognised qualifications <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/energy-qualifications/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/callum-bryant/">Variety, value-add and opportunity: Callum Bryant’s award-winning career </a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Connexis returns to industry ownership, marking new chapter for infrastructure training</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-returns-to-industry-ownership-marking-new-chapter-for-infrastructure-training/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agate]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2026 20:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Civil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=38155</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>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&#8217;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 ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-returns-to-industry-ownership-marking-new-chapter-for-infrastructure-training/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-returns-to-industry-ownership-marking-new-chapter-for-infrastructure-training/">Connexis returns to industry ownership, marking new chapter for infrastructure training</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="162" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/04.Civil_.1520x240-1024x162.png" alt="" class="wp-image-38156" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/04.Civil_.1520x240-1024x162.png 1024w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/04.Civil_.1520x240-300x47.png 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/04.Civil_.1520x240-768x121.png 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/04.Civil_.1520x240-100x16.png 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/04.Civil_.1520x240-862x136.png 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/04.Civil_.1520x240-1200x189.png 1200w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/04.Civil_.1520x240.png 1520w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Wellington, 2 November 2026</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Infrastructure training provider Connexis has officially returned to industry ownership, giving the sectors it serves a direct role in guiding the organisation&#8217;s future.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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 needs of the civil, energy, telecommunications and water sectors.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Connexis Chief Executive Kaarin Gaukrodger says the transition comes at an important time for the infrastructure sectors, which face ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Having industry at the heart of Connexis gives us an opportunity to align our priorities and strengthen our relationships with employers and industry partners and work together on the skills and training needed to build a locally skilled workforce that New Zealand needs. Building a skilled infrastructure workforce is a shared responsibility, and we look forward to being a long-term workforce partner to ensure training remains responsive to industry&#8217;s needs.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Civil Contractors New Zealand, the Electricity Engineers’ Association and Water New Zealand are the founding members of Connexis Inc. The interim board comprises Susan Huria (Chair), Brian Warren and Roger McRae.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Susan Huria says, “This gives industry a direct role in guiding Connexis and keeping training connected to the workforce demand and capabilities needed across infrastructure, as shortages in workforce skills and experience continue to be a major issue for the sectors we serve.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We look forward to working with employers and our sector partners as Connexis moves into this next chapter. Existing training programmes and services will continue without disruption. Enrolments, assessment and learner and employer support will carry on as usual.“</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Gaukrodger acknowledged the employers, learners, assessors, industry partners, the Energy &amp; Infrastructure Industry Skills Board, the Tertiary Education Commission and Connexis staff for their support throughout the transition.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The support we have received has helped establish a platform from which Connexis can move forward with confidence, with industry closely involved in shaping training for the workforce it needs.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Connexis delivers industry training, including infrastructure apprenticeships and competency training, across New Zealand’s civil, energy, telecommunications and water sectors.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For more information about the transition, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://connexis.org.nz/backtoindustry/">connexis.org.nz/backtoindustry</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-returns-to-industry-ownership-marking-new-chapter-for-infrastructure-training/">Connexis returns to industry ownership, marking new chapter for infrastructure training</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Future leaders shine at New Zealand’s energy industry excellence awards </title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/future-leaders-shine-at-new-zealands-energy-industry-excellence-awards/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agate]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 20:47:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Annual Connection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Connexis Excellence Awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=37907</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>New Zealand’s top electricity supply industry (ESI) trainees have been named as finalists in the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards for 2026.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/future-leaders-shine-at-new-zealands-energy-industry-excellence-awards/">Future leaders shine at New Zealand’s energy industry excellence awards </a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>1 September 2026&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Media Release from: Connexis</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">New Zealand’s&nbsp;top electricity supply industry (ESI)&nbsp;trainees&nbsp;have been named as finalists in the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards for 2026.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">These annual&nbsp;awards&nbsp;recognise the country’s standout ESI trainees across seven&nbsp;different categories,&nbsp;as&nbsp;nominated by their employers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This year,&nbsp;20&nbsp;industry&nbsp;trainees&nbsp;from some of the country’s leading energy companies have been named&nbsp;as&nbsp;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,&nbsp;Utility&nbsp;Arborist Trainee of the Year and Advanced Trainee of the Year. Of&nbsp;these&nbsp;categories,&nbsp;one winner will also be named Overall Trainee of the Year&nbsp;(this year sponsored by&nbsp;Connetics).&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another&nbsp;three&nbsp;ESI workers have also been named as finalists in the Leadership in Electricity Supply Industry Training Award, which recognises those who go&nbsp;above and beyond&nbsp;in training others and helping them succeed.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">2026 has also seen the introduction of a new&nbsp;Utility&nbsp;Arborist Trainee of the Year&nbsp;category, recognising the vital skills of utility arborists, who keep key ESI assets safely clear of vegetation.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>See the full list of finalists below.</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Set up and championed&nbsp;by Connexis,&nbsp;New Zealand’s leading&nbsp;training provider to&nbsp;the&nbsp;energy sector and other infrastructure industries such as civil, telecommunications and water, these&nbsp;awards are designed to shine a light on the future leaders of the&nbsp;electricity supply industry.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the&nbsp;awards&nbsp;offer a unique opportunity to recognise the achievements of these industry trainees and celebrate them in front of their industry peers, employers &#8211; and&nbsp;maybe future&nbsp;employers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Over the years we’ve seen dedicated and&nbsp;hard-working&nbsp;trainees celebrated at these awards who have&nbsp;then&nbsp;gone on to become leaders in the industry,” Gaukrodger says.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;We know that training can be challenging as people balance work and family commitments while meeting the requirements of their programmes. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s so important to celebrate those who are succeeding, while also inspiring and motivating others on the same journey by showing them what&#8217;s possible.&#8221;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Connexis Energy Trainee Award winners will be announced at an awards dinner&nbsp;in&nbsp;Pukekohe on October 22, marking the close of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Annual Connection three-day&nbsp;industry skills&nbsp;competition, managed by Connexis.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Over&nbsp;October 20-22,&nbsp;Annual Connection, this year hosted by Counties Energy at&nbsp;Franklin A&amp;P&nbsp;Showgrounds&nbsp;in Pukekohe,&nbsp;will see&nbsp;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.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Gaukrodger says: “It’s&nbsp;fantastic to bring Annual Connection 2026 to the North Island again this year.&nbsp;We’re&nbsp;excited to welcome crews from across the country to Pukekohe.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Counties Energy Chief Executive Judy Nicholl says hosting Annual Connection for the first time is an incredible opportunity to support the industry and&nbsp;showcase&nbsp;the work it does every day, both within local communities and across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Connexis Energy Trainee Awards finalists:</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Utility&nbsp;Arborist Trainee of the Year</strong>&nbsp;<em>(Sponsored by Treescape)</em>&nbsp;</td><td><strong>Transmission Trainee of the Year</strong>&nbsp;<em>(Sponsored by Transpower)</em>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Conn Carbery Stoddart</strong> – Treescape <br><strong>Danyel Cook-Lyon</strong> – Asplundh <br><strong>Remy McDonald</strong> – Asplundh <br><strong>Logan Wheeler</strong> – Scanpower </td><td><strong>Mihailo Zivkovic</strong> – Omexom <br><strong>Kristin Sweetnam</strong> – Omexom <br><strong>Zinzan Coop</strong> – Northpower </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Distribution Trainee of the Year</strong>&nbsp;<em>(Sponsored by&nbsp;Touchprint)</em>&nbsp;</td><td><strong>Generation Trainee of the Year</strong>&nbsp;<em>(Sponsored by Cory&#8217;s)</em>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Lily Wilson</strong> – Top Energy Ltd <br><strong>Michael Mitchell</strong> – Top Energy Ltd <br><strong>Bayley Christy</strong> – The Lines Company <br><strong>Tia Fasi</strong> – EA Networks </td><td><strong>Callum Bryant</strong> – Genesis Energy <br><strong>Malcom Johnston</strong> – Meridian Energy <br><strong>Evan Ashby</strong> – Genesis Energy  </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year</strong>&nbsp;<em>(Sponsored by Kiwi Rail)</em>&nbsp;</td><td><strong>Advanced Trainee of the Year</strong>&nbsp;<em>(Sponsored by&nbsp;PowerNet&nbsp;NZ Ltd)</em>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Gurpreet Singh</strong> – Kiwi Rail <br><strong>John Weston</strong> – Kiwi Rail <br><strong>Roy Lewis-Brown</strong> – Kiwi Rail </td><td><strong>Jessie King</strong> – Omexom <br><strong>Damien Martinus</strong> – WEL Networks <br><strong>Trent Burbidge</strong> – Northpower </td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><strong>Leadership in Electricity Supply Industry Training</strong>&nbsp;<em>(Sponsored by&nbsp;Omexom)</em>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><strong>Nick Weight</strong> – Omexom <br><strong>Tracy Paniona</strong> – Northpower <br><strong>Andy Cooper</strong> – Northpower </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Find out more:</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://connexis.org.nz" data-type="link" data-id="connexis.org.nz">connexis.org.nz </a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://annualconnection.co.nz" data-type="link" data-id="annualconnection.co.nz">annualconnection.co.nz </a></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>About Connexis</strong> </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><br>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.   </p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>For more information, please contact:</strong>&nbsp;<br>Tracey Mehrtens&nbsp;<br>Accento&nbsp;Communications&nbsp;<br><a href="mailto:tracey@accento.nz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tracey@accento.nz</a>&nbsp;<br>021 430 606</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/future-leaders-shine-at-new-zealands-energy-industry-excellence-awards/">Future leaders shine at New Zealand’s energy industry excellence awards </a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Every day is different</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/every-day-is-different/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agate]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:38:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Learner Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ultimit / Women in Infrastructure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Girls with Hi-Vis]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=37571</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>“I knew I didn’t want to go to university but I loved doing hands-on work and learning in a practical way.”  </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/every-day-is-different/">Every day is different</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Annabelle Thorpe-Hall Electrical Trade Apprentice</em></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I knew I didn’t want to go to&nbsp;university&nbsp;but I loved doing hands-on work and learning in a practical way.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The answer to that equation for 19-year-old Annabelle Thorpe-Hall was taking on an electrical trade apprenticeship, with&nbsp;ElectriNET, part of the Horizon Energy Group, in Gisborne.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The subjects I enjoyed in school were maths and physics. I spoke to my careers advisor at&nbsp;school&nbsp;and she showed me some of the options. I decided to contact some local businesses to see if I could spend some time shadowing them at work.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I reached out to a range of trades and&nbsp;ElectriNet&nbsp;offered me the opportunity to spend a day a week with them where I spent time with electricians, fire&nbsp;technicians&nbsp;and data technicians. I loved my time there and was lucky enough to be offered an apprenticeship so here I am.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Now Annabelle is spreading the word about the opportunities that lie in an electrical trade by taking part in Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis<sup>®</sup>&nbsp;in Whakatane with Horizon Networks. The nationwide event held each year through June, offers female secondary students to meet with local potential employers onsite to learn about infrastructure trade careers, meet the women already working in them and try their hand at some of the technical skills&nbsp;required.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I am looking forward to meeting other girls who might be interested in getting into trades, just being able to answer any questions they might have or tell them what I do in a day” Annabelle says. “It might help them decide whether it&#8217;s something they would like to do or not.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the things Annabelle would like other women to know about her job is just how varied it is.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The variety of work and opportunities that I have at&nbsp;ElectriNET&nbsp;is huge. I never realised how many different jobs electricians do,” she says. “What I really enjoy about my job is having a wide variety of work. Every day is different. You get to visit so many different sites and meet&nbsp;a whole range&nbsp;of people.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I get to use lots of different problem solving&nbsp;skills, and&nbsp;be able to help people.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“If&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;something you are interested in and enjoy hands-on work then give it a go.&nbsp;Don’t&nbsp;be put off thinking&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;a male-dominated trade. My attitude has always been that if&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;willing&nbsp;to learn and want to do the job then&nbsp;that’s&nbsp;all that matters. It&nbsp;doesn&#8217;t&nbsp;make any difference whether&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;a male or female.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Annabelle&nbsp; was&nbsp;also a recipient of a Connexis Outward Bound scholarship and recently completed her course. She says the experience was challenging but in a positive way.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I absolutely loved Outward Bound. It was the perfect environment for me to be pushed out of my comfort&nbsp;zone&nbsp;and I was able to learn so much about myself. I was able to&nbsp;participate&nbsp;in so many activities I&nbsp;wouldn’t&nbsp;have normally done.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I learnt that&nbsp;I&#8217;m&nbsp;capable of much more than I thought, and I learnt many skills around communicating and being around a new group of people. I learned that putting yourself out of your comfort zone can be a huge positive and you can get so much out of an experience if you just give everything a go and don’t always say no just because you&#8217;re nervous or don’t think you&#8217;re capable.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I learned to give everything a good go and&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;turn down opportunities even if&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;really nervous&nbsp;and&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;want to go. Speak up if you have ideas and encourage other people around you to do the same, working in a team can be so much more efficient and your ideas can become so much more developed.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/every-day-is-different/">Every day is different</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Leading the way</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/leading-the-way/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agate]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 01:54:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Learner Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ultimit / Women in Infrastructure]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=37394</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>“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.”&#160;&#160; Instead Azra Wenzlick pivoted toward training as a line mechanic, following in the footsteps of both her father and grandfather.  &#8220;I actually knew about the industry because my granddad, back in the day, was a ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/leading-the-way/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/leading-the-way/">Leading the way</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Instead Azra Wenzlick pivoted toward training as a line mechanic, following in the footsteps of both her father and grandfather. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;I actually knew about the industry because my granddad, back in the day, was a line mechanic, and then also my dad was a line mechanic. I really enjoy working with other people and having a laugh. It makes the day go by so much quicker,” she says. “Being a team leader does come with a lot more responsibility and pressure because the buck stops with you, but I enjoy that. I’m naturally quite assertive, so I think I fall into that kind of role anyway. Even when I was a line mechanic I was leaning toward this kind of role anyway.” </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Azra, who completed her line mechanic apprenticeship through Connexis and was a member of the Connexis&nbsp;Ultimit&nbsp;first all-women line mechanic crew at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.annualconnection.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annual Connection</a>, says there are still challenges that come with working in a male-dominated field, and&nbsp;she’s&nbsp;passionate about supporting other women to success.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;sugarcoat it and say: ‘It’s&nbsp;fantastic. Everyone loves me all the time.’ I’ve been doing this for quite a while now and there are times that I still feel like I have to prove myself&nbsp;with&nbsp;some people. The people around me&nbsp;aren&#8217;t&nbsp;like that, but you do still feel it on site with other people or subcontractors onsite.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The most important aspect of having women on a crew is to remember they&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;expect to be protected or treated differently, she says.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Sometimes you get guys, who are&nbsp;actually trying&nbsp;to be respectful and helpful, say ‘oh that’s too heavy for you’ or something and want to help, but we&nbsp;actually can&nbsp;and want to do it ourselves. I see both sides, but none of us have chosen this job because we want others to help us through it. We want to stand on our own two&nbsp;feet, and&nbsp;have the chance to show we can do it.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Theres a balance in dealing with that between being assertive and being too aggressive.&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;still learning that!”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She adds that&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;also important to acknowledge the support and confidence boosts&nbsp;she’s&nbsp;had from the men&nbsp;she’s&nbsp;worked with through each stage of her career so far.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I&nbsp;wouldn&#8217;t&nbsp;be where I am today without the men in my company who have backed me and taught me everything I know, especially my manager, Warren.&nbsp;He’s&nbsp;the one who pushed me to do things like Annual Connection, and to just be the best I can be. He created an environment for me to thrive in.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Azra’s main piece of advice for any young person considering training as a line mechanic is to&nbsp;make sure&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;enjoying the work. “If you&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;love it at the&nbsp;start&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;probably never&nbsp;going to enjoy it because we do some extreme hours and work in some extreme conditions at times.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“But I actually think it’s a fantastic and underrated field to work in,” she says.&nbsp;“I love the versatility of it. Once you have a qualification,&nbsp;there&#8217;s&nbsp;so many ways you could go with it. We work in beautiful places every day. We work outdoors, and&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;constantly moving, so I think&nbsp;it&#8217;s&nbsp;really good&nbsp;for your mental health as well as your physical health.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There is also a huge amount of satisfaction to be had from a job well done, she adds. “We’ve&nbsp;had some&nbsp;pretty big&nbsp;storms up in Auckland, where&nbsp;we’ve&nbsp;gone in&nbsp;where&nbsp;everything’s&nbsp;been flattened. By the end of the day, with a few crews working, we have everything back up and&nbsp;running&nbsp;and people are out saying thank you.&nbsp;That’s&nbsp;really satisfying because you can really see what&nbsp;you’ve&nbsp;achieved.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/leading-the-way/">Leading the way</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Bringing the energy to win</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/bringing-the-energy-to-win/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kirste Floyd]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Annual Connection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Connexis Excellence Awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=36033</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>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 ... </p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/bringing-the-energy-to-win/">Bringing the energy to win</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Northland’s Top Energy are bringing the same line mechanic crew to Annual Connection 2025, which won the competition last year.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TopEnergy-1-1-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36036" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TopEnergy-1-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TopEnergy-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TopEnergy-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TopEnergy-1-1-391x260.jpg 391w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TopEnergy-1-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TopEnergy-1-1-100x67.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TopEnergy-1-1-862x574.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TopEnergy-1-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TopEnergy-1-1.jpg 1682w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>Top Energy at Annual Connection 2024, from left, Karl Wilson (team manager), Simon Bayliss (team foreman), </strong><br><strong>Lance Kohotea, Michael Kava and Michael Mitchell (trainee).</strong></figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>What do you think the secret was to your success last year?<br></strong>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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>What prompted the team to want to compete together again this year?<br></strong>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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>What does it mean to be returning champions?<br></strong>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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>What does the team love about competing at Annual Connection?<br></strong>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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="750" height="1000" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1000002609-1-750x1000-2-rotated.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36037" style="width:435px;height:auto" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1000002609-1-750x1000-2-rotated.jpg 750w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1000002609-1-750x1000-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1000002609-1-750x1000-2-300x400.jpg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1000002609-1-750x1000-2-100x133.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
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<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/bringing-the-energy-to-win/">Bringing the energy to win</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Young Ashburton women cable jointers taking on the best in NZ</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/young-ashburton-women-cable-jointers-taking-on-the-best-in-nz/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kirste Floyd]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Oct 2025 21:15:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Annual Connection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ultimit / Women in Infrastructure]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=36008</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>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 ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/young-ashburton-women-cable-jointers-taking-on-the-best-in-nz/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/young-ashburton-women-cable-jointers-taking-on-the-best-in-nz/">Young Ashburton women cable jointers taking on the best in NZ</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image003-2-002-1024x749.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36027" style="width:656px;height:auto"/></figure>
</div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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 at the 2025 event in Christchurch.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For the first time the cable jointing competitions will feature a landmark three female competitors, including two from host sponsor EA Networks; Chloe Guthrie, entered in the main cable jointing competition and Tia Fasi, who will be competing in the new Annual Connection trainee cable jointing competition.<br><br>The experience will be a first for both women, and they’re working hard to prepare by tapping co-workers who’ve previously competed for their best tips and advice.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“One of my fellow cable jointers at EA Networks had been a judge and competitor himself and was explaining the competition to me. I thought it would be fun and a great learning opportunity,” says Chloe, who joined EA as an apprentice cable jointer in 2022, and qualified in May this year through Connexis. “I’m having training moments with fellow workers who have been in the competition themselves, and I’m constantly working on my techniques on day-to-day jobs.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tia, who began her cable jointing apprenticeship at EA in mid-2024 through Connexis, says while the thought of competing at Annual Connection is “quite daunting” she is getting plenty of support from those around her.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Everyone has been very forthcoming with their own experiences; the likely skills and knowledge I&#8217;ll need and the overall structure of the competition. I&#8217;m confident they&#8217;ll provide me with anything I’ll need. I&#8217;ll just try my best,” she says. “I’m looking forward to the learning experience and the challenge I’ve set for myself.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tia first heard about cable jointing as a career while completing a pre-trades course after leaving school with plans to become an electrician. “I saw the cable jointers in their workshop doing what I now know was a live joint. That’s how I became aware of cable jointing.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It was the physicality and utter complexity of the work that appealed. I had absolutely no idea what they were doing but I was instantly enticed,” Tia says. “I honestly love everything about the job now I’m doing it. I thoroughly appreciate the opportunity to have such variety in a job whilst having the ability to learn new skills and do many hands-on tasks.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Chloe, cable jointing was also a career option that was new to her when she discovered it, though she was familiar with the work of EA Networks through her dad, who also works for the company. “I never once heard of a cable jointer growing up. I mostly only knew of linesmen, but I wanted a hands-on job and to get into a good trade.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I started by doing work experience at EA Networks in cable jointing and loved it right away, so I wanted to keep coming back and learning more.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The things Chloe loves most about her job are the work ethic and technique required. “I love making terminations clean and like pieces of art. I also love having the ability to work outside and be travelling around mid-Canterbury while learning about my job and electricity every day. It’s good to feel a sense of accomplishment leaving work knowing the job you did that day was important.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Chloe’s advice for other young people, particularly women, considering cable jointing as a career option is to give it a try.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“If you love outdoors and getting your hands dirty, have a strong personality and can deal with some male banter, cable jointer is a good start.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“As a woman you might need to learn some techniques to make things work for you as we don’t have the same strength as others, but I’ve loved learning and becoming part of a team and showing that girls can fit in and do the same jobs as men.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tia says she would definitely recommend giving cable jointing a try to anybody considering it. “I genuinely love my job despite only being over a year in and would have nothing but good things to say about my experience. Every job has its difficulties and challenges, but the reward is worth the risk. Take the jump and give it a go, what&#8217;s the worst that could happen.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And to any other young female cable jointers wanting to compete in Annual Connection in the future, Tia’s advice is to go for it. “If you&#8217;re given the opportunity, take it. The worst that can happen is you come last, but the experience is what matters.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Chloe agrees: “You are challenging yourself and showing off techniques you have learnt. You can do whatever you put your mind to &#8211; and remember competing will be a great learning experience.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="866" height="1024" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image001-4-002-8-866x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36042" style="width:546px;height:auto" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image001-4-002-8-866x1024.jpg 866w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image001-4-002-8-254x300.jpg 254w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image001-4-002-8-768x908.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image001-4-002-8-1299x1536.jpg 1299w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image001-4-002-8-100x118.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image001-4-002-8-862x1019.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image001-4-002-8-1200x1419.jpg 1200w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image001-4-002-8.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em><strong>Tia Fasi (left) and Chloe Guthrie (right).</strong></em></figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><em>Annual Connection, managed by Connexis with 2025 sponsors Orion, EA Networks and Connectics, is a unique three-day event, bringing together cable jointers, line mechanics and industry stakeholders from around New Zealand. The event consists of a series of competitions designed to showcase the skills and knowledge of workers in our Electricity Supply Industry.</em></li>



<li><em>Annual Connection 2025 will be held at <strong>Canterbury Agricultural Park</strong> on <strong>21-23 October</strong>.</em></li>



<li><a href="https://annualconnection.co.nz/"><strong>https://annualconnection.co.nz/</strong></a></li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/young-ashburton-women-cable-jointers-taking-on-the-best-in-nz/">Young Ashburton women cable jointers taking on the best in NZ</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Connexis Energy Trainee Awards Finalists Announced</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-energy-trainee-awards-finalists-announced/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kirste Floyd]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:41:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Annual Connection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Connexis Excellence Awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Training]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.connexis.org.nz/?p=35647</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>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 ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-energy-trainee-awards-finalists-announced/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-energy-trainee-awards-finalists-announced/">Connexis Energy Trainee Awards Finalists Announced</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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!</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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? </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Good luck to all the finalists who are:<br><br><strong>Transmission Trainee category:<br></strong>Dylan Watson, Omexom, Otematata<br>Callum Fowden, Ventia, Upper Hutt<br>Dylan Ngahooro, Ventia, Upper Hutt</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Generation Trainee category:<br></strong>Caitlin Manickum, Mercury Ltd, Taupo<br>Callum Bryant, Genesis Energy Ltd, Tekapo<br>Fiona Glennie, Meridian Energy, Twizel</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Advanced Trainee category:<br></strong>Gemma Rose, Empowered Technical Services, Ngaruawahia<br>Mitch van Waelsden, MainPower NZ Ltd, Kaiapoi</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Distribution Trainee Category:<br></strong>Harley Farnham, Buller Networks, Westport<br>Harvey Mitchell, Ventia NZ Ltd, Hamilton<br>Hugh Thomson, Counties Energy, Manukau<br>Tom Anderson, ElectroNet, Greymouth</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Traction Line Mechanic category:<br></strong>Robert Ngawharau, KiwiRail, Auckland.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Contribution to training and development:<br></strong>Andree Curly James, Ventia NZ Ltd, Auckland<br>David Haydock, Genesis Energy Ltd, Huntly<br>Paul Bryant, Genesis Energy, Tekapo</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>What is Annual Connection?<br></em></strong>Annual Connection, managed by Connexis, is an annual three-day competition showcasing and celebrating the skills and expertise of New Zealand&#8217;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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Annual Connection makes its return to the South Island this year with help from three host companies: Orion, EA Networks, and Connetics Ltd.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-energy-trainee-awards-finalists-announced/">Connexis Energy Trainee Awards Finalists Announced</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Top of the country: Inside Top Energy’s Annual Connection win</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/top-of-the-country-inside-top-energys-annual-connection-win/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kirste Floyd]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2024 22:43:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Annual Connection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.connexis.org.nz/?p=34210</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>“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 ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/top-of-the-country-inside-top-energys-annual-connection-win/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/top-of-the-country-inside-top-energys-annual-connection-win/">&lt;strong&gt;Top of the country: Inside Top Energy’s Annual Connection win&lt;/strong&gt;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The nerves turned into excitement and focus as soon as the hooter went.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Our team had a two-week training block prior to Annual Connection, but the planning and organising started months before. It’s fair to say the nerves were definitely there before competing because of the preparation we put into being able to perform to the highest expectations we put on ourselves.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Though off to a slightly shaky start on Day One of competition Simon says the team pulled together well on Day Two.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Things didn’t go our way on the first day but we reacted well to unforeseen circumstances and felt positive after Day Two, knowing we had competed well in those events.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“By Day Three we were focused on getting through the day maintaining a high standard of workmanship within the time limits without getting any obvious penalty points. There were teams that seemed very sharp so the win did come as a surprise to us, but we were super proud to accept the overall prize for Top Energy and our Northland region.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A personal highlight for Simon was knowing his team were competing alongside other highly skilled line mechanic crews, while also being able to showcase to the wider public what working in the electrical supply industry is all about.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“There’s also a good vibe between the teams and within the industry. It was amazing to be part of it all.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Michael Mitchell, the trainee in Top Energy’s winning line mechanic team agrees, saying the opportunity to connect with others in the industry was a highlight for him at Annual Connection.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It’s great to meet people who share the same passion for the job. Even at a competition everyone wants to support each other and watch them succeed,” he says.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While the team training took place during the two weeks before Annual Connection, training for each individual started as soon as each team member knew they were going, by completing every day tasks.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I was nervous because it was our first time competing, but excited for the same reason. It was something new.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Every team brought strong competition and delivered highly on each event. It was very close on everything. I felt quite humble to be in the winning team.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Top Energy’s top tips for Annual Connection competitors:</em></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Simon Bayliss: “Be prepared the best you can,&nbsp; stay positive and consistent throughout the whole three days. Just enjoy yourself. Soak it all in.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Michael Mitchell: Keep the energy up”. If the team’s in a good mood, the events flow easier.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TopEnergy-1-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34215" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TopEnergy-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TopEnergy-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TopEnergy-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TopEnergy-1-391x260.jpg 391w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TopEnergy-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TopEnergy-1-100x67.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TopEnergy-1-862x574.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TopEnergy-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TopEnergy-1.jpg 1682w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/top-of-the-country-inside-top-energys-annual-connection-win/">&lt;strong&gt;Top of the country: Inside Top Energy’s Annual Connection win&lt;/strong&gt;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Two decades of Annual Connection</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/two-decades-of-annual-connection/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kirste Floyd]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2024 22:36:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Annual Connection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.connexis.org.nz/?p=34207</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>“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 ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/two-decades-of-annual-connection/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/two-decades-of-annual-connection/">&lt;strong&gt;Two decades of Annual Connection&lt;/strong&gt;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rick-Johnson-profile-image-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34208" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rick-Johnson-profile-image-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rick-Johnson-profile-image-300x200.jpg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rick-Johnson-profile-image-768x512.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rick-Johnson-profile-image-391x260.jpg 391w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rick-Johnson-profile-image-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rick-Johnson-profile-image-100x67.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rick-Johnson-profile-image-862x574.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rick-Johnson-profile-image-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rick-Johnson-profile-image.jpg 1682w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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 been a part of Annual Connection almost since its inception.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rick, currently the competition’s chief judge, a position he’s held for more than 20 years, and chair of the event’s organising committee for the past 13 years, is hanging up his Annual Connection hard hat after the 2024 event at Castleton Park in Te Awamutu on 22-24 October.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I’m not directly connected to the industry these days, so it makes sense to step back and let other people take it over and move the event forward.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rick’s career in the ESI started when he left school in 1980, working as an engineering cadet and completing a diploma in engineering &#8211; electricity before becoming a registered engineering associate and working in senior management for some of New Zealand’s largest contracting companies.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Through his career Rick started helping line mechanics prepare for their qualification exams, becoming approved by the Electrical Workers Registration Board as an official trainer/examiner. When what was then known simply as the National Line Mechanic Competition, began to grow Rick was asked to come on board to help as a judge.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“That first competition, held in Rotokauri, Hamilton had three teams taking part, but the following year there were more so they asked me to come and help judge &#8211; and I’ve been involved now for the last 21 years.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rick says one of the things he finds most rewarding about Annual Connection is seeing the growth of the people, as they go from strength to strength in their ESI careers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“There are some that competed in the very early events that are now senior managers or have their own businesses. Some of them I’ve seen come through not just in my role with Annual Connection, but as a trainer and examiner as well.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I’m proud to have been part of it and helped contribute to its growth over the last 20+ years. It reflects my passion for the industry. I love to see young people becoming line mechanics and cable jointers and achieving that trade certification,” he says. “I actually think line mechanics and cable jointers are among the most under-recognised trades in New Zealand.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rick says it has also been rewarding to see how the industry in New Zealand has come to support Annual Connection in the form of sponsorship and as exhibitors at the event.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It started as a relatively casual affair but now it’s a full-blown business. For the competitors though, the opportunity to mingle with others in the industry is one of the best things about Annual Connection.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“What&#8217;s really interesting is when you stand back and you have, say, nine or 12 teams competing in an event, you often get nearly nine or 12 different ways of attacking a job and there’s no one particular way that is the most correct way.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It&#8217;s interesting for competitors to see how other people do things and see the setup of vehicles and trucks, as everybody has a slightly different setup and equipment on their trucks. They also get to look through the exhibitor tents, to see some of the new technology and equipment coming into the industry. So while there are a lot of benefits in showing off your skillset in the competition, there are lots of other benefits as well.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rick says the support of Connexis, and its predecessor ESITO, have been essential in Annual Connection growing every year, and he is keen to see the event continue to develop, perhaps with the inclusion of events that showcase other industry skills.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“There are people on the organising committee with fresh ideas to take it forward and the industry is always evolving as well. I look forward to seeing what happens next.”</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/two-decades-of-annual-connection/">&lt;strong&gt;Two decades of Annual Connection&lt;/strong&gt;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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