Industry competition returns from hiatus

The event was organised by Connexis, and its director Kaarin Gaukrodger said it highlighted best practice within the industry and provided an opportunity to revise health and safety procedures in a competitive environment.

Not to mention the bragging rights that came from winning, with line mechanics and cable jointers from across New Zealand entered.

Each team was made up of three qualified lines workers and a trainee.

Gaukrodger said there once might have been the perception that the job was too gruelling for women, when nothing could be further from the truth.

Research had shown that women had good attention to detail and best practice, communicated well, and were generally risk averse, and having more women involved was good for the industry.

“It’s not about one being better than the other.

“It’s about challenging and looking at different ways of doing things . . . is that the best way?”

As women made up 50 per cent of the population, it made sense for the industry to be looking to recruit more women to the trade.

The competition had returned from a two-year Covid-19 hiatus and the timing was perfect for Levin to host the event, because local electricity lines supplier and host sponsor Electra celebrates its 100th anniversary.

It was also fitting that teams came to Levin this year, as never before has the importance of their work been appreciated as much as it was by the Levin community after a tornado ripped through town in May.

Staff worked through the night for days on end to restore power to homes and businesses as the tornado wreaked havoc on the electricity supply.

Electra, which services Horowhenua and Ka¯piti regions, hosted this year’s event with three days of head-to-head competition and the action culminated in the Industry Excellence Awards.

“Electra are extremely proud to be hosting this national industry event, particularly in what is a historic year for our organisation as we celebrate our centenary,” said Neil Simmonds, chief executive of Electra.

Simmonds had encouraged people to come to watch the linesmen and lineswomen compete as they tested their skills against industry peers in a competitive but supportive environment.

“It also provides a great opportunity for the teams to upskill in the latest techniques and equipment with a huge emphasis on safety, while encouraging and promoting careers within the electricity supply industry,” he said.

The event was free for the public and attracted good crowds.

The Levin Electra arborist team was in action at the Annual Connection challenge event. Jade Jaslarz (left), Dwayne Pakau, Khan Maki, Julian Martin, Greg Tennet, Mark Goss, Fabian Miranda and Logan Rowe.

Connexis director Kaarin Gaukrodger (left) with the Ultimit team of Emily Flynn, Sarah Russell, Natasha Goodall, Juliet Fordyce, Laisa Pickering and Azra Wenzlick.

A model displays some of the gear available at the trade section of the event.