Sparks flew in Te Awamutu.
Waipa line mechanic Leighton Butler-Hemara competes in the Annual Connection event.
Waipa Networks and The Lines Company’s and best line mechanics and cable jointers competed against national peers at the annual three day Connection at Castleton Park, last week.
The News caught up the Waipa Networks team as they were rushing to the arena to compete.
They were Gary Muraahi of Te Awamutu, Jamie Milne of Kihikihi, Leighton Butler Hemara Otorohanga, and trainee Ashton Pullinger of Cambridge.
“I’m fairly happy with how we are placing,” said Muraahi.
“The biggest challenge is the heat,” said Butler Hemara in 21 degrees.
The Lines Company competitors Anara Etana, left, and Wiremu Te Tawhero.
Pullinger described the competition as a good experience. “It’s good learning,” he said.
Waipā Networks’ Zak Ramsey placed third in the Cable Jointer Competition. Ramsey has worked for the company for eight years having joined the industry from school as a trainee aged 17.
He enjoys getting the power back on most. “It’s satisfying, fixing the fault and reinstating power,” he said.
“I remember one day I reinstated the power at the top of Cambridge Road and watched all the street and house lights switch on like a wave. What a feeling! “
He enjoyed the focused training time he had in the weeks leading up to the competition, as well as completing jointing tasks as well as study at home.
TLC from left Anaru Etana, Wiremu Te Tawhero Topia Walker
The Lines Company team placed second in the Line Mechanic Competition, beaten by Top Energy Ltd and followed by Omexon.
The Annual Connections event was run by infrastructure sector training provider Connexis and hosted by Waipā Networks and The Lines Company.
Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger said the event presented a unique opportunity each year to raise the profile of the electricity supply industry and its work keeping New Zealand connected.
“The event shows off the value this work brings to their local communities to ensure our lives can be healthy and prosperous,” he said.
“It is an opportunity, not just to compete but to share knowledge, promote excellence, and connect skilled workers from across New Zealand who will be our industry’s future leaders.
“This year’s event has been a huge success. It was an intensely fought competition this year, with all competitors demonstrating just how good they are.”
Waipa Networks’ cable jointer Zak Ramsay came third in the Cable Jointer Competition.
