Lines Company team members in action in Te Awamutu - from left: Anaru Etana, Wiremu Te Tawhero, and Topia Walker.
The Lines Company has returned from their national lines championships with four awards and a second place in the national rankings.
Its line mechanics team finished second overall in the three day annual Connection Competition in Te Awamutu, behind Top Energy. They also picked up two event awards – the Goldpine Softwood Pole Award and the LV Underground Cable Install award.
Richard Bishop represented TLC in the cable jointing competition and returned home a winner for the second year in a row, winning the HV Outdoor Termination Award.
Taumarunui-based TLC team leader Wiremu Te Tawhero won the Connexis Leadership Trophy. It recognised Wiremu as the most outstanding crew leader throughout the competition and also took into account his individual scores.
He was honoured by a haka from his team-mates at the awards dinner.
TLC Chief executive Mike Fox said he was “fizzing with pride” watching the TLC team perform.
“Wiremu has a remarkable ability to connect with anyone inside or outside of our organisation, and his genuine care for people makes him an outstanding leader. It was great to see this recognised by the competition judges.
“It was just fantastic. During the competition itself, there was so much support for our team from the TLC whānau; it was special to be part of.”
“I’m incredibly proud of our team and the results they achieved. The competition gave them an opportunity to showcase what they do every day to keep our customers connected. Receiving recognition like this, where they’re competing against the best in the country is truly inspiring,” Fox said.
The Waipa Networks team comprised Gary Muraahi of Te Awamutu, Jamie Milne of Kihikihi, Leighton Butler Hemara, Otorohanga, and trainee Ashton Pullinger of Cambridge.
“The biggest challenge is the heat,” Butler Hemara told The News on the final day as temperatures hit 21 degrees.
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.
“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.”
