The Lines Company accepts the award
The Lines Company has celebrated two individual wins and an overall third place at the Annual Connection contest in Christchurch.
Hosted by industry training provider Connexis, last week’s skills-based competition put electricity supply workers – line mechanics and cable jointers – from across the country to the test.
From a fiercely contested field, The Lines Company (TLC) was confirmed as one of the best in the business.
“This is the third time in three years that we have made the podium, following our win in 2023 and second place last year,” TLC chief executive Mike Fox said.
“To finish third is a huge achievement and a testament to the skill, teamwork and commitment of our people.”
Over three days, Annual Connection required teams to complete tasks testing technical knowledge, on-the-job skills and health and safety. Teamwork while solving problems, installing equipment and dealing with emergencies also came under scrutiny.
TLC emerged from a field of 16 entrants, including neighbours Waipā Networks.
Connected: from left, TLC team coach Matthew Tamaira, chief executive Mike Fox and service delivery manager Jared Murrell with team members Brayden Crown, Hayden Kanters, Adam Saunders, Jordan Hughes and team manager Kevin Orr.
Northland’s Top Energy and Auckland-based Omexom placed first and second respectively.
The team also won two individual competition categories – Hardware Install and Overhead Conductor Install, a reflection of the quality of their day-to-day work, Fox said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the mahi they put in every day to keep our customers connected and of the dedication they showed in preparing for this competition. The recent weather across our network area showed the skill, dedication and ingenuity in finding solutions that are a hallmark of our line mechanics.”
Recent experience working in severe weather came in handy when Christchurch experienced some tough conditions of its own during the contest.
Having the country’s top line mechanics in town was fortunate and some teams, including the TLC, offered to stay on to help with the response.
“The event was expertly delivered, even with the added challenge of high winds and wild weather that forced several programme changes throughout the event,” said Fox.
