Central Otago

Kelly, a Network Co-Ordinator in the Lines division, was recognised for his outstanding leadership, industry knowledge and commitment to wellbeing and safety. Based in Greymouth, Kelly is widely regarded as a go-to person who makes others’ lives easier and safer. Always available and solutions-focused, he puts the wellbeing of the workforce first – day or night.

Pictured receiving his award with Chief Executive Peter Armstrong (left) and Chief Financial Officer Stu McKay (right).

Team members: Naveed Ali, Hayden Nikolajenko, Soumen Betal, Kumbirai Kufa, Jon Crowley, Sam Neumann, and Edison Angeles

This team truly lives our “We Do the Right Thing” value through smart, reliable decision-making and consistently high-quality outcomes. No matter the challenge, they stay focused on delivering the best solutions, whether that’s standout performance on major projects or innovative design work from concept to completion.

Their customer-first approach shines through in every interaction, resulting in strong engagement, excellent satisfaction, and trusted long-term partnerships.

Pictured from left: Chief Executive Peter Armstrong, Principal Team Leader and Engineer Naveed Ali, Principal Consultant Hayden Nikolajenko, and General Manager of Generation and Technology Rodger Griffiths.

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This award recognises individuals or teams who show a strong commitment to achieving exceptional results through their work practices, attitude, personal growth, or career development.

In 2025, Tom reached a major milestone by completing his training toward registration as a Distribution Line Mechanic and was also a national finalist in the Connexis Trainee of the Year competition. His leaders see him as a future crew leader and supervisor, noting his steady reliability, growing skillset, and natural ability to support others. His approachable, trusted manner has made him a genuine role model across the team. Tom also contributed to the wider industry this year, representing our organisation at local career expos and championing apprenticeships with enthusiasm.

Although he wasn’t able to attend the Awards event on the day, here he is proudly receiving his award from Lines Supervisor Matt Kerr (left) and General Manager Contracting Simon Harvey (right).

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This award recognises individuals who drive innovation, design, or new technology with the potential to deliver meaningful improvements. Liz also took out the highest hours of the awards winning the Supreme Award - selected from winners across the four categories. Liz, our SharePoint Specialist, has done exactly that, consistently transforming systems and processes throughout 2025. Her leadership across key projects, including the activation of Co-Pilot agents, development of management portals in SharePoint, the electronic competency card platform, the suggestions platform, and the contractor management portal, has been exceptional.

Liz’s commitment to automation and innovation has delivered real benefits to the business, and her natural ability to train and support others has made her impact even greater. Pictured is iz and Peter holding the Supreme Award!! With Liz’s name becoming the second to be added to this trophy in its second year!

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