Top Energy wins national line mechanic competition for third year in a row

Detailed summary

Northland’s Top Energy has again claimed the title of New Zealand’s top line mechanic crew, winning the national line mechanic competition at this year’s Annual Connection for the…

The Top Energy LM team of Michael Kava (left), Michael Mitchell, Simon Bayliss and Thore Paarman.

Northland’s Top Energy has again claimed the title of New Zealand’s top line mechanic crew, winning the national line mechanic competition at this year’s Annual Connection for the third year in a row.

The team narrowly beat 14 other crews to take the title at the event held recently in Pukekohe.

Annual Connection is held each year, supported by New Zealand’s infrastructure training provider Connexis, and features three days of skills-based competitions showcasing the expertise and capability of people working in New Zealand’s Electricity Supply Industry (ESI). As well as line mechanics, it features competitions for cable jointers and apprentice supply industry electricians.

The Top Energy line mechanic crew comprised foreman Simon Bayliss, line mechanics Michael Mitchell and Michael Kava, and trainee line mechanic Thore Paarman. Kava was a late replacement for Mitchell’s twin brother Brendon, who had to step aside after injuring his hand.

Though the team was coming off wins at the two previous competitions, that didn’t make the preparation easier, trainer and Top Energy contracting services general manager David James said.

“There’s a bit of extra pressure and expectation that comes with having won before and sometimes that means it’s easy to start overthinking things.

For team foreman Simon Bayliss, returning to the competition for the third time means as much, if not more, preparation.

“This year we approached the competition with real clarity about what we wanted to achieve. Our focus was on delivering a process of consistency across all three days and building a culture where every team member could trust one another in every event. We wanted that trust to allow us to stay composed, communicate well, and back each other under pressure.

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