Connexis

Another big week on the road for Girls with Hi-Vis® as we continue inspiring students across Aotearoa! 🚧💥

We’ve just wrapped up Week 3, delivering 6 incredible events across Taupō, Wellington, Hamilton, Hastings, Palmerston North, and Taumarunui - and the momentum keeps building.

This week, we connected with 15 schools and welcomed 100 students into the world of infrastructure.

From getting stuck in on site to growing confidence in a high-vis setting, it’s all about showing what’s possible 💪

👉 Follow along as Girls with Hi-Vis® continues its journey across New Zealand - we’re over halfway through!



Downer NZ KiwiRail WEL Networks TW Group TW Civil and Infrastructure Higgins Group The Lines Company

Girls with Hi-Vis® continues to make waves across New Zealand!

This week we've delivered 8 events spanning across the north and south island, and the engagement has been incredible 💥

We’ve connected with over 25 schools and over 150 students!

Kick-starting future careers in infrastructure through hands-on experience.

From learning practical skills on-site to building confidence in a high-vis environment, this is what empowering the next generation looks like 💪

👉 Follow along as Girls with Hi-Vis® continues across Aotearoa - we've only just begun!



Connetics Fulton Hogan Contact Energy Horizon Networks Unison Downer NZ HEB Construction

Natalee Hughes first attended a Girls with Hi-Vis® event as a student — and this week, she’s come full circle, inspiring the next generation at the Whakatāne event hosted by Horizon Networks.

After that first Girls with Hi-Vis® experience sparked her interest, Natalee completed a Gateway programme and began her journey in infrastructure. Since joining Horizon Networks, she’s gone on to achieve her Connexis NZ Certificate in Electricity Supply (Line Mechanic Distribution) Level 4 ⚡👏

June marks the start of Girls with Hi-Vis® — a nationwide initiative giving female secondary students hands-on experiences across construction, energy, water, and more.

Now in its 11th year, the programme continues to grow, with nearly 30 events, 800 students, and 80 schools taking part in 2026 🙌

Real experiences. Real pathways. Real opportunities.

👉 Read Natalee’s story via the link below
https://connexis.org.nz/news/from-hi-vis-to-high-voltage-natalee-hughes-is-lighting-the-way-for-women-in-trades/

We’re off and running! Girls with Hi-Vis 2026 has officially kicked off 🚧💥

From Whakatāne to Tauranga to Stratford, the vibes have been awesome!

We’ve already visited 8 schools and worked with 50 students, giving them a taste of what a future in infrastructure could look like.

From getting stuck into hands-on activities to building confidence in a high-vis environment—this is what it’s all about 💪

And the best part? We’re only just getting started!

👉 Follow along as we travel across Aotearoa bringing Girls with Hi-Vis to more regions near you.

We’re proud to celebrate our Connexis scholarship recipients who’ve recentlycompleted their week-long Outward Bound courses in the Marlborough Sounds.

For the past three years, these scholarships have helped learners to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and strengthen their leadership skills—all while preparing for future roles in New Zealand’s infrastructure sector.

These life-changing opportunities are made possible thanks to the Infrastructure Education and Training Charitable Trust.

One participant said it best: “I absolutely loved Outward Bound. It was challenging but in a very good way, I felt it was the perfect environment for me to be pushed out of my comfort zone, and I was able to learn so much about myself. I was able to participate in so many activities I wouldn’t have normally done.” Annabelle Thorpe-Hall, 2026 Connexis Outward Bound scholarship recipient and Electrical trade apprentice.

Keep an eye out—we’ll be sharing more stories from our scholars soon!

A big thank you as well to our valued employers who support their people to take part 👏

Find out more about our Connexis qualifications and pathways: https://connexis.org.nz/qualifications/

Changing the face of who keeps New Zealand connected

This week, Girls with Hi-Vis® kicks off across Aotearoa — connecting female secondary students with hands-on experiences in civil construction, energy, water and telecommunications.

Now in its 11th year, the programme continues to grow, with 30 events, 800 students and 80 schools taking part in 2026.

Throughout June, students will visit worksites, try real trade tasks, and meet women already building successful careers in infrastructure. It’s about showing what’s possible — and opening doors to apprenticeships, qualifications and long-term careers through vocational pathways.

👉 Read more about how Girls with Hi-Vis® is creating opportunities:
https://connexis.org.nz/news/changing-the-face-of-who-keeps-new-zealand-connected/

🙌 Thanks to our amazing Girls with Hi-Vis® 2026 host companies: Horizon Networks HEB Construction Contact Energy Connetics Fulton Hogan Downer NZ KiwiRail WEL Networks Ventia The Lines Company TW Group Genesis PowerNet Isaac Construction Omexom Pipeline & Civil Watercare Counties Energy

Surveying the future 👷‍♂️

Rob Radu, 21, is already making his mark in the surveying world—finishing his Level 4 qualification ahead of schedule while working with Taupō-based Energy Surveys 🙌

He says the key to keeping on track was simple: break things down and take it step by step.

With support from his employer, teammates, and Connexis, Rob has grown his skills, built confidence, and gained real-world experience working on major energy projects around the country ⚡

Studying alongside a teammate also helped keep him motivated: “Studying together meant we could push each other along.”

Now, with his qualification complete, Rob’s thinking about what’s next 👀

Find our more about Connexis Civil qualifications here: https://connexis.org.nz/civil-qualifications/

Read Rob’s full story via the link in the comments below

“The key thing is to just be patient and keep learning.”

Kyle Fuller’s journey into civil construction started in the UK — but it was a holiday to New Zealand that changed everything.

Now based in the Bay of Plenty, Kyle works at Final Fusion as a Water Supervisor and Foreman, leading his own team and projects. Along the way, Connexis training has played a huge role in helping him adapt to new standards and grow his career.

Kyle is passionate about supporting apprentices and believes giving people the chance to figure things out is key to building confidence and leadership.

He says while starting out can be tough, staying open-minded, building relationships, and sticking with it makes all the difference.

Read more about Kyles story via the link in our comments 👇