For one hundred years, Master Electricians has been more than an association — it has been a community bound by shared purpose.
Our strength has always come from unity: contractors standing together, businesses learning from one another, and leaders speaking with one trusted voice. That collective voice has shaped standards, driven advocacy, and kept our industry relevant through every era of change.
The 2025 NZ Electrical Conference in Queenstown was more than a centenary celebration — it was a statement of confidence in the future. It showed that the same unity and purpose that built our foundations will carry us forward into the next century.
Learning, Leadership, and Leaps into the Future
The opening day embodied what it means to Be Future Ready. The Trade Master CPD Day offered technical and business-focused learning to keep contractors compliant, capable, and confident amid evolving standards and technologies.
That evening, the focus shifted to celebration. Hosted at the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre, with the iconic Kawarau Bridge as backdrop, the event symbolised taking a leap into the future as we celebrated Apprentice Challenge finalists and winners — the next generation leading the way forward.
A special thank you to Powerbase, our Platinum Sponsor, for supporting the Jumping into the Future opening event and Partners Programme. Your commitment helped set the tone for an incredible few days.
Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction, reaffirmed the Government’s recognition of our industry as a key driver of New Zealand’s energy and housing future. Joseph Mooney MP for Southland quite literally embraced the theme — leaping from the bridge himself in a moment that captured the optimism of the evening.
Insight, Innovation, and Inspiration
Across three days, speakers and panels challenged delegates to think differently about readiness, resilience, and innovation.
- Mike Casey’s Electric Cherry Farm showed how electrification and renewable energy can be commercially viable when technology and purpose align.
- Lance Burdett explored how mental fitness and leadership sustain performance in high-pressure industries.
- Sir Ian Taylor inspired with storytelling and vision, proving creativity and technology can redefine New Zealand’s future.
- A panel with EECA, NECA Australia and MEA Australia examined how sustainability, workforce development, and policy alignment will shape the decade ahead.
Honouring the Past to Power the Future
In our centenary year, we launched the Master Electricians Presidents Club, uniting fourteen of seventeen Past Presidents — each presented with a custom blazer embroidered with their years of service. Life Members were also recognised with lapel pins for their enduring contribution. Sharing the room with those who built our foundations was a moving and memorable moment.
Connection, Collaboration, and Community
Connection remained central. The Kingpin Night, hosted by our Silver Sponsors, gave delegates a chance to unwind and connect through friendly competition — reminding us that shared experiences spark progress.
The Centenary Dinner at the Church Winery capped off the celebration in style. Guests stepped back to the 1920s through vintage décor and live music before the atmosphere evolved toward the future with lighting, screens, and sound reflecting innovation ahead. Local food and wine showcased the best of Central Otago — the perfect close to a remarkable week.
Lighting the Way Ahead
The 2025 NZ Electrical Conference captured the essence of being Future Ready — balancing reflection with progress, and legacy with innovation.
It reminded us why we are stronger together. The power of community — of sharing knowledge, building relationships, and uniting under a common cause — keeps our industry resilient. Through connection we find clarity, through collaboration influence, and through unity, change.
Our centenary theme, Lighting the way to a brighter future, continues to guide us — legacy gives us our foundation, but unity gives us our momentum. Together, we’ll build a smarter, safer, and more connected industry for generations to come.
