Talent development programme: Our tailored 12-month programme cultivates exceptional leadership through focussing on individual identity and leading beyond the predictable. It equips our people to drive positive change in serving the needs of our clients and communities, while also creating opportunities for further personal and career growth. Participants attend leadership masterclasses, receive coaching, and complete a self-discovery session, culminating in a project to drive positive change in our business.

Structured learning pathways: We are creating structured learning pathways to provide our people with the necessary tools and skills for their current roles and to plan for future career growth. These pathways, which include earning on-the-job micro-credentials, function like a roadmap, directing and guiding our team members in acquiring the skills required for their next steps at Northpower.

Ko wai au (who am I): A three-day self-discovery and team-building contemporary leadership skills development, using Māori frameworks and mātauranga (Māori knowledge) – with a focus on leading self, leading a team, and leading for Northpower.

Peak performance: Our custom development programme is designed to enhance our performance, leadership, and translate strategy into actionable outcomes to cultivate well-rounded leaders who inspire and guide their operational teams. It encompasses in-depth exploration of operational excellence, health and safety, and commercial performance. This programme aims to develop our people, maximise their potential, and improve our performance for the future.

Trade cadet programme: Our comprehensive eight-week fully paid work-readiness programme is designed to introduce new entrants to the electricity supply industry. It equips participants with essential skills and training that can lead to a trades apprenticeship at Northpower. This initiative addresses the industry’s shortage of skilled workers by nurturing local talent, while contributing to our communities through secure employment. 

During the programme, cadets receive continuous training and support from a team of dedicated facilitators and technical experts. This ensures that cadets are well-prepared to transition into their roles and progress in their careers within Northpower. Upon successful completion of the programme, cadets earn the NZ Certificate Level 2 in Electricity Supply and are ready to join our teams as trainees in one of several specialised pathways, including Line Mechanic Distribution/Transmission, Cable Jointer, Electrical Fitter, Utility Arborist, and Fibre Layer and Jointer. 

Since its inception, 56 graduates have completed this programme. Currently, Northpower has 121 trainees at various stages of their training, with 44 expected to qualify over the next 12 months.

Engineering scholarships: These scholarships are designed to support university students pursuing careers in the electrical supply industry. It covers the cost of two years of tuition and provides recipients with the opportunity to work with our organisation for a minimum of two years following graduation, bringing their valuable technical skills into our business. Currently, there are four students enrolled in the programs – two studying for a diploma in electrical engineering and two pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

Read more from the Annual Report 2025