Our people sharing their safety stories
Strengthening safety capability, Northpower shared critical risk stories to reinforce controls and empower teams to prevent life‑threatening incidents.
Annual Report 2026
28 May 2026
Specialist arborist training strengthens safe practices
In August 2025, Northpower’s Northland Vegetation team spent a week in Whangārei undertaking intensive training with expert arborist Andy Neverman. The training focused on strengthening safe work practices, technical expertise and confidence across the crew.
The programme covered a range of core skills critical to arborists, with a strong emphasis on safety and preparedness. A key focus was aerial rescue, equipping the team with the knowledge and techniques required if a climber is injured while working at height.
Training included self rescue methods, assisted rescues, complex rescues involving unconscious climbers, and emergency preparedness. Throughout the sessions, attention remained firmly on safe rescue practices, equipment compliance and applying industry best practice.
The team also completed in depth training in climbing and rigging, essential skills when working in tight spaces or near power lines. This included instruction on single and moving rope systems, the correct use of climbing and rigging ropes, and the safe application of harnesses, carabiners, ascenders and protective equipment.
Rigging scenarios focused on controlled limb removal, managing heavy loads through mechanical advantage, adapting setups to different tree structures and ensuring the safety of people and property on the ground.
One of the standout tools discussed was the Good Rigging Control System (GRCS), which enables precise lifting and lowering in situations where cranes are not practical. The system allows heavy loads to be managed safely with reduced manpower, improving control and minimising risk in complex environments.
The training strengthened both individual skillset and team performance, supporting Northpower’s ongoing commitment to safe, professional vegetation management.
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