Welcoming new team members to deliver for Powerco
Securing the Powerco contract, Northpower strengthened workforce capability through large‑scale recruitment and onboarding to support regional service delivery.
Annual Report 2026
27 May 2026
Welcoming Connell Contractors to Northpower
Northpower acquired Connell Contractors, a Waikato based contracting firm specialising in civil and structural works in complex electricity and water environments, in October 2025.
Connell Contractors brought established capability across major energy infrastructure, including substations, wind and solar farms, hydroelectric dams, geothermal generation projects and hydrogen refuelling stations. The acquisition strengthened Northpower’s ability to support the delivery of critical infrastructure across New Zealand’s energy sector.
“This acquisition is an exciting step forward. We were pleased to support the growth of a business that makes a critical contribution to the sector, and to back the strength of the Connell team as part of the Northpower Group,” said Northpower Chief Operating Officer New Business, Ollie O’Neill.
Both organisations had been active across the transmission and distribution sector and in supporting the rollout of renewable solutions such as solar generation and battery storage, aligning closely with Northpower’s focus on supporting the energy transition.
Connell Contractors continued to operate as a standalone business within the Northpower Group, with Chief Executive Lester Foxall remaining in the role.
“Northpower’s focus on supporting the needs of the energy industry, delivering a highly professional service, and growing skills across the sector aligns strongly with Connell’s commitment to our clients,” Mr Foxall said.
Founded in 1985 by David and Margot Connell, Connell Contractors joined Northpower following more than four decades delivering professionally led infrastructure services across the sector.
Moving forward, Connell Contractors intends to embrace this new phase by growing its core business, including a focus on civil construction in water infrastructure, and extend its footprint to deliver key infrastructure projects in the South Island.
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