Four awards and second place for TLC

25 October 2024

The Lines Company (TLC) has returned from their national lines championships with four “magnificent” awards and a second-place in the national rankings.

Chief executive Mike Fox said he was “fizzing with pride” at the Annual Connection competition in Te Awamutu this week, watching the TLC team perform. And he was just as proud of TLC staff who offered huge support from the sidelines.

TLC’s line mechanics team finished in second place overall, behind Top Energy. They also picked up two event awards – the Goldpine Softwood Pole Award and the LV Underground Cable Install award. Richard Bishop represented TLC in the cable jointing competition and returned home a winner for the second year in a row, winning the HV Outdoor Termination Award.

To the delight of his team-mates, Taumarunui-based TLC team leader Wiremu Te Tawhero won the prestigious Connexis Leadership Trophy. It recognised Wiremu as the most outstanding crew leader throughout the competition and also took into account his exceptional individual scores.

Wiremu was honoured by a haka from his team-mates at the awards dinner and Fox said he could not have been prouder.

“It was just fantastic. During the competition itself, there was so much support for our team from the TLC whānau; it was special to be part of,” Fox said.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team and the results they achieved. The competition gave them an opportunity to showcase what they do every day to keep our customers connected. Receiving recognition like this, where they’re competing against the best in the country is truly inspiring,” Fox said.

“Wiremu has a remarkable ability to connect with anyone inside or outside of our organisation, and his genuine care for people makes him an outstanding leader. It was great to see this recognised by the competition judges.”