Select Page

The Master Electricians Annual Conference is the premiere event for the electrical contracting industry to come together, network and connect with like minded individuals to share knowledge and ideas as well as celebrate success and excellence in our industry.

We are pleased to announce that this years conference will be held 24-27 August 2023 at the Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland.

Amazing speakers, exciting activities, business sessions, networking opportunities, partner’s programme and the Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge finals & awards.

Check out the action packed three days including partners program.

Conference Agenda

Our conference agenda has the perfect mix for deligates to re-connect, re-calibrate, re-energize and re-engage.

Thursday 24 August

Registration

Registration commences from 3pm on Thursday 24 August in our private reception on level 1 of the Grand Millennium.

Welcome Drinks

From 5pm we welcome you to join us at the Legrand Bar where we’ll enjoy a welcome drink and some nibbles and hear from our National President.  It’s a great way to meet and greet – connect with old friends, meet new ones and start the conference with a bang.

The IDEAL Experience

With our partners, IDEAL Electrical, we’ll take all our guests on an adventure – somewhere special just for you and something for everyone!

Friday 25 August

Breakfast:

Mark Ryall – General Manager Grid Delivery, Transpower

Mark will share with us the challenges New Zealand is facing with supply, demand and where we are heading with the electrification of New Zealand.  He’ll give us a perspective on what we need to do to prepare for the future in the sector.

Business Sessions Sponsored by ABB:

Keynote Speaker – Craig Hudson, Champion for wellbeing in business, Former Xero Managing Director for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands

Future Thinking – Statistics New Zealand will present on this year’s census to give us some insight on what New Zealand will look like in the future – who knows Oamaru could be the next hot spot!

Tradie Law – everything you need to or should know about law and the construction sector – the team at Ford Sumner will show you the top tips for things you need to be aware of

Recruitment and Recruiting – how do you stand above the rest when you’re looking for new staff?  How do you weed through the applications to find the perfect person for your team, how do you get them on board and how do you onboard them?  The team from New Zealand’s largest tradie recruitment company – TradeMe will give you the inside running!

Afternoon:

Waiheke Here We Come!

    Travelling on a private charter Fullers Ferry hosted by N3, we will arrive on the island around 1.15pm where you’ll depart for your adventure of choice.  All guests will be provided with a return ticket to come back to the mainland at your leisure – the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace.  Adventures include:

    Lunch at Mudbrick VineyardEnjoy a sumptuous feast whilst enjoying the staggeringly gorgeous views across the water to Auckland city – Mudbrick is iconic for those who know Waiheke and on this adventure you’ll get to sit back, relax, enjoy beautiful food and exceptional wines*
    https://mudbrick.co.nz/

    Lunch at The Batch – Simply stunning and one of Waiheke’s most popular new wineries and restaurant – beautifully positioned on the peak of Waiheke – the views are stupendous, the food outstanding and the wine … well there are no words!*
    https:/www.batchwinery.com/

    Lawn Bowls Brews and Burgers – Lawn Bowls are all the rage for both young and old – spend the afternoon bowling a few ends, nuzzling up to the Jack and getting ahead of the curve!  A lot of fun to be had and with a few brews in hand and a burger to follow – what better way to enjoy the island in such a leisurely manner!**

    EcoZip Adventures and Lunch – This spectacular native forest experience isn’t just about zipping across the treetops – the EcoZip takes you on a beautiful walk through a carefully curated and well thought out native forest regeneration project and you can be part of the conservation movement by helping plant a few trees in the Master Electricians enclave – yep we’re planting trees for the betterment of the planet!  Following your “zips” – we’ll shout you lunch**
    https://www.ecozipadventures.co.nz/

    E-Bikes and Lunch – Explore the island on your very own E-bike – get up close and personal with the locals, see things you don’t see from the car or bus, take your time to stop where you want to stop (and shop!) and explore the island in your way.  Stop for lunch on us on your journey**

    Nah, I’m all good mate … I’ll do my own thing – and that’s fine and dandy with us – we’ll get you there – and you can enjoy the island the way you want – go to Palm Beach for a swim and an ice cream, head to the Oyster Inn for some of Waiheke’s delicious molluscs and while away the afternoon!  The world is your oyster (get it)

    * lunches include a set menu and one glass of wine on arrival – a cash bar will be available.  We’ll get you back to the Ferry Terminal when you’re ready to go.

    ** lunch includes a set menu however beverages are not included.  We’ll get you back to the Ferry Terminal when you’re ready to go.

    Evening

    It’s a night off, take the chance to head down to the Viaduct and enjoy some of the nightlife – grab a cold drink and look at the super yachts or head to one of the many amazing restaurants in the city – we can point you in the right direction if you’re looking for some advice.

    Saturday 26 August

    Breakfast:

    To be confirmed – but it will be a goodie!

    Business Sessions Sponsored by ABB:

    The Other Side of the Ditch – hear from our Australian maaaates on what’s happening in their part of the world – they’ll give us an update on what the skinny is with the Australian markets and how we can work together on an Australasian partnership.

    Environmental – things are changing, and Jennifer Taylor from the Accord Transformation Unit will share with us what’s happening in the world of government and how her unit is the conduit (LOL) between MBIE’s policy makers and contractors on how we can make our work sites more sustainable in a practicable way

    Recession Proofing and the Markets – the team from Forsyth Barr will give us some insight into what they believe the next few months are going to look like for the New Zealand economy, how you can recession proof your business and develop a strong financial strategy to secure your future.

    Marketing – Antony Young from The Media Lab will share his views on how to market your business in the best, most cost effective, efficient way – when times get tougher what can we do to stand out from the rest – where’s the best place to use our marketing budget and how do we measure success?

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Michael Greig and Robert Hicks, Rockwell Automation discuss their experiences with AI, how they use it in their business, the impacts on productivity, the pros and cons and what it means to their workforce.

    Health – Dr Tom On A Mission – Dr Tom Mulholland is a truly legit doctor who recognised a whole lot of patients who came into the Emergency Department when he was working in the trenches came in with preventable illnesses and now he’s on a mission to help people get ahead of their health and wellbeing.  This interactive session will be fun, a bit confronting (maybe) and highly educational – and Tom’s a bloody good bugger and super entertaining!

     Afternoon:

    So many choices!

    Auckland is a wonderful place to experience so we’re letting you loose and have on offer a number of activities and excursions which you can enjoy at your leisure.

    Each experience runs at your timetable, and we note that none of these excursions include food or beverage.

    Auckland Museum – Arguably one of New Zealand’s finest museums with so much to see and do – head down to the Museum and explore the amazing exhibitions they have on offer *
    https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/

    MOTAT – Museum of Transport and Technology – World famous – this is the most amazing experience for everyone – you might not think you’d be interested in Transport and Technology but we promise there is literally something for you*
    https://www.motat.nz/

    Shopping – Commercial Bay, 277 Broadway and Sylvia Park are literally the best shopping spots in Auckland and why not take advantage of that!  We will drop you off to 277 Broadway and Sylvia Park (Commercial Bay is an easy downhill walk from the Grand Millennium) and as you’ll be shopping till you drop, we’ll leave it to you to make your own way back!

    GIN Garden – The Gin and Tonic Experience will see you create heavenly scented botanical gins to enjoy – take it home and impress your mates!  This is a strictly limited event and we strongly encourage you to register for this now … legit – this is the pick of the bunch for our Saturday afternoon activities.

    City Food Walking Tour – Auckland is a vibrant and diverse city with a fabulous food scene. Taste some of the best local artisan treats and iconic NZ foods on this walking tour through the downtown area. Highlights may include an artisanal bakery, artisan ice cream, local chocolatier, fresh seafood from the Hauraki Gulf and a Manuka honey tasting. A ‘must do’ experience for anyone who enjoys good food!

    Behind the Scenes at the Civic Theatre – The Civic is one of the last remaining ‘atmospheric’ theatres in Southern Hemisphere. Our knowledgeable tour guides share this atmospheric theatre’s fascinating history, from its inception and design in the 1920s, its scandalous war years, its decline during the 60s and 70s, through to the triumphant restoration and status as one of Auckland’s architectural treasures.  The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones and Elton John are just some of the big names in music who have graced the stage here, not to mention the 1930’s icon, Freda Stark, who regularly danced here dressed only in gold paint.

    Sky City Tower Pass – Iconic Iconic Iconic – there is no other way to describe the Sky City Tower- and we’ve got a pass for you to go up the tower and explore the city from a different perspective.

    Devonport Delight – Devonport is a jewel in the crown of Auckland’s North Shore.  Take a short trip on the Ferry (which departs every 30 minutes) and alight at one of the cutest spots Auckland has to offer.  Take a walk up Mt Victoria or across to the North Head Historic Reserve and why not stop off at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum while you’re there – it’s fascinating.   Stop at one of the beautiful sea front bars and restaurants for a bite to eat and enjoy the views of Auckland from a truly unique perspective.

    Appreciate the offer, but I think I’ll explore Auckland on my own

    * for this experience we will arrange to get you there (departing at 2.00pm) and a single return time of 4.00pm – if you want to come back earlier or later then we ask you make your own way back

    Evening:

    Conference Dinner hosted by JA Russell and the Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge 2023 Awards

    With our friends at JA Russell, we welcome our guests to join us for our final soiree with our formal conference dinner – we will also be celebrating the Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge 2023 Awards and this is our final gathering for the Master Electricians Annual Conference 2023 and we want to send everyone off with a bang!

    Sunday 27 August

    Check out at your own leisure, farewell, we send you home having reconnected, reengaged, reenergised and recalibrated.

    Accommodation

    This year’s conference is at Grand Millennium Auckland.  We have negotiated exceptional rates for a range of accommodation types at the hotel and we encourage you to stay in-house with us during the conference even if you are a local!  The Grand Millennium has some wonderful facilities including a fantastic gym/pool/sauna facility that is second to none.  Easily located on Mayoral Drive and plenty of parking (see below).  Rooms are well apportioned and have everything you need to make your stay super comfortable.  Rooms are based on a minimum three-night stay, and should you wish to stay either side of the conference, please make contact with our team at  to arrange additional nights.

    The accommodation rate includes breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant.

    Room options are as follows:

    Superior Room

    This room is for up to 4 people. – A spacious room with floor to ceiling windows and a bathroom with a separate bath and shower and located on floors 2-9. Superior Rooms enjoy Auckland city views. 

    Club Room

    This room is for up to 4 people – A spacious room with floor to ceiling windows and a bathroom with a separate bath and shower and located on floors 10-12.  Club Rooms enjoy Auckland city views.

    Junior Suite

    This room is for up to 2 people. –  Offering space and comfort, the separate living and bedroom areas are perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing. Located on levels 10 and above with magnificent city views, Junior Suites include a Californian King bed and floor to ceiling windows.  This price is for 3 nights. 

    Partners Programme

    Our Partner’s Programme is back with a bang! With shopping and Styling as well as some exceptional walking tours  – one with an arts focus which will take you through Parnell Village – the other with a foodie focus – on the City Walking Food Tour – options for everyone and if you can’t get on one of these experiences on the first day there’s an opportunity to do them on the second day.

    Friday 25 August 2023

    City Food Walking Tour – Auckland is a vibrant and diverse city with a fabulous food scene. Taste some of the best local artisan treats and iconic NZ foods on this walking tour through the downtown area. Highlights may include an artisanal bakery, artisan ice cream, local chocolatier, fresh seafood from the Hauraki Gulf and a Manuka honey tasting. A ‘must do’ experience for anyone who enjoys good food!

    Parnell Village Walking Tour – Join us for a leisurely walking tour of one of NZ’s most creative districts, Parnell. Home to a dizzying array of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bars, the area is also famous for its Victorian architecture. This 3-hr small group tour is hosted by a professional local guide. Light refreshments will be enjoyed in the village along the way*

    Shopping and Styling – Enjoy a fun shopping experience in Newmarket, the fashion capital of NZ. Your local host will introduce you to some of NZ’s best fashion labels and local boutiques, including speciality stores to suit all shapes and sizes.

    Saturday 26 August

    City Food Walking Tour – Auckland is a vibrant and diverse city with a fabulous food scene. Taste some of the best local artisan treats and iconic NZ foods on this walking tour through the downtown area. Highlights may include an artisanal bakery, artisan ice cream, local chocolatier, fresh seafood from the Hauraki Gulf and a Manuka honey tasting. A ‘must do’ experience for anyone who enjoys good food!

    Shopping and Styling – Enjoy a fun shopping experience in Newmarket, the fashion capital of NZ. Your local host will introduce you to some of NZ’s best fashion labels and local boutiques, including speciality stores to suit all shapes and sizes.

    Fragrance Making – This Fragrance Experience is the ultimate way to relax, rewind and reward you! Perfumery is the art of blending fragrant botanical essential oils to create a perfume designed especially for you.
    https://thebotanicaldistillery.com/ 

    Proudly brought to you by:

    Conference_sponsors

    History

    In 1959 when we became the New Zealand Electrical Contractors Federation Incorporated (NZECF) the first Annual Conference was held at the Grand Hotel Lounge in Wellington. There were 8 delegates, 38 other members, and 9 official guests. Since then our Conference has been held every year up until 2020 when COVID-19 prevented it from going ahead.

    Originally conferences were hosted and organised by our local branches.  This eventually transitioned to National Office taking the lead in organisation, however we have continued to travel to the different branch areas for the conference.

    Where we’ve been

    Year Location
    1 1959 Wellington
    2 1960 Queenstown
    3 1961 Waiwera
    4 1962 New Plymouth
    5 1963 Hanmer Springs
    6 1964 Wairakei
    7 1965 Wanganui
    8 1966 Wellington
    9 1967 Auckland
    10 1968 Invercargill
    11 1969 Napier
    12 1970 Queenstown
    13 1971 New Plymouth
    14 1972 Mt. Cook
    15 1973 Rotorua
    16 1974 Christchurch
    17 1975 Wanganui
    18 1976 Te Anau

     

    Image of 15th Annual Conference Programme
    Picture of attendees at the 1986 Conference

    Photo: 1986 Hastings Conference Attendees

    19 1977 Wellington
    20 1978 Auckland
    21 1979 Christchurch
    22 1980 Rarotonga
    23 1981 Queenstown
    24 1982 Rotorua
    25 1983 Singapore
    26 1984
    27 1985 (South Canterbury)
    28 1986 Hastings

     

    29 1987 Los Angeles
    30 1988 Invercargill
    31 1989 Wellington
    32 1990 Queensland
    33 1991 (Canterbury)
    34 1992 Wairakei
    35 1993 (Otago)
    36 1994 Hawaii
    37 1995 Auckland
    38 1996 New Plymouth
    39 1997 Adelaide
    40 1998 Mt. Cook
    41 1999 New Orleans
    42 2000 Napier
    43 2001 Queenstown
    44 2002 Queensland
    45 2003 Wanganui
    46 2004 Wellington
    47 2005 Fiji
    Programme cover of the 50th Annual Conference
    People at the 2000 Conference in Napier

    Photo: Napier Conference 2000 themed dinner

    48 2006 Christchurch
    49 2007 Rotorua
    50 2008 Hawaii
    51 2009 Dunedin
    52 2010 Auckland
    53 2011 Langkawi, Malaysia
    54 2012 New Plymouth
    55 2013 Timaru
    56 2014 Fiji
    57 2015 Napier
    58 2016 Taupo
    59 2017 Noumea
    60 2018 Wellington
    61 2019 Nelson