The Meritorious Service Award is an award agreed by the EEA Executive Committee and recognises a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the electricity supply industry in New Zealand or overseas. Judging is in accordance with the criteria below.
It is a rare accolade; there are now just 21 recipients in almost a century of this industry body’s lifetime. This recognises an outstanding contribution to the power engineering industry by a visionary leader who has brought significant benefit to our electricity supply industry, and to New Zealand.
- Demonstrated excellence and innovation in electricity supply industry engineering, safety, project, governance or other activity.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, articulate and implement visionary change benefiting the New Zealand electricity supply industry.
- Contribution to professional, community and other activities outside employment.
- Demonstrated high standards of ethical and personal behaviour.
- Contribution and commitment to the development of others within the industry.
- The Awards Committee reserves the right not to make an Award should there be no suitable candidate for the Award in any year.
2025 Meritorious Service Award – Graeme Johnson
Graeme has worked in the electricity supply industry for 40 years, having many and varied roles from lineman to company director and currently the HSEQ Manager for Omexon.
Graeme’s contribution to the industry is outstanding. As a member, Graeme has been actively involved with EEA since 2010 when he joined the Safety Standards and Procedures Group (SSPG). In 2019, Graeme became Chair of the SSPG where he is a respected and inclusive leader striving to continually enhance safety in the industry. Graeme is also a valued member of the National Committee for Live Work.
Graeme has worked hard across the industry to support development of our workforce, including his involvement in standard development and reviews, the development of industry qualifications with Connexis, as an Electrical Workers Registration Board examiner for Line Mechanics and a registered workplace assessor. Graeme is also responsible for introducing the industry to LineFIT physical assessment and injury prevention program developed to address the high physical demands and reduce the musculoskeletal injuries that are common in the industry. More recently he has spearheaded the adoption of improved controls for Low Voltage work including the use of Low Voltage bonding aligning Low Voltage work with our already proven HV work methods.
Graeme has been a judge at NZ business awards and Annual Connection Line Mechanics Competition. His reach is not only within Aotearoa; he is an active member of the Australian Live Work Forum and has presented at the National Electricity Contractors Association in Philadelphia, USA.
Graeme is passionate about worker safety and dedicated to raising the bar in industry best practice. He is a huge champion of the SM-EI, and of the EEA’s role in continually improving safety guidance, learning, and industry engagement.  His approach is to keep the “why” front of mind to ensure our industry prioritises safety and never takes it for granted.
In 2010 he received the ESITO Contribution to Industry Award and in 2018 the EEA Professional Development Award.
Meritorious Service Award Recipients
Peter Berry
Peter Berry was honoured for his remarkable service and unwavering commitment to the success of the EEA and the electricity supply sector.
He led the EEA for the 31 years, supporting the industry to ensure they meet the engineering, technical and safety requirements of the day while also preparing for the future.
As Executive Director, Peter navigated the dynamics of a continually changing sector with calm assurance and his knowledge of the industry is second-to-none. His achievements are many and include the establishment of the SSPG, the AMG, the NCLW, the PSWG and the Annual Conference. During Peter’s time, the EEA has published over 185 technical guides and codes, with EEA rules and guides recognised as model industry standards. He has been the industry’s representative for New Zealand standards and at the IEC, and was a founding member of Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation; Power Engineering Excellence Trust and Electric Power Engineering Centre based at the University of Canterbury Engineering school
Previously, Peter held positions within the University of Waikato, the NZ Army (Royal New Zealand Engineers), the Ministry of Civil Defence, and a leading NZ market research company. Educated at Waikato University and Victoria University, he has two Masters Degrees and a post-graduate diploma in business management. He is a Member of the Institute of Directors in NZ and has held a number of directorships. He is a founding member of the Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation (ESITO) and the Electric Power Engineering Centre at the University of Canterbury.
Alison Andrew
The EEA is proud to acknowledge Alison Andrew as a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award, recognising her outstanding commitment and lasting contribution to New Zealand’s electricity supply industry.
This prestigious award is presented only on rare occasions and honours individuals whose leadership, vision and service have delivered significant benefit to the industry and to New Zealand.  Alison is the 20th recipient of the award and the first woman to receive this recognition, marking an important milestone in the award’s history.
Throughout her career, Alison has been recognised for her depth of knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, inclusive leadership and clear sense of purpose.
In 2018, Alison helped bring a bold vision for change to the industry through the publication of Te Mauri Hiko. The report challenged established assumptions about New Zealand’s energy future and helped shift the conversation toward the scale of change required to support decarbonisation.  Her leadership helped position Transpower at the forefront of national industry discussion, with Te Mauri Hiko and Whakamana i Te Mauri Hiko now firmly embedded in the sector’s language and long-term planning.
Alison has also made a significant contribution as a Champion for Change. She has been a strong advocate for women in engineering and leadership, for greater diversity across the industry, and for encouraging young people to explore STEM pathways through initiatives such as Engineering New Zealand’s Wonder Project.
Those who have worked alongside Alison speak of the inspiration, encouragement and confidence she has given others, particularly women building careers across the sector.  Alison’s vision, bold leadership and enduring commitment have earned her the respect of many across the electricity supply industry.
The EEA congratulates Alison Andrew on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her exceptional service to the industry and to New Zealand.
Harvey O'Sullivan
A leader, advocate, adviser, and strong supporter of industry safety best practice. Awarded posthumously.
Bob Taylor
Bob has made an outstanding contribution across a wide range of areas including contractor management; safety; education, live work and EEA governance as both an Executive Committee member and EEA President.
Mark Gatland
Mark made a significant contribution to the Northpower business over his 28-year tenure with the company and the wider electricity industry during his 41 year career.
Dr. Keith Turner
This award recognises an outstanding contribution to the field of power engineering by an industry leader who has demonstrated visionary change that has brought significant benefit to our electricity supply industry and to New Zealand.
Giuseppe (Jo) Grilli
There is no doubt that Jo has played a major role as a leader in educating young engineers, improving safety, engineering practices and advancing the hydropower industry in New Zealand and overseas.
Prof. Pat Bodger
Pat’s award is in recognition of outstanding service to industry in the field of power engineering education.
Dr. Patrick Strange
Patrick’s award recognition of his outstanding industry leadership on major engineering projects and health and safety within the industry.
Tas Scott
Tasman Scott started in the NZED after graduating with a BE from Canterbury Engineering school in 1970.
2024
2019
2017
2016
2015
2014
2012
Previous Meritorious Service Award Recipients
- 2009: Kevin Mackey
- 2004: Bryan Leyland
- 1989: J (Peter) Vernon
- 1986: O C Stephens
- 1980: M G Keys
- 1970: J Ellis
- 1965: N A Davidson
- 1963: A P G Holloway
- 1960: A Mill
- 1958: J K Horn
- 1956: T E Kelly