News and Events

Meritorious Service Award

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.

  1. Demonstrated excellence and innovation in electricity supply industry engineering, safety, project, governance or other activity.
  2. Demonstrated ability to develop, articulate and implement visionary change benefiting the New Zealand electricity supply industry.
  3. Contribution to professional, community and other activities outside employment.
  4. Demonstrated high standards of ethical and personal behaviour.
  5. Contribution and commitment to the development of others within the industry.
  6. The Awards Committee reserves the right not to make an Award should there be no suitable candidate for the Award in any year.

2024 Award Recipients – Peter Berry and Alison Andrew

Alison Andrew, former CE of Transpower and Peter Berry, outgoing executive director of the EEA, were honoured with a Meritorious Service Award at the EEA’s 2024 Annual Conference.

Peter Berry

Peter Berry was honoured for his remarkable service and unwavering commitment to the success of the EEA and the electricity supply sector.

Peter and his wife Helen accept the Meritorious Service Award and EEA2024

 

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

Alison Andrew

Alison served 10 years as Chief Executive of Transpower New Zealand, the first female CE in the company’s history.  In 2018 Alison brought a vision of change to industry with the publication of Te Mauri Hiko, which explored potential future scenarios for New Zealand’s energy future. This report was the first of its kind. It forced us to take a second look at our assumptions of what the future would bring. The industry continue to reference and quote this work today.

Alison has also been a staunch advocate for women in engineering, women in leadership, diversity across the industry and for the promotion of STEM subjects in schools. She was honoured with this award for her vision, her bold leadership and her commitment.

 

Meritorious Service Award Recipients

    2019

  • Harvey O'Sullivan - 2019 Meritorious Award Recipient

    Harvey O'Sullivan

    A leader, advocate, adviser, and strong supporter of industry safety best practice. Awarded posthumously.

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  • Bob Taylor - 2019 Meritorious Award Recipient

    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.

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  • 2017

  • Mark Gatland - 2017 Meritorious Award Recipient

    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.

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  • 2016

  • Dr. Keith Turner - 2016 Meritorious Award Recipient

    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.

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  • 2015

  • Giuseppe (Jo) Grilli - 2015 Meritorious Award Winner

    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.

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  • 2014

  • Prof. Pat Bodger - 2014 Winner

    Prof. Pat Bodger

    Pat’s award is in recognition of outstanding service to industry in the field of power engineering education.

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  • Dr. Patrick Strange - 2014 Winner

    Dr. Patrick Strange

    Patrick’s award recognition of his outstanding industry leadership on major engineering projects and health and safety within the industry.

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  • 2012

  • Tas Scott

    Tasman Scott started in the NZED after graduating with a BE from Canterbury Engineering school in 1970.

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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