What's your job about?

I work as a graduate engineer in the network development team at Powerco, one of New Zealand’s largest electricity and gas distributors. My role centres around ensuring the power network is reliable, efficient, and ready to meet future demand.

At the moment, I'm focused on network planning. This involves analysing the performance of the power network, forecasting future electricity needs, and developing strategies for necessary infrastructure upgrades. On a daily basis, I review load data, model various network scenarios, and collaborate with other teams to plan projects that optimize the power grid.

A typical week for me might involve assessing the capacity of a substation, exploring options to reinforce the grid in a growing area, or working on long-term strategies for network investments. The work requires a combination of technical analysis, data interpretation, and problem-solving to ensure the electricity network can handle future demand while maintaining reliability.

Essentially, my job is all about making sure we can keep up with a growing demand for power while keeping the lights on without interruptions.

What's your background?

I’m originally from New Zealand but had the unique experience of growing up in various places, including Qatar and Azerbaijan. My curiosity about how things work has always been a driving force in my life. While I initially gravitated toward chemistry and biology in school, my career began in the beauty industry before shifting to marine tourism. It wasn’t until my 30s that I decided to return to study, ultimately leading me to engineering.

During my time at Unitec, I gained valuable hands-on experience through internships and projects that exposed me to various engineering fields. My first two summer internships were at a large pulp and paper mill. After graduating, I joined Powerco as a graduate engineer, where I began in the asset fleet team, learning about managing and maintaining critical electrical assets. Now, in network planning, I focus on developing strategies for power distribution and customer connections.

I’ve been in this role for seven months now, and it's been an exciting journey discovering how strategic planning decisions play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability of electricity supply.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

I come from a diverse background, having trained as a beauty therapist and gained extensive experience in customer service. These roles have equipped me with a range of valuable skills that I bring to my current position. With the right training, anyone can transition into this role. However, it’s important to have a solid understanding of power systems, electrical load behaviour, and grid operations. Strong communication skills are also key, as the job requires collaboration with various teams and stakeholders.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The most fulfilling aspect of my job is seeing how my work directly contributes to the infrastructure that powers homes and businesses. I enjoy analysing data to tackle network challenges and modelling different solutions to find the most effective and cost-efficient options for communities.

One of the most rewarding moments comes when a project I’ve worked on is implemented—knowing that my planning helps shape a reliable and sustainable future for energy.

What are the limitations of your job?

Network planning requires a lot of analysis and decision-making, which can be challenging when balancing technical, financial, and regulatory factors. Some projects take years to develop, so patience is key.

Additionally, there’s a high level of responsibility—incorrect planning decisions can lead to costly infrastructure problems or reliability issues. While the work isn’t physically demanding, it involves a lot of data processing and technical assessments, which might not appeal to those who prefer hands-on engineering roles.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. Gain practical experience – Internships and hands-on projects will help you apply theory to real-world problems.
2. Network and ask questions – Talking to industry professionals and mentors can open doors and provide valuable insights.
3. Don’t stress about knowing everything – Engineering is a lifelong learning process, and confidence grows with experience.