McKenzie’s Electrical 2000

from Wairarapa Men@Work 2021

A1homes

Lighting up Wairarapa with talent, innovation, and plenty of heart

Masterful craftsmanship, forwardthinking technologies, a progressive and caring workplace, with plenty of career opportunities - after more than two decades, Carterton’s McKenzie’s Electrical 2000 is still one of Wairarapa’s most successful trade services. Russell and Carrollyn Keys bought the business in October 2000, starting out as a small operation with two registered electricians and an apprentice. Nowadays, McKenzie’s steadily expanding crew is in hot demand, providing electrical solutions for some of the region’s biggest commercial and industrial premises (supermarkets, factories, construction companies, and many more), as well as domestic homeowners. The McKenzies’ team has grown to comprise 10 talented sparkies (including five apprentices) - proficient in everything from wiring hot points and fitting security cameras, to installing solar panels, to operating new technologies to help prevent electrical malfunctions. Russell and Carrollyn attribute the company’s success not only to the quality of its service, but to its supportive and equitable workplace culture – which includes flexible hours to accommodate family commitments, paying the Living Wage for apprentices, and involving the whole team in decision-making. For example, when hiring a new team member, that person is interviewed by all the current team - and a consensus must be reached that they will be a good fit. When Men@Work interviewed the McKenzie’s team, it was clear they’re a tightknit bunch - sharing plenty of inside jokes, hilarious nicknames, and affectionate ribbing. “It’s a great team here - loads of good banter,” qualified electrician Dillan Wyse says. “We all look out for each other. People are always willing to help - whether it’s workrelated or not, we can always give each other a call. “McKenzie’s is a fantastic company to work for – extremely supportive and familyorientated.” The Keys are particularly passionate about electrical apprenticeships - both to keep the trade alive and provide career opportunities for young people. While most of McKenzie’s apprentices are straight out of secondary school, Matt Noble has come to the trade later in life, having previously worked in retail. Matt is now working towards his electrician’s qualification through The Skills Organisation. “I decided it was time to do something much more interesting with my life - where I could use my brain and move my body,” Matt says. “Working at McKenzie’s has been a great choice. We all do a bit of everything on the job - so there’s always a new skill to learn.” Ben Pike and Takarangi Williams are in their final year of training, and are a great support to new apprentices Matt, Max Collett and Abby Hammersley. Ben Doyle, who also trained as an electrician later in life, is a new addition to the team - and has also been instrumental in training and mentoring the apprentices. Matt Howard has recently qualified as a registered electrician and is fast becoming the team’s “data whizz”. The McKenzie’s team is similarly passionate about new innovations - which saw them bring Keith Nielsen on board to assist with modern security solutions. Thermal imaging has also become an integral part of McKenzie’s services, with Dillan qualifying as a registered thermographer. At present, the construction boom in Wairarapa is keeping the team busy with plenty of new home builds and electrical domestic alterations. “During covid, no one’s going on holiday - so they’re building and renovating instead,” Dillan laughs. MCKENZIE’S ELECTRICAL TEAM.