Empowering Young Women in Infrastructure: Girls with Hi-Vis at The Lines Company
30 June 2025
Thirteen young women from Te Wharekura o Maniapoto and Te Kūiti High School participated in a dynamic and inspiring Girls with Hi-Vis® event hosted by The Lines Company (TLC) in partnership with Connexis, aimed at showcasing infrastructure sector career opportunities for women.
Throughout the day, students took part in hands-on activities and learned about real-world careers in infrastructure, hearing stories from women in the industry and gaining insights from TLC’s skilled team. They experienced working at heights in a bucket truck, tested their coordination by operating a Hi-Ab truck in a water bucket challenge, learnt about the electricity industry and received hands on experience in the operation of industry tools and assets from TLC’s engineering team.
“Every question I asked, they answered with more information than I expected — and I really liked that,” said one participant, reflecting the enthusiasm and curiosity sparked by the event.
Ceelia Johny, TLC’s Customer Projects Engineer, shared her journey into the field and encouraged students to consider careers they may not have previously imagined.
TLC’s Chief Executive Mike Fox said the company remained committed to increasing female representation in its workforce. “Currently, 30% of our team are women, and we’d like to see more take up the opportunity to work in our hands-on field operation teams. Events like Girls with Hi-Vis are a key part of our strategy to enable that.”
TLC has recently reduced its gender pay gap from 11% to 7% and continues working towards its Gender Tick accreditation. The company also hosted a female school leaver for a three-day work experience earlier this year, who left the programme enthusiastic about a future in the sector.
The event concluded with a presentation ceremony and group photo — celebrating a day filled with learning, laughter and new possibilities.
TLC acknowledges Connexis for their continued support in promoting gender diversity in infrastructure. More information about the Girls with Hi-Vis initiative was available at connexis.org.nz/girls-with-hi-vis.