Best powerline technicians from around the globe are preparing to converge on Kansas USA for the International Lineman’s Rodeo, with an Australian-New Zealand team making its debut on the world stage this year.
The Wagners Powerlines Hawke’s Bay Lineman’s Team is headed up by well known lineman Jimmy Marinus who first sparked the idea of an Australian-New Zealand team competing at the rodeo and is making his dream a reality.
“The International Lineman’s Rodeo is the Super Bowl of lineworker competitions worldwide,” Jimmy Marinus said.
“It has been running for over 40 years in the United States of America (USA), with teams competing from around the globe,” Mr Marinus said.
“It brings together different cultures and ideas and celebrates the industry and the people and families behind it,” he said.
“To compete at this level of linework, it takes a lot of determination, dedication and a willingness to put yourself out there.”
Pictured – Jimmy Marinus at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in 2024 as an attendee.
In October, the four man Australian-New Zealand team will compete at the International Lineman’s Rodeo for the first time, marking an important milestone for the local industry.
“This moment represents the first time a team from this part of the world will be competing at the International Lineman’s Rodeo,” Jimmy Marinus said.
“It puts our crews and standards on the global stage and showcases the level of skill, professionalism, and safety mindset across our industry,” Mr Marinus said.
“It also creates a pathway for growth by allowing us to learn from others and bring that knowledge home,” he said.
“It’s a huge honour and a great opportunity for us, and we hope it opens the door for other teams to come, and compete and experience it for themselves.”
Pictured – A Powerlines Hawke’s Bay lineman puts skill and safety to the test during a competition event.
The Wagners Powerlines Hawke’s Bay team’s journey to the international rodeo has been building for several years.
“We competed as Powerlines Hawke’s Bay Ltd in the New Zealand Lineman’s Competition in 2024, and the idea of competing at the international rodeo grew from there,” Jimmy Marinus said.
“It’s been in the works for a few years, but became serious last year when we approached Wagners Composite Fibre Technologies about putting a team in,” Mr Marinus said.
“Our team will comprise linemen from Powerlines Hawke’s Bay, two climbers and one ground person,” he said.
“We officially started training at the beginning of April, but in reality it started well before that through researching and watching footage from previous rodeos.”
Pictured – The Powerlines Hawke’s Bay team at Annual Connection.
Training for the team has required flexibility and focus, with preparation taking place in a range of locations and conditions.
“Because our work is always on the move, we’ve trained in multiple locations,” Jimmy Marinus said.
“We take our training setup with us and rely on contacts who have space to set up a pole so we can practise the different exercises,” Mr Marinus said.
“Training environments and equipment build confidence, sharpen technique, and reinforce doing the job properly,” he said.
“A key training milestone for us is adapting to different work practices. Here we tend to use ladders, while in the USA they use climbing hooks.”
“Training under realistic conditions with quality equipment helps embed safe habits that carry into both competition and real work.”
“Safety is the foundation of everything we do. If you’re not working safely, you’re not working properly. The goal is always to go home to your family and training that way builds habits that carry onto the job.”
Pictured – Skilled linemen carry out critical work on the electricity network, keeping power flowing safely and reliably.
Advances in pole materials and design are changing how the industry builds and maintains networks, with new technologies like Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) offering greater strength, durability, and safety.
“Modern pole technology and materials are designed with consistency, durability, and performance in mind, compared to traditional options like timber, which can vary in quality and degrade over time,” Jimmy Marinus said.
“New materials like FRP offer better resistance to environmental factors like moisture, rot, and corrosion, improving long-term reliability,” Mr Marinus said.
“They make the biggest difference in areas with harsh environmental conditions, coastal, high wind, and high moisture environments where durability and reliability are critical,” he said.
“They’re also engineered for safer handling and more efficient installation, giving crews more confidence in the structures they’re working on.”
“FRP has really gained momentum in recent years as the industry has pushed for more durable, consistent, and low maintenance solutions.”
“Advances in materials and engineering are now significantly influencing how networks are designed and built.”
Pictured – Wagners Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) crossarms being used during competition.
The team’s journey to the rodeo has been made possible through strong support from key sponsors who have backed the idea from the beginning.
“We are lucky to have a couple of amazing sponsors onboard including Wagners CFT, Mita Consulting Ltd, and Powerlines Hawke’s Bay Ltd,” Jimmy Marinus said.
“Without the support from our sponsors, this wouldn’t be happening,” Mr Marinus said.
“Wagners has been onboard ever since we first mentioned the idea,” he said.
“Their support, combined with genuine excitement and enthusiasm, has been a big driving force behind this.”
Pictured – The Powerline’s Hawkes Bay team with Wagners CFT Global Utilities Lead, James Lorrimer and New Zealand Country Manager, Mark Baker and Annual Connection.
Strong collaboration across the industry has been a key factor in turning this opportunity into reality and lifting standards across the board.
“Stronger industry collaboration benefits everyone, especially the communities we serve,” Jimmy Marinus said.
“When contractors, suppliers, and networks work together, it leads to safer work, better results, and more reliable power,” Mr Marinus said.
“It also strengthens the industry as a whole, with crews learning from each other and lifting standards across the board,” he said.
“Industry backing has provided the support, resources, and confidence to take this idea from concept to reality.”
“It allows us to focus on preparation and raising the standard, knowing the industry is behind us. When the industry invests in its people, it raises standards and develops linemen who can work safely, efficiently, and perform when it counts.”
Pictured – Linemen face ever-changing, unpredictable weather conditions while working in the field.
The rodeo will see the team take on a series of high-level events, with a focus on learning, growth, and representing their industry on the world stage.
“The International Lineman’s Rodeo will be held from 14 to 17 October 2026 in Overland Park, Kansas, USA with rodeo day on 17 October,” Jimmy Marinus said.
“The rodeo consists of four events being a team rescue, a speed climb, and two mystery events,” Mr Marinus said.
“Competing at the rodeo will raise the team’s standard. We will come away with better skills, stronger teamwork, and real confidence from competing at the top level,” he said.
“The value is in what we bring back, applying those lessons to improve training, safety, and performance across crews in Australia and New Zealand.”
“It also helps inspire the next generation and strengthen the capability of the industry.”
“For us, this is bigger than a competition. It represents years of work, commitment to the trade, and the people who have backed us along the way.”
“We’re proud to represent our crew, our company, our sponsors, and the wider industry, and we’re focused on making the most of the opportunity and bringing that experience back to continue raising the standard at home.”
Stay tuned for the full team announcement with profiles in July!
Learn more about Powerlines Hawke’s Bay – https://www.powerlineshb.co.nz/
Learn more about the International Lineman’s Rodeo – https://www.linemansrodeokc.com/2026/10323122
