Father’s job ignites son’s curiosity and career journey

Working with a sibling, spouse, or parent is something that many people would shy away from, but not for local Otorohanga father and son Tom and Leighton Hemara – it’s something they love.

“Working with my son is awesome,” says Tom, smiling.

“I’m lucky to see firsthand the growth and progress he’s making in his career and as a man.”

Waipā Networks is a real family affair for the Hemara’s. Tom’s nephew Brooklyn started his career as a trainee this year, and other uncles and cousins also work in the electricity industry.

“There was no expectation for me to follow in Dad’s footsteps,” says Leighton.

“I was done with school, and Dad arranged for me to come into Waipā Networks for some work experience; it seemed pretty cool, so I applied for the trainee programme, which I started in 2021.”

Like his son, Tom completed the industry trainee programme at The Lines Company and joined Waipā Networks in 2006. Previously working as a forestry worker, he found many of his skills were transferable to his role as a Line Mechanic.

Even though they both trained as Line Mechanic’s, Tom transitioned to a faults role in 2012. The duo will be part of the Waipā Networks crew competing at this year’s Annual Connexis Lines Competition at the end of October at Castleton Park in Te Awamutu.

This is the second year they will take part in the competition together, and they are looking forward to once again being pegged against the best of the best in the industry.

“It’s my ninth year competing and Leighton’s second,” says Tom, who is the manager of the Cable Jointer competing, Zak Ramsey.

“We’ve been putting in some extra training at the gym after work, and Leighton has also come along to some after-hours fault jobs such as on-the-job learning and problem-solving.”

Leighton was quick to respond when asked how he thought his dad would do competing against teams from all over the country.

“He has a lot of experience, a cool head under pressure and just gets on with it. He’ll be sweet.”

When asked if they had navigated any challenges when working together, both said that it was important to leave home life at the gate and to not treat each other differently due to their relationship.

“We haven’t had any real challenges,” says Tom.

“I just worry about his safety, as his dad and team member.  I know the dangers of the job and the consequences if things go wrong,” adds Tom.

Leighton agrees that work is work and home is home, and the respect for his dad always remains the same.

“The opportunity to learn from Dad and all his years of experience in the industry has been great for me. He is so well respected.”

Both Tom and Leighton agree Waipā Networks has the best culture of any workplace.

“There are heaps of opportunities, and while he’s my son, the whole place feels like we’re one big family, ” says Tom.

From left to right: Waipā Networks construction and maintenance manager Piri Bennett was there to celebrate with Leighton and Tom when Leighton became fully qualified.