Jim Pearce

The 2006 Life Membership Award was presented to Jim Pearce, former CEO of Networks South in Timaru.

Jim retired from the industry in 2004. He began his working life as Assistant Electrical Engineer at NZ Steel in 1971. He moved to Timaru in 1981 and worked in various senior engineering roles for the South Canterbury Electric Power Board, South Canterbury Power, Alpine Energy, and later Networks South, the management entity for the combined Alpine Energy and Network Waitaki.

Jim joined the EEA in 1981, and with Dennis Dowling, the CEO of South Canterbury Electric Power Board at that time, was heavily involved in EEA work. Jim was an active member of EEA working groups over many years, being involved in numerous technical, regulatory and safety committees. He was a long standing member of the Electric Lineman Training Committee and was a strong advocate for the small rural power company and their engineers, regional technical forums and the expansion of the EEA's professional development work. He was also a very strong advocate for the establishment of an electricity supply industry training organisation.

Jim joined the EEA Executive Committee in 1993 and his knowledge of industry was invaluable in the subsequent restructuring of the Association in the late 1990s. During his time on the EEA Board he completed an MBA at Massey University. He retired as a Board Member in 2000 and became an Executive Member of the Electricity Networks Association.

Jim Pearce receives his Award from EEA President, Greg Skelton