Wiremu Kaipuke

Dynamic Certified Electrical Fitter with over 20 years of experience at Downer, excelling in high and low voltage systems. Proven leadership in project management and fault resolution, complemented by strong client relationships. Skilled in HV/LV switching and committed to safety, I deliver results efficiently while fostering teamwork and collaboration.

Over the past year, completing my Bachelor’s in Applied Management has helped me put structure and language around what I was already doing instinctively as a leader. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of leadership models like democratic and transformational styles — tools I now apply more deliberately to bring out the best in my team, align us toward shared goals, and make sure everyone feels part of the plan. The course helped me polish what was already there, and it also gave me the opportunity to unpack and sharpen my own philosophy of practice.

My management style is flexible but always grounded in leading by example. I naturally shift between approaches depending on the situation — I’m hands-on and direct when the pressure’s on, and more democratic when it’s time to plan and collaborate. I encourage my team to raise issues early so we can sort them quickly and keep momentum. Trust is constant — I trust my crew, and they trust me because I stay calm under pressure, I listen, and I always get stuck in when it matters. I’m passionate about mentoring and backing the next generation coming through. At the core, my approach blends authentic, democratic, and transformational leadership — building trust, staying approachable, and setting a clear example through consistent work and respect.

• Authentic leadership is about being genuine, consistent, and trustworthy, leading with integrity and staying true to your values.
• Democratic leadership involves including the team in decision-making, encouraging input and collaboration while guiding the overall direction.
• Transformational leadership is about inspiring and motivating others toward a shared vision, lifting performance by building trust, purpose, and growth.

I’m proud to have contributed to several major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Turitea Windfarm, which involved the building of two 33kV to 220kV substations and 60 wind turbines, running 60 km's of network cable. More recently, I managed and installed a high-voltage switchroom at Palmerston North Hospital, which included 17 11kV circuit breakers and two 1MVA transformers—delivered in a complex, live hospital environment with zero disruption to operations.