Behind the Tools - Business Summits
Master Electricians is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Rawson as its new National President.
A second-generation electrician, and serving as Vice-president of Master Electricians since 2022, Mark brings to the National President role his talent as a people person with a passion for listening to and learning from branch members, and an exceptional ability to build relationships and get things done.
“My role as National President is fundamentally to get the message from the members around the country up to board level and national office so we can make the organisation the best it can be. I want to support our CEO in continuing to boost morale, build confidence, and increase member benefits – our success comes down to strong membership involvement, and that involves reaching out, listening, learning and taking the information to the right place for discussion.”
Electrical contracting runs across three generations in the Rawson family through involvement in electrical services company, Plunket Electrical, based in Oamaru New Zealand where Mark lives with his wife and five children. The company was acquired in 1979 by Mark’s father Michael, a past National President of Master Electricians, and Mark’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding the company. Mark’s son Kase, as well as his nephew Jai, are now about to be registered as the third generation of electricians.
“This trade is in our genes. As a former National President, my Dad was at the centre of change back around 2008-2009, and like me he loved the people, the opportunity to be part of change where it’s needed – and he is proud to see me step into this role. I was always at my father’s hip on callouts, sweeping up the workshop and so on, and my son Kase was always following me around in a similar way. He may well step into our business.”
Mark is a passionate southerner comfortable in all situations, from the workshop to the boardroom to the mountains. “On a recent Friday afternoon, I was on the top of a hill, in the midst of sighting a deer. A video call came in from the Chair, which involved a bit of makeshift office creativity to conduct decision-making duties up on the top of a mountain.”
Alexandra Vranyac-Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer of Master Electricians New Zealand, says, “Mark’s appointment to the National President role is a significant asset to the corporate governance and organisational direction of this organisation. We need to stay ahead of the pace of change and focus on new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of the electrical industry. Mark’s leadership, people and communication skills will help us grow value and relevance for members as we strengthen our pillars of advocacy, education, and support.”
“In this new era,” says Mark, “advocacy is a key plank of outreach. Overall, we need to work harder to build value and provide additional services for the membership. A good board is a mix of skillsets, and mine include constantly probing at the board table so the situation is fully understood, and we get a better result for everyone. It’s a privilege to step up and contribute, I can thank my business partners for creating the space for me to make a difference.”
The Master Electricians Board would like to thank outgoing National President Gary Roxburgh for his service. We warmly welcome Mark to the role and look forward to his leadership as we navigate the evolving landscape for the electrical industry as we continue to drive value to our members.