A young driller working for Pāuatahanui-based Griffiths has been recognised as one of New Zealand’s top industry trainees.
Zane O’Gorman was named Learner of the Year – Drilling at the inaugural MITO Industry Summit and Awards, held at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre on 1 September.
O’Gorman works for Griffiths Drilling, part of the Griffiths group headquartered on State Highway 58 in Pāuatahanui.
MITO said O’Gorman had progressed rapidly from working as a driller’s assistant to independently operating a drilling rig.
He was recognised for his technical ability, initiative and professionalism, including consistently achieving strong core recovery and producing high-quality bore logs.
MITO also highlighted his approach to safety, reliability and willingness to take responsibility on the job.
O’Gorman was presented with the award by MITO board director Iain Haycock and chairperson Sturrock Saunders.
The awards formed part of MITO’s first Industry Summit, which brought more than 200 representatives from industry, government, education, employers and training organisations to Wellington.
The summit covered industries including automotive, transport and logistics, drilling, mining and quarrying, and gas.
Minister Shane Jones delivered a keynote address focused on the role those industries play in New Zealand’s economy and the importance of industry training in developing the future workforce.
Griffiths has operated in New Zealand for more than 50 years and carries out geotechnical and environmental drilling, water bore drilling and specialist drilling projects around the country.