After more than 40 years of service to the community, Orion’s Selwyn based network operator Tony Smith is retiring.
A familiar face to many, Tony has worked throughout the Selwyn region for four decades, which is fitting as it’s also the place he calls home.
Tony joined Orion (then Central Canterbury Electric Power Board) back in 1985, followed soon after by his older brother Russell.
“Tony’s been through storms, the earthquakes, considerable technology changes and has been a calm presence throughout often-chaotic times,” says Orion General Manager Electricity Network Steve Macdonald.
“Through it all, Tony’s dedication and commitment to the Selwyn community has been outstanding.”
Sadly, Russell passed away last year following a cancer diagnosis. However, the Smith family connection remains strong within Orion, with both Tony’s son Tom and daughter Lizzie working for the electricity network.
Tony has seen a lot in his time on the job, with the 1992 snowstorm looming large as a memory. “We had an epic week or so restoring people’s power, often in snow up to our waists!” says Tony.
In Tony’s last week on standby, he responded to the lightning storm that took out power to several hundred people in Selwyn. “That was the busiest shift in a long time. The job keeps you busy, being on standby you just have to go with it and keep up with the pace.”
With retirement just around the corner, Tony reflects on what’s to come. “I’m big into lawn bowls, so I’m thinking there will be a bit more bowls on the cards now that I won’t be on standby. I’ll be able to play with two of my sons and my grandson, who are all into it too.”
Tony says it’s the people who have made the work so worthwhile. “I’ve loved the job; it’s been so satisfying. I’ve met a lot of great people in my time here. They appreciate the work we do, and I’ve had a wonderful association with the community out here.”
In what is a fitting development, Orion is pleased to announce that network operator Michael Stevens, another longtime Selwyn resident, will take over from Tony as one of our operators for Selwyn. Michael is also part of Orion’s UAV programme, employing drones to assist with fault detection and monitoring the network.