Innovation in Energy Award goes to helisaw technology
The 2025 New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards celebrates outstanding achievements in Aotearoa New Zealand's energy sector. The Lines Company and Lakeview Helicopters received the Innovation in Energy Award, with the award proudly sponsored by Ara Ake
The Innovation in Energy Award honours those demonstrating exceptional innovation within New Zealand's energy landscape and the practical application of ideas that are driving the future of energy. This year, The Lines Company (TLC) and Lakeview Helicopters took out the award with their innovative approach to keeping trees away from power lines.
Helisaw technology uses saw blades suspended from a helicopter to trim trees in a fast, efficient, and safer way for ground vegetation management teams.
"It is an honour to sponsor the Innovation in Energy Award, which this year featured some exciting entries. Congratulations to The Lines Company and Lakeview Helicopters for their radical and innovative approach to solving lines management issues for electricity distribution networks” said Michelle Polglase, GM Projects Delivery of Ara Ake, who awarded the prize alongside Minister Shane Jones.
The judges of the award said, “In a competitive field, TLC and Lakeview Helicopters stood out with a simple, smart solution. Their helisawing approach dramatically improved safety for arborists, delivered impressive cost savings, up to 85% in remote areas, and opened new opportunities for staff and contractors. By shifting focus to urban work and strategic planning, they’ve shown how innovation can be both practical and transformative.”
"Together with Lakeview Helicopters, we’re transforming vegetation management with helisaw technology," said a proud Chief Executive Mike Fox. "Using saws suspended from helicopters, we’re trimming trees near power lines faster, safer and more cost-effectively than ever before."
Brad Williams, CEO of Lakeview Helicopters is proud to bring this technology to New Zealand. "It’s proven to be safe, reliable and cost-effective; transforming the way we manage trees, not just for the energy sector, but for other sectors as well," said Williams.
Find out more about the winning project.
The Energy Excellence Awards are an annual event celebrating achievements in the energy sector. With over 650 attendees, the awards provide an opportunity to recognise excellence across the energy sector.
The New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards were celebrated on 13 August 2025 in Wellington.
Published on 14 August 2025