9 Jun 2026
The Electrical Engineering Group (EEG) is the technical home for electrical engineering professionals in Aotearoa, bringing together a community rich in expertise and experience. The group supports its members to grow their skills, connect with peers, and stay at the forefront of the profession, while also working to strengthen and advance electrical engineering. Get to know them and see how they can enhance your career in the field.
Vital Statistics
Your name: Darren Baxter
Your role: Chair
Your Group’s name: Electrical Engineering Group
Your Group’s field or special interest area: Electrical engineering including building services, industrial electrical and controls engineers, high voltage etc.
What value or experiences do members gain from being part of your engineering Group?
Regular in-person and online technical events for our members, a bi-yearly conference (combined with the Mechanical Engineering Group), and opportunities to participate in standards development and industry guideline updates.
What is your Group Committee most proud of, and why?
We have representation on multiple Standards Committees, including EL-001 (handling the review of AS/NZS 3000). We liaise with MBIE and WorkSafe as and when required.
The group is also increasingly being asked to provide technical leadership within the industry.
How does your Group work with Engineering New Zealand and other organisations to advance your field or interest area?
We collaborate closely with the Mechanical Engineering Group (MEG) and are planning the third joint conference in 2027 (EMCONZ). We collaborate with other industry organisations, including master electricians and the New Zealand Electrical Inspectors Association (NZEIA).
How does your Group’s work contribute to the lives of Kiwis?
Helping to maintain safety around electricity. Promotes clean electricity and energy independence, including streetlighting, buildings (power, lightning, electrical for mechanical), water and wastewater treatment plants, bulk fuel installations, factories, manufacturing, railway stations etc.
What’s a common misconception about your field or interest area that your Group would like to correct?
We do not hire or offer job opportunities, or offer project specific design/technical advice.
What challenge do engineers in your Group’s field or interest area need to solve right now?
Further developing the relationship with WorkSafe and specifically with Energy Safety to ensure development of safe practices, considering new technology. Funding of Electrical Standards review and development, availability of electrical standards, and ensuring timely uptake of updated standards.
What advice does your Group have for the next generation of engineers in New Zealand?
Take every opportunity to get hands-on experience. Becoming a competent engineer takes time; it doesn’t happen overnight. So, stick with it and take every opportunity to look and learn.
About the Electrical Engineering Group
The Electrical Engineering Group (EEG) is the technical home for electrical engineering professionals; bringing together the extensive skills, expertise and experience of professionals in the field. As a member, you'll benefit from socialising with other like-minded professionals, seeing a range of electrical engineering beyond your immediate field, the opportunity to grow your business, and make technical contacts.
Our Spotlight On... series showcases Engineering New Zealand’s Groups and their place in Aotearoa New Zealand’s engineering landscape.
