Future Board Member Programme – profile Briana Rae

The Board was very fortunate to have rising star Briana Rae join the Future Board Member Programme in 2025. Briana is one of the youngest electrical inspectors in the industry. She works for Aotea Electric on the West Coast.

Prior to joining the Future Board Member Programme, Briana acknowledges that she didn’t pay much attention to the Board. She “just paid her fees and got on with her work”! A sentiment that many electrical workers will be able to relate to!

As her 12-month term working with the Board comes to an end, Briana has reflected on what she will take away from the experience. During her time with the Board, Briana has learned a lot about governance and the role of the Board, as well as how disciplinary hearings are conducted. A key takeaway for Briana was how important it is to have a mix of people and backgrounds involved to ensure fair outcomes.

Briana has also gained insight into the investigation process as she was able to observe the different stages from start to finish. This helped Briana build a stronger understanding of the regulations and wiring rules, and how they work together in practice. In this way, her work with the Board has also assisted Briana in her day-to-day job.

For Briana, the people she got to work with were definitely a highlight, despite usually being the youngest person in the room. She also enjoyed the added mental challenge which was quite different to her day-to-day electrical work.

It wasn’t just Briana that benefited from her time working with the Board. Briana’s role went beyond observing and learning. Although she was not able to participate in decision making, the Board hugely valued the insights that Briana was able to share about her day to day practice and her knowledge of the industry. Briana was super quick at locating the applicable regulations and standards. She even kept the Board on its toes by mixing up her coffee order each day!

Briana strongly recommends that other electrical workers consider getting involved with the Future Board Member Programme. “It’s a great opportunity for personal growth and for developing a deeper understanding of the electrical industry, as well as how boards and disciplinary hearings operate.”

Working with the Board has open Briana’s eyes to other career opportunities that she could pursue with her electrical background. Briana will now be well placed to join the Board as a Board Member at a future date should she wish to do so.

If you or someone you know might be interested in applying for the Future Board Members Programme, please contact the Board.