
May 4th 2023 saw Groundline Engineering formalise its entry into the US market in a ceremony presided over by New Zealand Trade Commissioner Vicky Whitlock in Washington DC. The move is a natural progression for the global powerline engineering consultancy and with successful operations already in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, the ceremony saw the symbolic presentation of a pounamu Mere to Mr Christian Nolden who has been appointed President of Groundline Engineering (USA).

Co-founder and Director Ian Flatley described the presentation as a gift from the founders and owners and recognition of Mr Nolden’s Mana and Authority in this growing market. The consultancy aims to increasingly support USA power networks with specialist powerline expertise and design services. The consultancy adds strength also to existing US partners and distributors in making global HV and LV innovation more accessible in the US. Developed within the Groundline Engineering Group, transformative NDT and timber pole data PHI™ www.thorpoletest.com and specialist wildfire prevention conductor www.coveredconductor.com is to be represented.

Note: Pouanamu (New Zealand Greenstone) is sacred in Maori culture and can represent prosperity, strength, status, peace and a connection with the natural world. Mere are ancient weapons, a symbol of courage, respect, strength and the ability to cut through life’s obstacles. Mana in Maori culture is a supernatural force in a person, place or object and can convey power, prestige, authority, charisma and status.
Sit in on any utility planning meeting and you’ll see the same challenge: project delivery dominates the agenda, while asset management fights for attention.

After 21 years of growth, Groundline enters a new chapter—one that underscores our commitment to governance, succession planning, and sustainable growth, while creating development opportunities for our incredible team.

For over a decade Thor Poletest™ has provided networks with PHI™ (Pole Health Index™) - the gold standard in objective and accurate pole condition data and made possible by a simple 60-second non-destructive hammer test at the base of the pole.

