FEATURE

28 July 2026

Matt Wasso: Two decades connecting Mercury's renewable energy operations

Matt Waswo has been working for Mercury, and previously Mighty River Power, for 20 years.

Engineer Matt Waswo has spent 20 years helping Mercury operate its power stations from afar, using technology and control systems that make remote operations possible.

Now' he's keen to use that experience to encourage others to think about a career in the energy sector.

Matt started working as an electrical apprentice in the mid-2000s, and then moved into control systems engineering, and is now a SCADA specialist engineer.

SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, and it involves systems that monitor, control, and automate electricity networks and infrastructure.

“Our control and trading team use SCADA to manage all nine of our hydro stations on the Waikato River – as well as our wind farms across the country – at one central point in Hamilton.

“My role is to support the technology and systems that enable us to run those generation sites remotely.”

At the Ngā Awa Pūrua Control Room, the centre for Mercury's geothermal operations.

Matt is also involved with setting up a SCADA system to manage all of Mercury’s central North Island geothermal stations.

“I’ve been the technical engineering lead for that project, pulling all those geothermal operations into one room where they can be controlled and operated.

“It’s been one of my favourite projects; I just enjoy bringing all the systems together, finding new ways to help our site operators, to make sure the systems in front of them are exactly what they need.”

Matt is one of Mercury’s dedicated team members who comes to work every day, making important decisions to build a world-leading electricity system.

"We know that in the energy sector there is demand for technology which enables remote operation.

"Mercury is keeping pace with the latest advancements to make sure we have the best tools to deliver a secure energy supply."

Matt inside the server room at Ngā Awa Pūrua.

Major industry investment in renewable energy projects also means there are increasing career opportunities in electrical and control systems engineering.

It’s almost a full circle situation when Matt thinks about when he started his career.

“I remember there was a big push on training more people in electrical and engineering trades as demand grew and many retired from the sector.”

Matt studied for a National Certificate in Electricity Supply when a work placement came up with electrical engineering firm ABB.

ABB had the contract for the maintenance of the Waikato Hydro System when it was operated by Mighty River Power, now part of Mercury.

Mighty River Power kick-started an apprenticeship scheme to help level up new talent, and Matt jumped at the opportunity to be part of it.

Matt looks after the digital platforms used to monitor, manage and automate critical electricity network infrastructure.

“I was in the first draft of 20 people in that scheme; we studied at what is now the Manukau Institute of Technology and Wintec and worked with Mighty River Power for the practical side of our study.

“It was a big investment, but I reckon it paid off because many of our intakes are still working in the industry and there’s even a few including myself who started with Mighty River Power and are now with Mercury.

“Mercury is still supporting internships and apprenticeships; that’s not only going to help us and our contractors but it’s what the industry needs.”

Matt said it’s important to remain curious when working in a sector that continues to evolve, and that’s the advice he gives to anyone looking for a career in engineering.

“Be curious about what’s going on around you. Understand how your role connects with the other teams you’re interacting with, and how it connects with the business.

“And we always remind ourselves about how to work safely so we can continue to produce good renewable energy for the country.”

Read more stories in our Brighter Together series.