A1 Electrical logo featuring large blue letter 'A' and red number '1' above red text reading 'A1 ELECTRICAL' on a light background

Family-Owned, Locally Grounded

We're not just sparkies, we're locals who care about doing right by our community. Founded by husband and wife team Darren and Phillipa Bain, we're proud to be fully licensed master electricians delivering top-quality work grounded in reliability, respect, and real relationships.

Meet Darren & Phillipa

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Darren Bain  Co-owner and Lead Master Electrician

With 30 years of hands-on experience as an electrician, Darren brings both technical expertise and genuine leadership  to every project. As a fully licensed Master Electrician,  he's tackled everything from intricate residential rewiring to  large-scale commercial installations for local landmarks like OBHS  Sports Dome and businesses throughout the Otago region.

Darren's calm, methodical approach means complex problems get  sorted efficiently, whilst his commitment to mentoring ensures every  team member meets the same high standards. Whether he's installing  heat pumps for families in Green Island or coordinating power line  protection services, Darren's reputation for reliability speaks for itself.

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Phillipa Bain  Co-owner and Business Manager

Phillipa is the organised force that keeps A1 Electrical running like  clockwork. As co-owner alongside Darren since 2006, she brings  her extensive business operations expertise and genuine  care for excellence to every aspect of the company.

Behind the scenes, Phillipa manages the critical business  operations that ensure seamless service delivery - from accounts  and health & safety compliance to strategic planning and  operational systems. Her meticulous approach to business  management and commitment to maintaining A1 Electrical's  high standards means clients experience reliability  and professionalism at every touchpoint.

Our Professional Credentials and Certifications

We maintain the industry's highest standards through comprehensive certifications and ongoing training. Our team holds current EWRB licences  and Master Electricians membership, demonstrating our commitment to electrical safety and professional service.

Industry Certifications and Qualifications:

Master Electricians  New Zealand members
Certificate of Compliance  (COC) providers
Working from  heights qualified
Safe chemical  handling certified
Fujitsu and Mitsubishi accredited heat pump  installers
Gold Site Safe  Certified for two  consecutive years
Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB)  licensed professionals

Our Gold Site Safe certification for two consecutive years reflects our unwavering commitment to workplace safety and professional practice. This recognition  demonstrates our dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards on every project, protecting our team, clients, and the broader community.

Award-Winning Service

Recognition from industry leaders validates our commitment to exceptional service and professional excellence. In 2022, we were honoured  as "Contractor of the Year" by Latitude Homes, acknowledging our consistent delivery of high-quality electrical work and reliable project partnerships.

This industry recognition reflects our collaborative approach to working with builders, contractors, and property developers throughout the Otago Region. Our track record for timely project completion, technical expertise, and professional communication has established us as a preferred electrical contractor for commercial and residential developments.

Investing in Dunedin's Future

Growing the  Next Generation

Darren's passion for developing local talent goes beyond just running  a business. We actively support apprenticeship programmes,  giving young Dunedin residents the opportunity to learn valuable skills  while earning a solid living. Our apprentices don't just learn  the technical side; they discover the importance of reliability,  craftsmanship, and genuine customer care that sets us apart.

This investment in local talent means Dunedin has skilled, trustworthy electricians for generations to come. It's one of the ways we're helping build a stronger, more self-sufficient community.

Your Repeat Business  is Our Greatest  Compliment

The fact that so many of our clients return to us year after year, and  recommend us to their friends and family, tells us we're doing  something right. From The Esplanade to family homes in Mosgiel,  from Balac Seven Spaces to local businesses across Dunedin, we've  built our reputation one successful project at a time.

This investment in local talent means Dunedin has skilled, trustworthy electricians for generations to come. It's one of the ways we're helping build a stronger, more self-sufficient community.

Special Offers and Finance Options

We offer a Gold Card discount for eligible customers, recognising the valuable contribution of our senior community members. We also work  with MTF Finance Dunedin South to provide flexible payment options for larger residential and commercial electrical projects.

Our promotional partnerships, particularly with Mitsubishi, enable us to pass special offers and manufacturer incentives directly to our customers,  providing additional value on heat pump installations and electrical system upgrades.

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