This year marks an impressive milestone for the Crane Association of New Zealand: 50 years of supporting, representing, and championing an industry that quite literally lifts New Zealand up.
For half a century, the Crane Association has connected businesses from Northland to Southland, improved safety standards, advocated for operators, and strengthened the capability of a sector that now contributes more than $2 billion to New Zealand’s economy each year. With over 1,200 cranes operating nationwide, the industry underpins the delivery of major infrastructure, construction, and energy projects that keep the country moving forward.
From skyline-defining towers in Auckland, to the critical rebuild of Christchurch, to large-scale renewable energy projects in Taranaki cranes and the people who operate them have been at the centre of New Zealand’s progress for generations.
Milestones over the past five decades have included the introduction of nationwide operator certification, improvements to site safety standards, and a stronger voice for crane businesses at the table with regulators and government. The Association’s commitment to training and professional development has helped ensure that operators across the country have the skills to tackle complex, large-scale lifts safely and efficiently.
But as the industry celebrates this golden anniversary, it’s also facing a turning point. Many crane companies are under pressure to find the right people to keep pace with infrastructure upgrades and the pipeline of large-scale projects ahead. New Zealand’s construction sector alone is projected to need an extra 50,000 workers by 2028, with crane operators and riggers among the critical roles in short supply.
That’s where we come in. As New Zealand’s trusted international recruitment and immigration specialists, we’ve been working alongside crane companies and construction businesses for decades. We know the realities of today’s workforce and the need to bring in the right talent to keep projects moving safely and on time. From sourcing qualified operators offshore to navigating complex visa requirements, our team makes it easier for crane businesses to grow their teams with confidence.
We’re proud to support the Crane Association and its members as they look ahead to the next 50 years lifting New Zealand higher, one project at a time.
Heading to the Crane Association Conference 2025?
Come and visit us at the Crane Association Conference 16-18 July in Wellington or if you’d like to talk about futureproofing your workforce, get in touch. We’re here to help you find and keep the people you need.
