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The 2024 Crane Association of New Zealand (CANZ) Conference was, by all accounts, an overwhelming success – setting a high bar for future events.
Held in the vibrant city of Rotorua, this year’s conference not only brought together crane industry professionals from across New Zealand but also attracted international delegates. The city’s renowned beauty, cultural heritage and world-class amenities provided a fantastic backdrop for the event, further enhancing the experience for all attendees.
Rotorua’s unique charm, combined with the meticulously planned conference agenda, played a key role in creating an environment where delegates could fully engage in industry discussions, share insights, and network. The 2024 conference proved to be a pivotal moment for CANZ, as it highlighted the strength and resilience of the crane industry, even in the face of recent economic challenges.
A warm welcome with the Crane Village initiative
This year, delegates were greeted by the newly introduced “Crane Village,” an innovation that showcased the association’s commitment to enhancing the conference experience. Set up outside the main venue, the Crane Village provided a unique space where delegates could interact with suppliers, clients and peers. This initiative allowed for more informal and productive conversations, creating opportunities to foster new business relationships.
Inspiring speakers and outstanding keynotes
One of the standout features of the 2024 conference was the high calibre of its speaker lineup, which received an impressive 95 per cent approval rating in the post- conference survey. CANZ was thrilled with this feedback, as it underscored the quality and relevance of the content provided to delegates.
Lisa Tamati, the breakfast speaker, set an inspiring tone with her powerful story. Her personal journey, filled with resilience and determination, deeply resonated with the audience. Some delegates were so moved that they requested selfies and hugs following her talk, a testament to the emotional impact she had on the room. Tamati’s session was the perfect way to energize attendees for the rest of the conference.
Other notable keynote speakers included Glen “Cookie” Cook, who shared his vast knowledge on power line safety, and economist Shamubeel Eaqub, who delivered an insightful analysis of the New Zealand and global economy, specifically focusing on its relevance to the crane industry.
Both Cookie and Eaqub captivated the audience with their expertise and in-depth knowledge, reinforcing the critical role that informed discussions play in shaping the future of the crane sector.
A new MC, Jehan Casinader, delivers with excellence
Another highlight of the conference was the debut of the new Master of Ceremonies, Jehan Casinader. Filling the shoes of the previous MC, Greg Ward, was no small feat, but Jehan exceeded expectations, receiving a 90 per cent approval rating from delegates. His professionalism, and knowledge ensured a smooth flow throughout the event. CANZ is already looking forward to welcoming Jehan back for the 2025 conference.
A memorable social event: Musical bingo and more
Thursday evening’s social event was another resounding success. Striking the right balance with a social gathering is never easy, but this year’s event checked all the boxes. One long-time attendee, with over 25 years of conference experience, even commented that it was the best social event she had ever attended.
Musical bingo was a unique choice, and while there was some initial scepticism, the entertainment team delivered a knockout performance, turning the event into an unforgettable evening. The buffet meal was another highlight, with many delegates raving about the quality and variety of the food. The opportunity to unwind and connect with industry peers in a relaxed setting was invaluable, especially given the tough year the crane industry has endured.
Reflecting on achievements and celebrating excellence
Friday’s conference sessions were just as impactful, culminating in the prestigious Gala Awards Dinner. The awards ceremony provided a moment to pause and reflect on the successes achieved within the industry, recognising those who have demonstrated excellence, whether as trainees, trainers or as part of larger projects in the Lift and Project of the Year categories.
As CANZ CEO Sarah Toase often emphasises, “Nothing happens without a crane.” This sentiment rings true across all sectors of the economy, both domestically and internationally. The crane industry may be small compared to other parts of the construction sector, but its contributions are critical to the economy and the community. The awards ceremony was a fitting tribute to those who have worked tirelessly to uphold the highest standards in their respective fields.
Schools Day a major highlight
A significant highlight of the conference was the Schools Day event, where 30 students from three different schools attended an inspiring taster session led by industry trainers Simon Drumm, Norm Kete and Maurice Davis.
The event was an overwhelming success, with students enthusiastically participating in the various activities designed to give them a hands-on introduction to the crane industry. Simon Drumm’s tenacity and leadership were the driving force behind the event’s success, as he worked tirelessly to bring together the industry to inspire the next generation. The engagement from both students and the industry professionals underscored the strong commitment to fostering future talent, and it was heartening to see such a collaborative effort from all involved.
Setting the course for future
One of the key takeaways from the 2024 conference was the level of engagement from CANZ members. This year saw an unprecedented level of participation, which was heartening for both the association’s staff and council. Members shared their insights and expressed a clear desire for the association to continue its work in removing barriers and enabling the crane industry to thrive in New Zealand.
CANZ has already made significant strides, including the establishment of the PCANZ PTE, a gold-standard training institution for the crane industry. Over the next 12 to 24 months, CANZ will continue to build on this success, further enhancing training opportunities for its members.
Additionally, the conference highlighted the need for clearer, more up-to-date regulation and technical guidance to support the work of CANZ members. In response, the association will be shifting its focus to incorporate a new strand of work aimed at developing this technical guidance.
Looking ahead to 2025 beyond
While conferences require significant investment in both time and money, the value of bringing industry professionals together cannot be overstated. These events provide a unique opportunity to pause, celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and strategise for the future.
CANZ is now eagerly looking ahead to its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025. The milestone event will be held at the Takina Event Centre in Wellington from July 16th to 18th, 2025 and promises to be an exceptional occasion.
The 2024 conference would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, particularly our platinum sponsors, Cookes and Liebherr, as well as our gold and other category sponsors. Their unwavering support during a challenging year has been instrumental in making the event a success.
As we look to the future, CANZ remains committed to supporting the crane industry in New Zealand, working to ensure its sustainability and success. We are proud to stand alongside our members, and we eagerly await the green shoots of recovery that will propel the industry forward in the months and years to come.