2025 holds special significance for the Crane Association of New Zealand (CANZ), as it will mark the association’s 50th anniversary. This milestone not only provides a chance to honour the association’s legacy but also propels it toward an exciting future, writes CEO Sarah Toase.
Reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together since I joined four years ago, I am reminded daily of the importance of our history and the legacy of those who have laid the foundation for where we stand today.
Honouring the legacy
Our association’s heritage is something I deeply respect. Every time I glance at the name board in my office, I’m reminded of the numerous individuals who’ve contributed to the crane industry in New Zealand. These are people who have invested their heart and soul – not just for personal or professional gain but to uplift and strengthen the entire industry.
I felt this legacy profoundly when we honoured Tony Gibson with a life membership at this year’s conference. Tony was the President of the Association when I first came on board, and his support has been instrumental in my own journey.
I am now beginning to see my own story woven into the fabric of this Association. I am proud of the progress we’ve made together, and I feel a profound responsibility to serve our members with the same passion and commitment as those who came before me.
This shared journey and dedication to our members are what make this industry such a pleasure to be part of. I know how challenging the last 12 months have been economically for many of our members. We are all still waiting for those first signs of recovery, and that tough reality sharpens my focus on what the Association needs to do to elevate the New Zealand crane industry. We are here to be both a support and an advocate, ensuring that our industry is resilient and forward-thinking.
The strategic priorities guiding CANZ
Our commitment to the future is firmly grounded in our four strategic priorities, which provide a roadmap for everything we do:
These pillars guide our actions, and I am proud to say that our council lives by them. We have ensured that all our activities are aligned with these priorities to create a strong, thriving industry for our members.
The emphasis on training has been especially important over the past two years. We have invested heavily in training initiatives, setting up our private training enterprise (PTE) to provide gold standard training resources for crane operators. When I first joined, one of the most significant concerns from members was the availability and quality of training. Today, we have made enormous strides in addressing that concern, and this will continue to be a vital focus as we move forward.
Shifting focus: Updated regulations and guidance
Looking ahead to the next 12-24 months, we are turning our attention to another critical area in our strategic vision: regulatory updates and industry guidance. During our recent AGM, this focus resonated with our members, affirming that we are on the right path. They expressed the need for updated regulations and guidance to reflect the realities and challenges of our industry today. It’s clear that our regulatory framework needs to evolve to keep pace with the industry’s growth and the complexity of modern crane operations.
To achieve this, CANZ is already working closely with the government. Recently, we met with both WorkSafe and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to chart a path forward for crane regulations. Our goal is to create a regulatory environment that enhances safety, supports professionalism and fosters growth within the industry.
Additionally, we’re exploring operator licensing and a crane-specific pre-qualification process to establish a consistent industry standard. Reducing duplication and ensuring high standards across the board will benefit both operators and businesses, making the industry safer and more efficient.
A legacy of member-centric work
This regulatory and standards initiative aligns closely with CANZ’s founding purpose: to support the success of our members. As we continue this work, I’m excited and motivated because I know it will make a difference where it counts. It’s my hope that the efforts of everyone involved—whether in the President’s chair, in council seats, or as part of our dedicated team—will leave a legacy that our members value and appreciate.
The true measure of our success as an Association lies in what we deliver for our members. As our PTE gains traction and we update industry guidance, the value of these initiatives will become apparent in the form of higher standards, better training, and a stronger industry overall. I am confident that these actions will lead to a tangible improvement in the quality of our industry, positioning New Zealand’s crane sector to thrive in the years to come.
Looking ahead to a bright future
Our work is far from over, and as we enter our 50th year, we remain as committed as ever to raising the bar. By focusing on the critical areas of training, regulation, and industry standards, we aim to build a future where New Zealand’s crane industry is recognised for its professionalism, expertise and excellence. As I look back on the progress we’ve made and ahead to the work still to be done, I am filled with both pride and anticipation. CANZ stands on the shoulders of the giants who have shaped this Association, and I am honoured to be part of this legacy.
As we move into 2025, we will continue to serve as the voice of the industry, advocating for the needs of our members and ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to succeed. CANZ’s vision for the future is one of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our members. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, and here’s to the next 50 years of growth, progress and shared success in the New Zealand crane industry.