The new coalition government formed in New Zealand late last year and showed a strong hand straight out of the gate – a hand that’s since been bitten and somewhat withdrawn as public sentiment signalled unhappiness with key parts of their 100 day plan.
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news from Australasia’s lifting industry.
- Don’t miss a lift and subscribe to our monthly magazine.
- Download our latest digital magazine to catch up on the biggest news and developments in the crane industry.
Politics has been all consuming for many in the lead up to the election and the lengthy talks to form a coalition didn’t help with the certainty our country was so eager for. Much of the action so far has been to unwind what the previous majority Labour government had put into place, with less focus on what is replacing the systems, organisations or policies being replaced.
However now that the coalition government is starting to settle in, signs are positive that industry voice will be heard. The response to the crane industry’s BIM (Briefing to Incoming Minister) has been positive, with Ministers reaching out for more information and to set up meetings. Our key message is the desire for clear, up to date legislation for our industry, following the hideously delayed Plant & Structure Regulations stalled by Labour.
CANZ is also focussed on the education system which is undergoing a further systemic change, and on certainty on the timeline and projects for the Cyclone Gabrielle rebuild. As we meet with various Ministers over the next month, we will use our voice to put these items at the top of the government’s list of priorities.
Looking ahead to the year in front of us, we are coming off the back of a slower few quarters than we have been used to. Uncertainty from the election being the main contributor to this slow down as well as economic pressure. Certainty around the Gabrielle rebuild and the government’s plan for infrastructure and housing will help support industry and alleviate economic pressure.
CANZ is busy making sure our priorities are on the government’s agenda but we also have a key project which is about to come to fruition. The Port and Crane Academy of New Zealand will open its doors this year, providing “by industry, for industry” training for the port and crane sectors in New Zealand. General Manager Mark Chavez is in place and working with support from both associations to complete the operational set up. This training academy will have a major effect on our industry – both in the near term by providing quality training and in the longer term by ensuring the competence of the new generation of operators is lifted to improve standards in the kiwi crane industry.
This will be supported by industry qualifications reviews in both the crane and port sectors, supported by our Workforce Development Councils.
With the arrival of PCANZ on the scene, and new entry level training options, the crane industry can start to undertake more intense promotion of the industry overall. Generating interest in the industry and it’s appealing career options will be more successful with an entry point (accessible training) and career pathway all mapped out for the next generations. It’s work the association has been doing in the background for some years and it’s great to see it coming to fruition.
READ MORE:
- CANZ CEO Report: Coordinated lobbying from industry groups helps gain traction.
- CANZ CEO Report: Partnerships are the secret to success.
- Franna cranes the “standout” for Titan Cranes.