The Crane Association of New Zealand held its largest ever conference during the last week of July, returning to Claudelands Hamilton for the second year running.
With 250 delegates, 34 exhibitors and thousands of tonnes of lifting capacity on display in the outdoor exhibition space, the event was a real draw card for the kiwi crane industry.
Delegates also travelled from Australia, Germany and Japan to attend the conference and do business with our members now that confidence has returned in the status of New Zealand’s borders.
The keynotes
Sir Graham Lowe (Lowie) opened the conference with an incredible keynote speech which was very well received by attendees, who listened over breakfast as the event got underway on day one.
Tony Alexander was back by the demand of members and kept the audience captivated with his incredible ability to entertain whilst delivering his view of the NZ economy – no mean feat.
The conference was closed by Abbas Nazari. The word “inspiring” doesn’t do this man justice. As delegates listened to Abbas tell the story of his journey from refugee to Fullbright Scholar and best-selling author, the silence in the room was tangible as the group hung off his every word.
The plenary
A full schedule of speakers provided the opportunity for delegates to hear about current issues such as the Review of Vocational Education and decarbonisation and sustainability.
Thought provoking sessions were run by Callaghan innovation on Doblin’s ten types of innovation and Transport Specifications Limited on Compliance in Health and Safety which is a must see for anyone in the heavy machinery space.
We were fortunate to have some high-quality speakers join us for our technical sessions including Hans Jörg Nothacker from Liebherr Germany, Chris Hewitt from the Temporary Works Forum and Graham Perry from Flow Info.
Doing business
There were impromptu and planned meetings taking place both at the venue and off-site which demonstrated the benefit of being face to face. Exhibitors who were new last year returned having initiated business relationships with members and keen to develop further leads.
Celebrating excellence
Its highly regarded industry awards were held on the final evening at the gala dinner. These awards recognise the incredible work and collaboration taking place in the New Zealand Crane Industry.
So much is to be gained simply by entering the awards as the reflection needed on the entrant’s success and challenges is rewarding in itself.
Delegates also benefit as the finalists for the Project of the Year and the Lift of the Year present their entries for everyone to experience, learn from and be inspired by.
2022 crane awards winners:
• Trainee of the Year
Catherine Dudson, NZ Crane Hire
• Trainer of the Year
Norm Kete, Leverage Training
• PTE Trainer of the Year
Stuart Hindley, Major Oak Safety Training
• Training Company of the Year
NZ Crane Hire
• Leader of the Year
Stuart Hindley, Major Oak Safety Training
• People’s Choice Award
Pacifica Building Tower Crane Demob
• Lift of the Year
Peacockes Bridge Pier Installation – HEB Construction and Smith Crane and Construction
• Project of the Year
Turitea North Windfarm – Smith Crane and Construction
In conclusion
The commitment of the industry in attending and supporting this event through sponsorship increased significantly this year. It is heartening to see this support from a range of members which shows that the association has both depth of experience and fresh thinking to guide its future.
Whilst next year’s event location is still to be confirmed, enquiries are already coming through for 2023 for which planning is already underway.