As we closed out 2025, two major pieces of work reached milestones that will have a lasting impact on the crane and lifting industry in Aotearoa New Zealand. Both speak directly to capability, professionalism, and the collective responsibility we share to keep lifting operations safe, consistent, and future-focused.
The first was the approval of the new skills standards for cranes, which have now been formally added to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) framework. This has been a long-anticipated and, at times, complex process, but it is an essential one. Skills standards are not just a compliance exercise – they shape how people enter our industry, how they are trained, and how their experience is recognised over time. Modern, fit-for-purpose standards provide clarity for employers, confidence for operators, and assurance for clients and regulators that the work being done on site is being carried out by people with verified competence.
Just as importantly, these standards support the development of sustainable career pathways. In an industry that continues to face workforce pressures, attracting and retaining skilled people is critical. Clear training and assessment frameworks help ensure that new entrants see crane operation and lifting as a viable, respected, long-term profession not just a job.
The second major milestone was the long-overdue refresh of the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Cranes. This work is now moving into the formal review, drafting, and consultation phase in partnership with Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and WorkSafe. Early in 2026, we will begin this process with an industry workshop to review the first draft, providing an opportunity for practitioners, businesses, and stakeholders to engage directly with the content and shape of the final document.
What is worth acknowledging is how this work began. The initial draft of the ACOP was written by one person – someone who saw a clear gap, recognised a need within our industry, and simply decided to do something about it. There was no fanfare and no obligation – just a willingness to step up and invest an extraordinary amount of personal time and expertise for the benefit of the wider sector.
That fact has caused me to reflect on our 50th anniversary, now behind us but still very present in my mind. Over the past year, we spent time looking back at the people and moments that shaped the Crane Association of New Zealand. One thing stood out above all else: the extraordinary dedication of our Life Members. Their contribution over decades – through leadership, advocacy, technical expertise, and mentorship – laid the foundations we continue to build on today. Without them, much of what our association has achieved simply would not have been possible.
What struck me is how little has changed in that regard. Progress in our industry has always been driven by individuals who are prepared to step forward, often quietly, and contribute beyond their own business interests. The ACOP work is a modern example of the same principle. Significant change doesn’t always come from large committees or formal mandates; sometimes it starts with one person deciding that something matters enough to act.
As we move into 2026, there are also encouraging signs emerging in the wider economic landscape. After two extremely challenging years for the New Zealand economy – particularly for construction and infrastructure – we have finally seen growth return. The September 2025 quarter recorded 1.1 per cent economic growth, exceeding expectations and marking a shift many in our sector have been waiting for.
Those two years of slowdown were felt acutely by our members. Construction activity stalled, infrastructure investment was delayed, and pipelines of work became worryingly thin. For many businesses, this period required resilience, adaptability, and difficult decisions. The latest figures provide cautious optimism. Growth has been led by manufacturing and business services, with construction rising by 1.7 per cent – a welcome signal that activity is beginning to lift.
While we should remain realistic about the challenges ahead, this moment reinforces the importance of being prepared. When demand returns, it will reward those who are ready with skilled people, strong systems, and a commitment to best practice. The work completed in 2025, from skills standards to regulatory guidance, positions our industry well to respond confidently and safely as activity increases.
Ultimately, cranes lift heavy loads, but industries move forward because of people. The past year has been a powerful reminder that progress is
built not just through policy and process, but through individual commitment, shared responsibility, and a genuine desire to leave the industry better than we found it. As we begin 2026, that spirit of contribution remains one of our greatest strengths – one I am confident will continue to carry our industry forward.