Marking half a century of lifting and shifting, the 2025 Crane Association of New Zealand (CANZ) Conference was more than a professional gathering, it was a proud, emotional, and inspiring celebration of an industry that keeps the country moving. By Sarah Toase, CEO, Crane Association of NZ.
While the core programme delivered the essential updates and engagement that delegates expect, this year’s conference had four memorable experiences that honoured the past and inspired the future.
The conference began with a two-part ‘Originals Welcome Event’ in the familiar surrounds of the exhibition space, before, in a symbolic and powerful move, the entire group was bussed to Parliament for a cocktail reception attended by the Minister for Building and Construction, Chris Penk.
The Minister spoke of the sector’s vital role in the nation’s infrastructure and economy while acknowledging the current economic challenges, and offered thanks to the hardworking businesses and operators represented by CANZ.
This unique setting elevated the tone of the event, highlighting the association’s 50-year legacy of advocacy while giving members a rare opportunity to connect directly with policymakers in the halls where their futures are shaped.
Launching Little Lifters programme
Another standout feature of the conference was the launch of Little Lifters, a trans-Tasman initiative developed jointly with the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA).
Designed to empower members to champion crane careers in their local communities, the programme offers a lot of fun, with branded resources such as high-vis vests, stickers, and colouring pages and pencils which members can take into schools and community events.
With growing demand to promote cranes and engineering at the grassroots level, Little Lifters equips members with tools to act as ‘career ambassadors’ in a way that’s engaging, family-friendly, and memorable.
The initiative reflects CANZ’s forward-thinking commitment to inspiring the next generation of crane operators and engineers, and it was warmly received by delegates from both sides of the Tasman.
Raising $80K for charity
Perhaps the most moving moment of the conference came during a special auction for Debra New Zealand, a charity supporting people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
This was held in honour of a young crane enthusiast named Ashley Worthy, who lived with this rare and severe skin condition.
Ashley’s father, Joe, handcrafted an intricate model of a Liebherr crane entirely from native timber as a tribute to Ashley’s love for large machines. Joe and his wife Kathy donated the model to raise funds for the charity that supported their son, hoping to reach $3000.
What unfolded was nothing short of extraordinary: the Kiwi crane community rallied with overwhelming generosity and, after spirited bidding and a bit of deal-making, close to $80,000 was raised.
The Worthy family and Debra NZ team were very moved by the result, and the auction left an indelible mark on everyone in the room. It wasn’t just about a model crane; it was a deeply human moment of generosity, remembrance, and community.
Cranes roll through Wellington
On the Saturday following the conference, the CANZ staged the country’s first-ever crane parade, with 23 cranes hitting the streets of Wellington in a display of industry pride and public celebration.
It was a bold move, given it was the middle of winter in a city known for unpredictable weather, but the gamble paid off spectacularly.
Thousands lined the streets as operators tooted horns, tossed lollies, flashed lights, and waved to cheering onlookers. The joy was contagious.
After the procession, seven cranes were parked up in a public space where children and families queued for over 90 minutes to climb into crane cabs and snap photos.
The public response was phenomenal, with local interest in apprenticeships spiking and enthusiastic calls to repeat the event in Wellington and other cities. It was a powerful reminder of how public visibility and connection can lift the industry’s profile in a fun, accessible way.
Golden year for a golden industry
This year’s CANZ conference wasn’t just about celebrating a 50-year anniversary, it was about reaffirming the identity, value, and spirit of the crane industry.
From Parliament to the streets, from local community engagement to heartfelt charity work, the association demonstrated how connected it is to both its members and the nation it serves.
These events weren’t gimmicks; they were genuine expressions of pride, people, and purpose. And in doing so, they set a new benchmark for what industry conferences can and should be.
Parting words from Jeremy Sole- a final column