Connecting New Zealand

Media Release

LATEST

Finalists named for NZ’s peak infrastructure construction awards

The finalists for the 2025 Civil Contractors New Zealand Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards have been announced, with awards to be presented on the big stage during the Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards Dinner at Mercury Baypark in Tauranga on Friday 25 July August as part of CCNZ National Conference.

National Infrastructure Plan sets the stage for stability

The draft National Infrastructure Plan released today signals a plan for the future, but also stability for maintenance and renewals, that can make the most of our current infrastructure assets.

Civil contractors welcome real-world focus for work-based learning

The association representing New Zealand’s civil contracting industry welcomes the government’s vocational education reforms announced today but cautions more detail will be needed to show whether the industry’s concerns have been addressed.

Value of health and safety reforms obscured by road cone hotline

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard said moves to right-size New Zealand’s health and safety system were well-intentioned following a ‘quality’ consultation process, and welcomed many changes proposed in the government’s move to cut red tape. However, the announcement of a new ‘road cone hotline’ was disappointing.

Northland operator claims victory at national excavator competition

Northland’s Steven George demonstrated his grit to rise above a historic field of competitors at the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition 2025, outclassing 11 of the country’s top operators to reign supreme.

Investment Summit: bipartisan infrastructure approach welcomed

New Zealand’s association of civil contractors says the New Zealand Investment Summit has been a welcome opportunity to discuss long-term investment in infrastructure, and a joint approach from decision makers gives the sector a reason to be optimistic for the future.

Women will make history at national excavator operator competition final

The Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition is set to break new ground later this week, with not one, but three female regional champions set to rumble onto the field of competition for the first time in its history.

Wellington deserves better water network governance

New Zealand’s association of civil contractors welcomes commitment to better management and leadership for Wellington’s water networks, but cautions little will change without a less combative approach.

Legendary excavator operator joins judging team for national finals

Four-time Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition champion Troy Calteaux is digging into a fresh challenge, leaving his seat in the excavator and crossing the fence to join the judging team at this year’s event in March.

Vocational education: certainty needed after years of change

Today’s announcement of further consultation around work-based vocational education was met with cautious enthusiasm by the civil construction industry, which will need to ramp up training and qualifications to deliver on the government’s infrastructure work programme.

National Excavator Operator Competition agreement signed at parliament

Civil Contractors New Zealand and CablePrice signed an agreement confirming Platinum Sponsorship and naming rights of the CCNZ CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition until 2027 at Parliament’s Grand Hall in Wellington last week.

Amazing infrastructure projects celebrated at national awards

Winning infrastructure construction companies celebrated long into the weekend following the presentation of the 45th Civil Contractors New Zealand Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards, with projects including high-voltage cables, scenic bridges, emergency transport maintenance and major motorways taking home awards.

Local water construction needs urgent action

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard has welcomed the Government’s long-awaited Local Water Done Well policies announced yesterday, but warns water contractors are suffering from an immediate lack of work and the country risks losing exceptional businesses.

Road cone obsession distracts from better safety outcomes

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard said a growing national obsession with road cones was an unhealthy distraction from the need to keep workers and road users safe on and around road work sites.

Knights in shining excavators: companies join forces to create new home for Nelson’s only capuchins

A troop of cheeky capuchin monkeys is set to enjoy a larger, more natural environment at Nelson’s Natureland Zoo after local civil construction companies banded together to donate their time, machinery and materials to build them a new enclosure.

Budget clarity welcome, infrastructure construction needs urgency

Civil Contractors New Zealand welcomes the clarity of the government’s future infrastructure investment plans provided by Budget 2024 but warns projects and work programmes may be too far in the future, and immediate stimulus is needed to sustain the industry.

Media release: Changes to civil construction immigration short-sighted

Recently announced immigration changes are short-sighted, risk undermining the New Zealand’s ability to deliver on its infrastructure work programme and will inevitably increase the cost of delivering transport and water infrastructure.

Fourth title makes history for Otago legend at national excavator competition

Otago’s Troy Calteaux has emerged as New Zealand’s ultimate digger driver at the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition, demonstrating his expertise to defend his title against 12 of the country’s top operators.

Big dig energy coming to Feilding as excavator operators vie for national title

New Zealand’s top excavator operators will be bringing big dig energy to Feilding at the end of this week when they roll their 13-tonne machines onto Manfeild Park for the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition. This year’s event marks the 30th anniversary of the heavy metal showdown.

Land transport policy needs long-term stability

Civil Contractors New Zealand welcomes an increased focus on maintenance and renewals in the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024-34, but warns against the long-term dangers of an increasingly politicised work programme.