Crane numbers climb despite market challenges
The Q3 2025 RLB Crane Index® indicates there are 116 long-term cranes operating across New Zealand, up from 105 in Q1. This 10.5% increase offers a rare positive sign amid a cautious building recovery.
Associate Director Bradley Coley commented, “Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, crane numbers rose by 11 this quarter. While conditions remain subdued, this steady increase signals confidence may be gradually returning.”
Regional snapshot
- Auckland: 59 cranes, more than half of the national total. Of these, 17 residential cranes (29%) are spread across 15 projects, driven by institutional developers such as Precinct Properties and Simplicity Living.
- Christchurch: 23 cranes, anchored by Te Kaha Stadium with 10 cranes onsite.
- Tauranga and Queenstown: 14 and 12 cranes, respectively, both recording gains.
- Hamilton: 3 cranes.
- Wellington and Dunedin: declined to 5 and 0, respectively, with Wellington hitting a record low.
Sectoral trends
Residential activity shows tentative improvement, with 29 cranes nationwide (25% of the total), a net gain of 3 over six months. Developers remain cautious, particularly in Auckland where demand is soft, but government initiatives such as the Residential Development Underwrite may ease financing pressures.
Non-residential construction remains under pressure, with a 10.2% YoY decline in Q1 consents. However, growth areas include data centres, industrial, aged care, and hotels, reflecting demographic shifts and tourism demand. Civil cranes remain steady at 26, nearly matching residential totals
Market outlook
Bradley noted: “This increase comes amid cautious investment, rising unemployment, and falling migration. Yet, with a strong rural economy and expectations of lower interest rates, the long-term outlook remains positive. We anticipate gradual recovery as these conditions stabilise.”
Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch last month, with completion now in sight. Photo / George Heard
Explore our in-depth analysis and an interactive breakdown of the cranes and projects here.
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