Client Feedback & Testimonials
“I am pleased to provide this recommendation in support of Smith Crane and Construction Ltd. following their exemplary delivery of emergency works on the Bealey River rail bridge.
This project involved the urgent replacement of piers 3 and 4 under live rail conditions, requiring innovative temporary works to safely support train movements while the existing piles and headstocks were removed and replaced. Their ability to maintain uninterrupted rail services while completing these complex structural works is a testament to their engineering capability and operational discipline.
The site is located within a Department of Conservation (DOC) area, and Smith Crane and Construction Ltd demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental compliance throughout. Particular care was taken to manage ecological considerations such as bird nesting, with full adherence to DOC requirements.
The team stayed on program and on budget, delivering excellent value under tight timeframes. Their performance in health and safety was of a consistently high standard, with no incidents and full compliance across all site operations.
In summary, Smith Crane and Construction Ltd delivered a technically challenging project with professionalism, care, and efficiency. Their work reflects the best of New Zealand’s civil construction capability.”
— Stuart Ridley, Kiwi Rail New Zealand - 2025
“It has been a pleasure working with Smith Crane and Construction on the Christchurch Stadium Project. It has been a demanding project that has required lots of planning and long hours from the team as well. Smith Cranes provided great initiative in suggesting using the LTR11200 to lift the RDM from the outside. This was more efficient and shortened our programme schedule. Their performance in health and safety was consistently at a high level, with no incidents on site, and complying with all requirements. I have enjoyed working with the team at Smith Cranes and look forward to working with them in the future.”
- Stephen Lam, Jing Gong Steel International - 2025
“I am pleased to provide a reference for Taylors Contracting and Smiths Crane and Construction Limited, who have recently completed construction of the Central Plains Water Labyrinth Weir on the Rakaia River.
Their work on New Zealand's first in-river labyrinth weir for an irrigation scheme was exemplary, safely delivering a project valued at $1.7 million on time and within budget. The weir, completed in the irrigation off-season in May – August 2024, has significantly enhanced the reliability and resilience of the Central Plains Water scheme, especially in managing high river flows and flood conditions.
As clients, we were particularly impressed with the contractors' professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to quality. Their innovative and collaborative approach and expertise were key to the success of the project, resulting in a structure that is delivering on expectations and providing real value in terms of increased water delivery reliability to our Shareholders and Farmers. Both Taylors and Smiths showed a great deal of innovation during the procurement phase of the project, particularly in the approach to pre-cast the weir panels off-site to ensure the project timeline could be achieved. They worked collaboratively and proactively with the CPWL Project team during construction.
From a customer satisfaction perspective, the project was completed in the tight timeframe to ensure the start of the irrigation season was not delayed and our Shareholders and Farmer irrigators have subsequently enjoyed a season with no scheme outages due to river flooding. With the weir in place our Operations and Maintenance team have been able to continue to deliver water to customers under much higher river flows.”
- Mark McKenzie, Central Plains Water Limited - 2024
“The building relocation team at Smiths Crane & Construction are a great bunch of can-do guys who are very experienced in the art of house moving! This is an essential service for our company to safely deliver prefabricated homes to our client's. Despite the many transport challenges, they always find a way to make it happen. We really appreciate your support, many thanks team”
Brad French, South Peak Homes - 2025
“Smith Crane & Construction Ltd and legends in the crane industry. When it comes to cranes though Johnny Smith, son of Tim Smith, is someone that is in the know. His team are serious professionals as operators, installers, mechanics, dogman, drivers, fathers, brothers, uncles and all round good buggers!!!
Within a 24 hr period starting at 4am Friday morning, our site went from one crane to having 3 cranes with our big puppy (Tower Crane) now being a conversation filler in town. Thanks to the Smith Cranes team again for another great milestone reached!!!”
— Aaron Boddington, Spec X - 2025
“We’ve worked with Daniel, Matt and the team for many years and have always been impressed by their professionalism, problem-solving skills and positive attitude. They’re easy to deal with, incredibly accommodating, and give every relocation their full attention — no matter how complex the job might be.
What we really value is their determination to find a way, even when a site initially seems challenging. They take the time to assess all options and draw on the wider Smith Crane & Construction resources when extra equipment is needed, which gives us great confidence.
In a business where there’s plenty of stress behind the scenes, Daniel’s calm, capable approach has made a real difference. We’re grateful to have them as part of our extended team.”
David Wraight Cottages - 2025
