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
“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
“LPC recently engaged Smith Cranes – Marine Division, to undertake the demolition of three aged wharf structures. This was a challenging demolition due to the fragile state of the structures.
This project required a collective approach with LPC staff working the wharf side operation in conjunction with the Smiths team on the barge and supporting water and land based plant. Smith Cranes presented LPC with a comprehensive Health and Safety package prior to works commencing, this included certification of plant, qualifications and training of staff working onsite.
Matt and the team applied a practical yet safe methodology and embraced a great working relationship with the LPC teams. The Smiths Cranes team showed flexibility and creative solutions when faced with challenges outside of their control. Working in a marine environment can be particularly challenging due to weather, tides and operational shipping restrictions creating disruptions to workflows.
The 10 month project was undertaken with a clean health and safety record, this is a true testament to the high standard of operation by Smiths Cranes. Throughout the project Smiths Crane maintained a high standard around the environmental aspects and challenges of working on water. Any issues were addressed immediately.
The dedication and willingness of the Smiths Cranes team to problem solve challenges as they evolved ensured a positive experience and successful completion of the demolition of these historic structures.”
Steph Ireton, Lyttleton Port Company - 2024
“The delivery of 900 tonne of precast components by sea, to a remote, inhospitable location at the bottom of the planet, with an immovable deadline, a US technical design, and a ‘can’t fail’ directive may have dissuaded some companies, fortunately, not SCC.
Antarctica NZ had taken on the responsibility to deliver the critical components of the primary logistics infrastructure in Antarctica, on behalf of our USAP partner.
The team had one opportunity to deliver a 100% outcome in the 2024/2025 build season or run the risk of a 12-month delay to the globally integrated programme.
Throughout the fast-track procurement process the SCC team reflected the technical knowledge, the drive to deliver optimal results, and personal qualities which resonated significantly with Antarctica NZ. In SCC we had found our partner, our team, to deliver alongside.
From the outset SCC displayed a solution-based mindset. Every detail was optimised, each day was made to count, delivery was assured through planning and replanning of the delivery- of the sizable physical components, and of the significant logistical challenge of getting the components to the ice.
Thanks SCC, for being a true partner and for delivering excellence for us.“
- Tony Webber, Antartica New Zealand 2025
“Dowling Street Limited Partnership, a joint venture between Ngai Tahu Property and ACC Investments engaged Smith Crane & Construction in 2021 to undertake a 16 month contact for enabling and piling works on the ACC Otepoti project – an office building, at 15 Dowling Steet, Dunedin.
The site presented numerous challenges, including complex topography, significant changes to site levels, variable site conditions (solid rock and high-water table), buried archaeological features and soil contamination.
Due to the sites central location – surrounded by heritage buildings and adjacent to the historical foreshore – resources consent requirements for noise and vibration were partially stringent. Changes to these requirements after project commencement necessitated substantial sequencing of site works. The methodology for sheet pile installation and pile driving was regularly reviewed and adapted to ensure compliance. As a result, there was no significant breaches recorded through Resource Consent monitoring, and only minimal complaints were received from neighbours or the Dunedin City Council.
Health and Safety Practices on site were robust, with no major incidents. Any issues raised were addressed though open and honest communication ensuring timely resolution.
The leadership team – Matt Draper, Daniel Gardiner and David McCallum – worked collaboratively and professionally alongside the client and project team. Their practical approach to problem-solving consistently considered time and cost implications, contributing positively to the project’s success.
Smith Crane and Construction were an integral part of this successful project.”
– Laurie Corbett, Ngai Tahu Property.
