Media Release

Regional champions ready to rumble at national excavator operator showdown

A field of 12 elite regional champions will do battle in an excavator ‘Royal Rumble’ this week when the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition touches down at Manfeild Park in Feilding.

Civil contractors welcome National Infrastructure Plan

The association representing NZ’s infrastructure construction industry welcomed today’s release of the National Infrastructure Plan and Government recognition of the need for a strategic approach to deliver and maintain resilient infrastructure for New Zealand.

CCNZ welcomes resource management changes to unlock growth and prosperity

Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) has welcomed the Government’s replacement to the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), with hopes the proposed new system will create a simpler, faster and more effective structure for New Zealand’s civil construction industry.

Survey shows unacceptable abuse of road construction workers

Survey results released this week show the alarming amount of abuse, threats and violence directed at New Zealand’s roading workforce, with a high percentage of respondents reporting threats of physical assault in the past year and many feeling ‘at risk’.

New procurement rules a positive change

New Zealand’s civil construction industry has welcomed changes released today by Minister for Economic Growth Hon Nicola Willis that simplify government procurement and clearly set out what’s required from suppliers.

Survey: Hope on the horizon for hard-hit civil construction industry

New research from CCNZ and Teletrac Navman reveals that despite a drop in industry confidence and an urgent need for clearer government project pipelines, the industry is focused on finding solutions.

Infrastructure projects coming to construction welcomed

Civil Contractors New Zealand welcomes the Government’s announcement of around $6b of work to reach the market by December but notes the importance of this announcement leading to the physical construction of projects.

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.