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Ryan Bridge: Cranes in the sky, not always a good sign in Auckland

Publish Date
Thu, 5 Mar 2026, 6:07am
Crane numbers rose, despite sector challenges. (Photo / Greg Bowker)

Ryan Bridge: Cranes in the sky, not always a good sign in Auckland

Publish Date
Thu, 5 Mar 2026, 6:07am

You know how the day cranes in the sky is a good sign of growth? 

Well, not in Auckland.

Not at Seascape.

It’s meant to be this city, this country, tallest tower.

187 metres tall.

Beautiful expansive views of the water.

52 stories.

A statement building for a city on the move.

But for two years we’ve had this… construction stopped, half finished, beams and nuts and bolts exposed.

The yesterday. The Chinese outfit developing it folded completely. Gone-ski.

So what happens to this half-cooked tower down by the wharf. It’s kind of hard to miss, you know.

Imagine the Sky Tower with scaffolding on it for a year.

Whatever happens needs to happen fast. 

Auckland is getting its mojo back. We’ve been talking all over the city lately - the areas your tourists venture - it’s coming alive.

The ICC, the CRL stations, the shops, Ponsonby, viaduct and waterfront; absolutely humming and heaving. 

There’s a buzz in the air and it’s not just politicians talking it up. Go and see if for yourself. It’s happening. Even a lot of the road cones have disappeared. 

Someone out there will be eyeing a bargain, surely, and answer our prayers.

Get in there and finish the job.

Polish that turd and help make this city shine. 

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