Business Showcase brought to you by Screen NZ International l 05 June 2026
Q&A with Marty Ashton
Founder, Managing Director & Operations
After more than a decade working in the crane industry, Marty Ashton had a clear picture of what was missing: a more personalised, service-driven approach to crane hire. In 2015 he founded Ashton Crane Hire and now, more than 10 years on, this small but mighty team are still tackling that mission head on.
Do you have a standout capability or service you'd like to highlight?
What makes us stand out is our diverse fleet of cranes and genuinely tailored approach to every job. From the first conversation, we develop detailed lift plans around each client’s requirements, factoring in site conditions, timelines, safety and environmental considerations. With cranes ranging from 13 to 250 tonnes and 24/7 availability, we’re one of the few operators in the northern region able to scale with clients as projects grow. This personalised service is why clients, including major film productions, continue to return to us.
Has there been a recent project that highlights what you do best?
One project that really stands out was working on Disney’s live-action Mulan. At one point, we had up to 27 cranes operating across both the North and South Islands in a single day, supporting multiple areas of the production. Our involvement spanned stunt work, lighting setups, overhead rigs and large-scale production support. The logistics and coordination were enormous, with constantly changing schedules and multiple departments working simultaneously. What I enjoyed most was the fast-paced problem-solving and collaboration that comes with a production of that scale. Delivering safe, reliable lifting solutions while supporting the creative vision in real time is something I’m particularly proud of.
“I want to give a special thank you to Neil Radley from Pro Services. Neil was the person who introduced me to the film industry and helped open the door to this journey. His support, guidance, and belief in us have meant everything. I’ve got nothing but love and respect for my brother Neil! Thank you for backing me and helping me find my place in this industry.”
MARTY ASHTON , Special Thanks for Neil Radley
Any recent achievements you’d like to celebrate?
We recently celebrated ten years in business in 2025, a milestone we're incredibly proud of. When we started in 2015, it was a lean operation with a clear vision: to redefine crane hire through superior service and smarter lifting solutions. A decade on, we've grown into one of the leading crane hire operators in the northern region, with an innovative, expanding fleet and a team that genuinely loves what they do. It’s been an incredible journey so far.
Is there a key piece of equipment you’d like to put the spotlight on?
The newest addition to our fleet in 2025 was the 20T Franna pick-and-carry crane, which has quickly become a client favourite and significantly expanded our offering for smaller jobs. Its ability to pick up and carry loads across a site without needing to be repositioned or re-rigged saves considerable time and cost.
Our 90T Liebherr crane is widely used across construction, infrastructure, industrial maintenance, steel erection, and the film and entertainment industry. In film production, the LTM 1090-4.2 is highly valued for its smooth operation, long boom reach, compact footprint, and low noise output. These features make it ideal for lifting camera and lighting rigs, set pieces, LED screens, and specialised filming equipment. Its ability to access restricted locations, combined with precision controls and fast setup times, gives production crews greater flexibility while helping keep productions on schedule. The Liebherr ECOdrive and ECOmode systems also reduce fuel consumption and noise emissions, an important advantage on film sets where quiet operation is often essential.
Can you share some background about the business?
Based in Auckland, we operate across the greater Auckland and northern regions, tackling everything from residential builds and commercial construction through to infrastructure projects and film productions. Our team is small but highly experienced, with every member sharing the same commitment to safety, the environment and getting the job done right and on time. Our Zero Harm philosophy means we never compromise on safety, for our clients or our community.
What does the future look like for Ashton Crane Hire?
Our fleet continues to grow, along with the range of services we offer, particularly within New Zealand's film and production industry, where demand for reliable and experienced crane operators remains strong. It’s an exciting sector that requires precision and an understanding of the pace productions move at, and one we’re well placed to serve. We’re also focused on strengthening our presence across the northern and middle regions of the North Island, building on relationships established over the past decade while working with great new clients across a range of industries.
"We're passionate about this industry, and we started Ashton Crane Hire because we knew there were more efficient ways to operate in it. Ten years on, that's still what drives us every day."
MARTY ASHTON, Founder, Managing Director & Operations, Ashton Crane Hire
For more information visit www.ashtoncranehire.co.nz
All imaged are owned by and used with permission of Ashton Crane Hire
CONTACT ASHTON CRANE HIRE
9 Titi Street, Otahuhu, Auckland
Marty Ashton - Operations Manager
+64 21 928 488
