The 50m crane, to be used in the construction of the School of Dentistry's $125million clinical services building, was given the name after Faculty of Dentistry dean Prof Paul Brunton initiated a contest to name it.
Reachie McClaw was the most popular of the top five suggestions selected by faculty staff and students from among 119 entries.
The other finalists were Frasier, Flossy, Dentosaurus and Craney McCraneface.
Dental school rebuild contractor Leighs Cockram JV project manager Nathan Hawkins said he felt ``slightly responsible'' for the name after he suggested ``Craney McCraneface'' - a play on ``Boaty McBoatface'' which received the most votes when the public was asked to vote on the name of a new polar research ship in the United Kingdom.
A University of Otago spokeswoman said Sir John Walsh Research Institute Faculty of Dentistry compliance manager Jenine Upritchard suggested Reachie McClaw, which won with a ``clear majority''.
Reachie McClaw did not reflect the fact Leighs Construction's was founded in Christchurch, Mr Hawkins said.
``We wouldn't want the crane name to have anything to do with the Crusaders.''
The crane would not retain the name inspired by the All Black great because Leighs gave it a different name each time it was put up.
