MITO deputy chair Warren Flowerday and chief executive Verna Niao have received Chairman’s Awards at the Collision Repair Association Awards Dinner held in Melbourne on May 15.
CRA chair Jeff Robson presented the awards, recognising the pair’s role in returning MITO to industry ownership over the past year.
Robson says Flowerday and Niao had made a significant contribution to the collision repair industry and the future direction of MITO.
“Both Warren and Verna have always seen the bigger picture and have worked to move our industry forward,” Robson says.
“They were instrumental in returning the organisation back into industry ownership, which is a tremendous achievement and a great win for our industry.”
Flowerday has previously served 13 years on the CRA National Executive, including four years as chair, and has also been involved with I-CAR since 2022 before joining the MITO board.
MITO board chair Sturrock Saunders says Flowerday played a key role during the transition process.
“He has been a stalwart throughout the transition process and our success is due in no small part to his efforts,” Saunders says.
Flowerday says he was honoured to receive the award alongside Niao.
“Our industry has given me a lot over the years, so being able to give something back through the CRA and helping to support MITO’s transition to industry ownership has been important to me,” he says.
“Verna carried an incredible workload throughout the transition process and her work ethic and commitment deserve huge recognition.”
Niao has been MITO’s executive director since 2022 and became chief executive on January 1, 2026. She has also served on the I-CAR board since 2017.
Saunders says Niao has played an important role supporting industry training and apprenticeships.
“Her commitment to delivering value for our industries’ employers and learners has driven MITO’s success ever since she began at MITO in 2002,” he says.
Niao says the collision repair industry continues to play an important role in New Zealand.
“It is a privilege to work with such an inspiring industry and the people whose skill and commitment help shape its future,” she says.
