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By industry, for industry: celebrating MITO employers

Story

April 14 2026

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For over fifty years, MITO has supported apprentices, learners, and employers across the automotive, commercial road transport, mining, quarrying, drilling, gas, and logistics industries. From 1 January 2026, MITO is proudly industry owned and operated. 

To celebrate this transition, MITO decided to conduct a little celebration of its own by giving back to employers who put in the mahi every day, helping these essential industries remain strong and resilient for years to come.  

We opened the floor for current MITO employers, asking them why they choose to partner with us. By completing our survey, they were entered into the prize draw to win a MITO Tradie Treat Box, a branded toolbox filled with MITO gear and New Zealand-made food and gifts worth over $500.  

We received over 200 eligible entries from across Aotearoa. Some valuable insights were shared from our key partners, including the important work their businesses do for our industries and the incredible support they provide to their MITO learners. Some highlights include:

“A gift from MITO would mean a lot to us because we truly value the role MITO plays in supporting apprentices, training technicians, and strengthening the trades industry.

Skilled tradies are the backbone of businesses like ours, and MITO’s commitment to developing future talent helps ensure the industry continues to grow, innovate, and provide great career pathways.” 

“I would love to be able to pass on the Tradie Treat Box to show our staff that when you work hard, good things come your way.

We are about to start up five further MITO learners and it would be a great way to show our partnership with MITO is strong.”

“After 48 years in the industry, I’m passing on my knowledge and tricks of the trade with the motto of ‘you are never too old to learn’.

It would be great to share the Tradie Treat Box with my staff.”

We also learned that for MITO employers, the top three reasons they choose to train with MITO include that training is on-the-job, industry relevant, and high quality.

MITO representatives travelled across the country to present the prizes to our three lucky winners. This was a great way to connect with key partners in person and recognise the important role they play in supporting learners and strengthening their industries.

Our 2026 MITO Tradie Treat Box winners were:

  • Northern region: Winstone Aggregates – Ōtaika Quarry, Whangārei
  • Central region: Scania, Seaview, Wellington
  • Southern region: Sawyers Arms Automotive, Christchurch

Each of these businesses demonstrated a strong commitment to training, mentorship, and creating positive learning environments for their teams—values that sit at the heart of MITO’s purpose.

Thank you to all our employers for the mahi you do every day to futureproof our industries. We’re proud to stand alongside you.  

Training. By industry. For industry. 

Northern region: Winstone Aggregates – Ōtaika Quarry, Whangārei
Central region: Scania, Seaview, Wellington
Southern region: Sawyers Arms Automotive, Christchurch

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