CRA honours MITO Deputy Chair and Chief Executive

At the Collision Repair Association (CRA) Awards Dinner in Melbourne on Friday 15 May, Warren Flowerday, Deputy Chair of MITO’s Board, and Verna Niao, MITO’s Chief Executive, were honoured to receive Chairman’s Awards from CRA Chair Jeff Robson.

Each year, the CRA Chair presents a prestigious Chairman’s Award to acknowledge individuals who go above and beyond in service to the industry. Jeff Robson, now in his second year as CRA Chair, thought it was fitting to recognise not just one, but two people who played a significant role over the last year in successfully returning MITO to industry ownership. 

In his address, Jeff noted that Warren and Verna both gave generously of their time and energy for the benefit of everyone within the industry, and for the ongoing success of MITO Limited.

“Both Warren and Verna have always seen the bigger picture and have worked to move our industry forward. They were instrumental in returning the organisation back into industry ownership, which is a tremendous achievement and a great win for our industry.”

Warren has been a key figure within the collision repair and refinishing industry for many years. He has been part of I-CAR since 2022, and served 13 years on the CRA National Executive and four years as Chairman, before joining the MITO Limited Board.

MITO Board Chairperson Sturrock Saunders said of Warren’s award: “I invited Warren to join the MITO Limited Board early in 2025, knowing that I would need someone with his energy and stature to support this important work. He has been a stalwart throughout the transition process and our success is due in no small part to his efforts.”

Warren says: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award and especially honoured to be sharing it with Verna 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. None of it happens alone though—it takes good people around you who care about the future of the trades and are willing to put their hand up. Verna carried an incredible workload throughout the transition process and her work ethic and commitment deserve huge recognition.”

Verna has been MITO’s Executive Director since 2022 and has also served as a board member of I-CAR since 2017. She became Chief Executive of MITO Limited on 1 January 2026.

Sturrock was also delighted with Verna’s award: “Verna brings a wealth of expertise and experience in supporting industry to meet its goals. Her commitment to delivering value for our industries’ employers and learners has driven MITO’s success ever since she began at MITO in 2002.”

Verna says, “The collision repair industry makes a significant contribution to New Zealand, and MITO has proudly served industry for more than 50 years. It is a privilege to work with such an inspiring industry and the people whose skill and commitment help shape its future.”

Jeff thanked the pair for their enduring support, leadership, and commitment to the betterment of the industry: “They are both incredibly deserving of this very special industry award.”