The Golden Hammer and Golden Gun are the ultimate apprentice awards in New Zealand's collision repair sector.
Nominations from employers closed in October 2025 for the upcoming New Zealand Collision Repair Association’s Apprentice of the Year 2025.
The judges evaluate applicants on MITO course work, personal interviews, feedback from mentors, and reviews from employers before selecting three finalists from each category to travel to Auckland for a day of competitive practical evaluation at the I-CAR Training Academy of Excellence for panel and RA Johnstone Ltd. Refinishing Centre for refinish.
The experience obtained from participating in the awards alone is invaluable for up-and-coming apprentices.
The winner receives $1,000 donated by MITO, together with the opportunity to apply for a MITO post trade scholarship, and tools which are provided by RA Johnstone & Co Ltd.
Winners will be announced at the 2026 CRA Gala Awards evening, to be held in Melbourne on Friday 15 May 2026.
