Awards for MITO leaders
Verna Niao and Warren Flowerday, chief executive and deputy board chairman of MITO respectively, have been honoured by the Collision Repair Association (CRA).
The recipients, pictured above, were presented with chairman’s awards at a dinner in Melbourne from Jeff Robson, who chairs the CRA.
Each year, the association acknowledges individuals who go above and beyond in service to the industry.
Robson, now in his second year as the CRA’s chairman, thought it was fitting to recognise not just one but two people who played a significant role over the past year in returning MITO to industry ownership.
In his address on May 15, Jeff noted Niao and Flowerday gave generously of their time and energy for the benefit of everyone in the industry and MITO’s ongoing success.
He says: “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.”
Flowerday has been a key figure in the collision repair and refinishing sector for many years. He has been with I-CAR since 2022 and served 13 years on the CRA’s national executive and four years as chairman before joining MITO’s board.
Sturrock Saunders, who chairs MITO’s board, says: “I invited Warren to join early in 2025 knowing we would need someone with his energy and stature to support this important work. He has been a stalwart throughout and our success is due in no small part to his efforts.”
Flowerday adds: “I’m honoured to receive this award and especially honoured to be sharing it with Verna.
“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 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 process, and her work ethic and commitment deserve huge recognition.”
Niao has been MITO’s executive director since 2022 and has also served on I-CAR’s board since 2017. She became chief executive of MITO Ltd on January 1.
“Verna brings a wealth of expertise and experience in supporting industry to meet its goals,” says Sturrock. “Her commitment to delivering value for our employers and learners has driven MITO’s success ever since she began in 2002.”
Niao adds: “The collision-repair industry makes a significant contribution to New Zealand and MITO has proudly served it for more than 50 years. It’s a privilege to work with such an inspiring industry, and the people whose skill and commitment help shape its future.”
