Collision Repair Association Conference

Early Bird registration is now open. Register before 11 April to get the best registration rate. You can register and pay by credit card or select to pay by invoice.

Register now! https://twelve.eventsair.com/cra2025/registration

Registration fees

All fees are in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and exclude Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15%.

Definition of a member: A financially current member of the Collision Repair Association (CRA Member and CRA Associate Member).

Registration inclusions

• Full registration includes entry to all conference sessions, the sponsor space and catering during the conference; Friday Night Social at Brewtown, Upper Hutt and the 2025 CRA Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday 17 May.
• Day registration includes entry to all conference sessions, the sponsor space and catering on the day of attending; Friday Night Social at Brewtown, Upper Hutt and the 2025 CRA Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday 17 May are not included however tickets can be purchased during registration.

Payment information

Full payment is required 10 working days after you receive the invoice or before the conference opening date, whichever date is earlier. Payments are collected by Twelve Conferences and Events on behalf of Collision Repair Association. If you need to set up Twelve Conferences and Events as a new supplier, please send an email. Credit or debit card payments are processed via a secure gateway. A 3% credit card surcharge is applicable on all credit/debit transactions. Your payment will appear on your credit card statement as a transaction with “Twelve Conferences + Events”.

Payment via Capricorn: If you would like to make payment via Capricorn, please email your invoice to erin@collisionrepair.co.nz

Refunds, substitutions and cancellations

If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, please notify the conference organisers by email. Cancellations received up to and including Friday 4 April will receive a refund less a cancellation fee of $100 + GST. Cancellations made from Saturday 5 April are non-refundable or at the discretion of the Collision Repair Association. Registration may be transferred to another person, any applicable fee difference may apply. Please notify the conference organisers by email of the replacement attendee’s name and contact details.

Need help registering?

Contact the conference organisers:

Twelve Conferences + Events

Hayley Larsen

P:  +64 (0)27 410 6567

E: ​events@twelveconferences.nz

Di Foster, Accidental Business Owner

Di Foster, an accidental business owner with a background in accounting and commerce, started her career at Tamahine Knitwear in Dunedin. Transitioning from management roles in the knitwear and production industry, she became a business consultant for 15 years. Di’s coaching career began naturally amid industry shifts, closures, mergers, and start-ups. Surviving breast cancer twice, she inspires others to live their best lives, blending business acumen with personal resilience. Di believes in perspective shifts, emphasizing that life is too short to sweat the small stuff. She is passionate about helping others pursue their passions and make the most of their time.

“It’s not your fault but it is your responsibility”

While Di Foster’s wellness journey is not enviable, her perspective and pragmatic approach certainly is. Di shares and explores the powerful concept that while we may not be responsible for the circumstances and events that have shaped our lives, it is ultimately our responsibility to overcome them. Many of us carry the stories of our past experiences, limiting beliefs, and negative thoughts that shape our actions in the current moment, ultimately shaping our future experiences and holding us back from reaching our true potential. These internal barriers allow us all to take radical responsibility for ourselves and our lives. With a lens on our ability to respond, Di shares her practical grounded toolkit.
Di’s experiences, pragmatic approach, and incredible mindset will inspire you in your own journey.

James Marris, Aurora Zone Coaching

Imagine a world where you no longer spend countless hours fixing your team’s problems but witness a cohesive, self-motivated unit driving your business forward, even in a constantly changing environment. This is the vision James Marris, a high-performance coach and founder of Aurora Zone Coaching, strives to create. With a background in psychology, James fosters psychologically safe environments where teams thrive through positive collaboration. His expertise enhances team dynamics and creates a sense of community, enabling individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. James’s innovative approach and dedication make him a sought-after speaker and coach in organizational development and performance enhancement.

Full Throttle: Positive Collaboration Through Community

In this inspiring talk, we delve into the dynamic power of positive thinking and collaboration within a community. Just like a high-performance engine running at full throttle, our community thrives when we work together, support one another, and drive towards common goals. By harnessing the strength of our collective efforts, we can achieve remarkable outcomes and create lasting positive change. This talk will equip you with practical tools and insights to navigate business and life more effectively in our ever-evolving environment. Look forward to being with you all on the 16^th May 2025.

Phil O’Reilly ONZM, Iron Duke Partners

Phil O’Reilly ONZM is Managing Director of Iron Duke Partners, a Wellington, New Zealand based Public Policy Advisory Firm.
He was previously the Chair of the Board of Business at OECD, based in Paris, which is the representative of businesses in OECD member states and was a member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) based in Geneva.  He was also a member of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).
He currently chairs Business at OECDs Southeast Asian Contact Group which is concerned with accession to the OECD by Southeast Asian states and is a member of the OECD Trade Committee.  He has long involvement in the B20 advising G20 leaders.
He has acted in both a governance and advisory capacity to the New Zealand government as well as overseas organisations in areas as diverse as trade, sustainability, diversity, pay equity, manufacturing, child poverty, welfare reform, R&D, innovation, tertiary education, retirement and the future of work.
He was previously Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, New Zealand’s leading business advocacy group, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes.

Economic & Political Update

Phil O’Reilly is a highly respected global business leader and advocate.
And a car fanatic.
He has been a regular commentator for years on the NZ economy, politics and global trends influencing them.
He is known for his down to earth, accessible style ,outlining trends and information that are useful for business owners in the real world.
You will leave this session better informed with news you can use and a few laughs on the way through.

Gavin McGahey, Planning Plus

Gavin McGahey has amassed over 40 years’ experience in the Collision Repair Industry. After selling his own Collision Repair Business he started a relief management & consultancy company which then lead to founding Planning Plus Software. He has assisted Bodyshop owners in multiple countries to look at their business differently & take on a new mindset when it comes to profitability & culture. Gavin has a unique approach to coaching & totally engages his clients. Gavin lives in northern NSW & continues his love of water skiing & cycling.

Beyond the Numbers – The Leadership Equation for Business Growth

Overview:

This interactive session challenges the belief that knowing your numbers is enough to drive business success. Through engaging exercises, real-world examples, and self-assessments, attendees will uncover the deeper leadership qualities—Truth, Authenticity, and Vulnerability—that fuel sustainable growth.

Key Elements:

• Powerful Opening Exercise: Attendees confront their relationship with truth in business and leadership.
• The Leadership Gap: Why businesses fail despite strong financials.
• Interactive Financial Acumen Quiz: QR code-based self-assessment to test attendees’ knowledge of their own business numbers.
• The Stress Factor: How deception and avoidance limit business potential.
• Leadership Self-Assessment: QR code-based test to evaluate truth, authenticity, and vulnerability in leadership.
• The Shift: A framework for integrating numbers with leadership for real impact.
• Call to Action: Practical steps to apply immediately for business and personal growth.

Greg Wallace, Chief Executive, Master Plumbers

Greg Wallace has more than 30 years’ experience in the construction sector. Greg worked in New Zealand and overseas prior to completing a business management course at Auckland University. 

Greg has been chief executive at membership organisation Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc for the past nine years. Representing around 70 percent of the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry, Master Plumbers’ key functions are advocacy, member services and training.  

He is also chief executive of Masterlink, the only national mentored apprenticeship programme to specialise in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying. Established by Master Plumbers in 2002, Masterlink now employs more than 300 apprentices in the sector, placing them with nationwide host businesses.

In 2022, Greg received an Industry Recognition Award at the Plumbing World Excellence Awards for his outstanding service, loyalty and commitment to the success of the New Zealand plumbing industry.

This was followed in 2023 by being selected as an Association Influencer in an awards programme hosted by the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE). The programme recognises individuals who stand at the forefront of Australia and New Zealand’s Association sector, protecting and advocating for their members.

Greg has been Chair of the Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Strategic Reference Group since its establishment in March 2022. Key project activities to date include apprentice support, a provider capability and capacity review and a PGD programme framework review.

He is also an executive member of the New Zealand Construction Industry Council and a director on the board of Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand.

Breakfast

Greg Wallace, CEO of Master Plumbers New Zealand, With a record leading one of the nation’s premier industry organisations, Greg will deliver an engaging presentation that explores:

Join us for this inspiring session, during which Greg will share actionable insights designed to empower your business.

• We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to PartsTrader for their generous support as our naming rights sponsor. Their commitment and partnership have been instrumental in making this event possible. We are proud to be associated with PartsTrader, and we appreciate their dedication to our shared goals and vision.

Naming Rights Partner

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Industry Supporter Sponsor

Bus Sponsor

Coffee Cart Sponsor

2025 CRA AWARDS GALA DINNER Sponsor

Sponsorship Opportunities

This key industry event will bring together leading experts, professionals, and innovators from the collision repair sector, offering an excellent platform for networking, learning, and showcasing products and services. Don’t miss out on this a unique opportunity to gain significant exposure and connect with industry leaders, potential clients, and partners.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Twelve Conferences + Events

Professional Conference Organisers and Event Management

Hayley Larsen

P: +64 27 410 6567

E: events@twelveconferences.nz

The Tākina Convention Centre in Wellington is a state-of-the-art venue designed to host world-class events in the heart of New Zealand’s capital. With its modern architecture, flexible event spaces, and cutting-edge facilities, Takina offers an ideal setting for conferences, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings. Conveniently located near Wellington’s vibrant waterfront, the centre is easily accessible and surrounded by a wide range of dining, entertainment, and accommodation options, making it the perfect location for both business and leisure.

Takina is located at 50 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

There are no dedicated parking spaces available at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. Instead, guests can park at any of the nearby parking facilities including the Te Papa car park, Barnett Street carpark, Century City car park and Reading on Wakefield car park.

This year you will need to book your own accommodation directly with the hotels. We recommend booking early to get the best rates and availability. Discounts are available at selected hotels listed on our website along with booking instructions. Although we have negotiated discounts at these hotels, we encourage you to look around for the best deals for accommodation through booking sites such as www.booking.com or www.trivago.co.nz – often these sites offer competitive rates.

The rates and discounts are available for Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 May 2025.  Nights outside of these dates can be requested but cannot be guaranteed at the special conference rates.

Guests are responsible for payment direct to hotel. Contact details and a credit card is required during booking. Please take note of the hotel cancellation policy prior to booking.

Rates are in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and include goods and services tax (GST) of 15%.  *All starting prices quoted are indicative only and rates are subject to change.

TRYP by Wyndham

4 Star Hotel
15 Tory Street, Wellington, New Zealand
+64 4 974 3000

Distance to conference venue: 4 min walk

Price: from $207.20 per room per night
Discount: 20% discount off the rate at time of booking
Booking link: TRYP Wellington (book direct online)
Corporate code: 9991271015

How to book:
Click here to book. To apply the discount select more options  > corporate code and enter the code 9991271015.

Oaks Wellington

4 Star Hotel
89 Courtenay Place, Wellington
0800 004 285
Email: Wellington@theoaksgroup.co.nz

Distance to conference venue: 6 min walk

Price: from $169 per room per night
Discount: 15% discount off the rate of the day
Booking link: Oaks Wellington
Promo code: CRAC25

How to Book:

Click here to book. Ensure promocode CRAC25 is applied at check out. 

QT Wellington

4 Star Hotel
90 Cable Street, Wellington
04 802 8900

Distance to conference venue: 2 min walk

Price: from $279 per room per night
Discount: 10% off the best available rate
Booking link: QT Wellington
Corporate code: CRAC2025

How to book:

1. Visit QT Wellington
2. Select your dates and click BOOK
3. Click ‘I have a code’
4. In the ‘Corporate ID’ field enter your booking code: CRAC2025
5. Click ‘UPDATE’
6. Your special rates will appear

Although we have negotiated discounted rates at the following hotels, we encourage you to look around for the best deals for accommodation through booking sites such as www.booking.com or www.trivago.co.nz – often these sites offer competitive rates.