October 22, 2025
Between 24 and 25 July 2025, the Advanced Textiles Association New Zealand (ATA NZ) hosted its annual Tradeshow and Conference in Lower Hutt, Wellington. This year, CARR New Zealand was represented by Matt Allan, Sales Manager, and Alex Fenn.
The event featured a diverse range of exhibitors from both New Zealand and Australia, with additional support from the Australian organisation, enhancing the collaborative and innovative atmosphere.
CARR New Zealand proudly unveiled two of its latest products: the Variant 700 and the newly released Uniplan 510. Attendees had the unique opportunity to experience the Variant 700 first-hand, exploring its advanced automated features designed to streamline workflow—eliminating the need to manually adjust the nozzle.
The conference also offered a variety of workshops focused on trade skills and business development, providing valuable insights for members of the industry.
The highlight of the event was the 2025 Awards Dinner on Friday evening. Over 120 entries were submitted across multiple award categories, celebrating excellence and innovation in the sector. CARR New Zealand has long supported the Apprentice of the Year award by supplying a Leister Hot Air Welding Tool to the winner. As in the past, the winner had a choice of either the Triac AT Fabrication Kit or the Solano AT.
This year the Apprentice of the Year award went to Ella Wood, an apprentice from Kolorful Kanvas, Christchurch, employed by Suresh Budhia, Darmesh, and Leena. Ella’s handmade, hand-dyed entry stood out for its craftsmanship. The Triac AT fabrication kit was Ella’s tool of choice for her prize, and we are sure will be well utilised.
As an alternative to the Triac AT, CARR New Zealand also offered to the successful winner of the Apprentice of the year award, the Solano AT, a pistol-grip tool which is well-suited for the upholstery industry.
Malcolm Wilkie, who originally donated the Apprentice of the Year trophy, attended the conference, likely for the final time before his retirement from the industry. Over the last four years, two of Malcolm’s apprentices had also won this prestigious award. We wish him all the best in his next chapter.
Alongside Ella’s achievement, longtime industry colleague Suresh Budhia was honoured with the Outstanding Service Award, recognising over 40 years of dedicated contribution to the sector. Retiring earlier this year, Suresh has been a trusted advisor and mentor to fellow business owners and will be deeply missed within the industry.
CARR New Zealand remains dedicated to supporting ATA NZ and fostering the continued growth of the advanced textiles industry into the future.
Pictured (main photo): The overall winner, Ella Wood receiving her Triac AT Fabrication Kit from Matt Allan (left) of CARR New Zealand, with Joe Daw, from MAST Academy in the centre.
