Porirua Auto Crash Repairs Limited is a family-run collision and specialist repairer that has been operating for 28 years, the last 12 of those being in its current location on Kenepuru Drive in Porirua. The current owners, Neil and Sue Butterfield, have been involved in the business since 2001 before taking on full ownership in 2007. They are also assisted by daughter Helen. Neil has always been passionate about improving the business efficiency and profitability, which has resulted in Porirua Autocrash being a leader in their field, employing 20 staff. For the past 10 months the Butterfields have been on a new mission to improve their business sustainability. Recently a group of MTA Business Development Managers and Wellington-based staff visited them to find out more.

Overall, Neil and Sue believe there is no stopping the increased focus on business sustainability and environmental practices. “It’s important to just get on with doing things right, taking responsibility for how you work and the impact your business has. We also see a marketing benefit from promoting our certification to customers and the insurance companies we do repairs for, as we believe they should be more inclined to use us as a preferred repairer.” There have also been wider benefits to how they see their business and promotion of it. As a result of the emission programme Neil and Sue have developed their logo and website (still under construction), which enables them to promote the business’ involvement in the community such as through their sponsorship of the Tawa Rugby Club.