Who are we?
Āwhina Painters provides residential and commercial painting and decorating services across New Plymouth. Kayne Poutu founded the business in 2018, and what began as a one-man-and-a-red-van operation has grown into a dedicated team of 10.
Our story reaches back a generation to Kayne's grandparents, Alan and Ruth McKernan, who ran McKernans Redecorating for many years. When Kayne returned to his whenua after time abroad, Alan helped him establish Āwhina, generously passing on his skills, experience and trusted relationships throughout the district.
Our name, Āwhina, means to help and support. It reflects both our beginnings and our purpose today: helping people transform their spaces through quality workmanship and genuine care.
The spirit of āwhina mai, āwhina atu (giving and receiving support) guides the way we work. We look out for one another, share our knowledge and value the relationships we build with clients, fellow tradespeople and the wider Taranaki community. As Āwhina grows, we want to create opportunities for others to grow alongside us.
Working with us
We take the time to listen, understand our clients' ideas and offer practical advice on colours, finishes and the right products for each space. We're also happy to help in those moments when choosing between 14 shades of white starts to feel like a major life decision.
We know that a great painting service is about more than the final coat. Clear communication, careful preparation, respect for your property and a friendly team that leaves everything clean and tidy are all part of the experience. For us, how we get there matters just as much as the finished result.
As Dulux Accredited Painters and members of Master Painters New Zealand, we're committed to professional standards and take pride in using the right preparation methods, products and painting systems to deliver high-quality, lasting results.
