During a challenging time when many magazines were forced to shutter for good, we launched a brand-new print publication to celebrate the people behind outstanding projects that feature Resene paint colours, wood stains, wallpapers and clears.

The years since BlackWhite began have brought rapid change – new technologies, greater awareness of our environmental impacts and more unprecedented events than anyone expects to encounter in a lifetime – which have all redefined how our industry thinks about space, structure and storytelling. Through it all, we have watched you shift, evolve and grow – and we have seen firsthand that the talented people shaping our built environments across New Zealand and Australia are peerless in their problem solving, innovation and passion. And while we may have set out to create a magazine that showcases stunning spaces, it has also become a platform to educate, advocate, connect and reflect on deeper questions about the evolving nature of our design practices. Alongside unforgettable projects that have caught many eyes, we have also been able to shine a spotlight on the quiet brilliance that often goes unseen.

It has been my greatest privilege to get to know so many architects, interior designers, landscape architects, builders, painters, artists, muralists, students, teachers, mentors, industrial designers, shopfitters, carpenters, colour lovers and others through BlackWhite interviews whom I otherwise may never have met. To you, our readers, contributors and collaborators: thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Your creativity and willingness to share your projects both grand and small has made BlackWhite what it is. I can only feign to imagine what exciting new ideas you will bring to life in the years ahead coloured with understated Resene neutrals, soothing pastels, enticing earth tones, bold brights and everything in between – but I have no doubt that it will awe and inspire.

Happy reading,

Laura Lynn Johnson
Editor

Zoe Risner:

What I enjoy most is the problem solving. There’s always something new to improve or a better way to do things and I like having the freedom to figure out solutions. Recently I’ve been involved in the making of an exciting new Resene product coming out soon.

Being surrounded by Resene colour every day is inspiring and it recently led us to renovate parts of the lab and office. A few others in the team and I had a lot of fun picking different colours and it was a fun reminder of how central colour is to everything we do.

It’s rewarding to know the work we do in the lab will soon make its way into projects across New Zealand. Above all, I value working for a family-owned, New Zealand business where the culture truly feels like that. It’s great being part of a company helping to bring colour and creativity to life.

Enjoy,

Zoe Risner
Resene Laboratory Coordinator