Know-how
Why join the Master Painters New Zealand Association
At Master Painters New Zealand Association, you’ll be joining like-minded individuals striving for excellence across the industry.
Lucas Mendonca from Unlock Painters was the winner of the Master Painters Apprentice of the Year in 2024 and says it was his proudest career moment to date. “It was a tough competition against the top three, but my hard work and skills paid off.”
If you’re a painter in New Zealand, it’s a great idea to think about joining Master Painters New Zealand Association (MPNZA). This non-for-profit organisation was founded in 1913, and since then has worked to advance, encourage and recognise the highest standards of craftsmanship and ethical business practices in the painting and decorating trade.
MPNZA’s ethos is based on fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between professionals and their clients. Their vision is “for a respected painting and decorating industry that serves the public with quality workmanship and integrity and consists of businesses that provide meaningful training for apprentices and employment for qualified tradespeople.”
Phil Wilkinson, MPNZA National Manager Field Services, says that in order to become a member, you’ll need to have been operating in business for at least two years, with trading history.
“We look for people with good quality work,” Phil says. “We want to meet them and see some examples of their work. We’ll ask for references and work out where they buy their paint from. We’ll give their rep at the Resene ColorShop a call and ask what they’re like to deal with. Those sorts of things are important to us.”
Not, trade certified? No worries, you don’t have to be trade certified to become an MPNZA member.
Why should I join?
MPNZA membership allows access into a community of like-minded individuals all working towards a common goal. MPNZA is focused on making a positive impact on not just your business, but your working life. The following are some of the highlights of what you’ll be able to do as a member of MPNZA:
Enhance your painting and decorating skills through meaningful training sessions with seasoned professionals.
Connect with qualified tradespeople and industry influencers, opening doors for potential employment opportunities.
Participate in an ethically-driven environment, where you can contribute to delivering quality workmanship and maintaining industry-wide integrity.
What do I get with my membership?
As a member of MPNZA, you’ll get access to courses, workshops and events focusing on upskilling, connecting and keeping abreast of industry innovations and regulations. These include:
Apprentice masterclasses: Participate in hands-on courses led by experienced professionals, focusing on mastering key painting and decorating techniques. This will ensure the development of quality workmanship and adherence to industry standards.
Networking events: Attend industry-specific events designed to connect apprentices, tradespeople and business owners in the painting and decorating field. Expanding your professional network can lead to potential collaborations and increased opportunities for employment or business growth.
Skills refinement workshops: Engage in interactive workshops where members can share their knowledge, exchange valuable tips and learn about the latest industry innovations and best practices. These workshops contribute to the continuous improvement of individual skills and overall industry excellence.
The MPNZA website also has a handy jobs listing section, where you’ll be able to find work in your area.
How do I join MPNZA?
Visit their website to find out more about the organisation, as well as request to join the community network. Members can also now keep up on the go, thanks to their mobile app, which can also be downloaded from the site, Google Play or the Apple App Store.
What do clients get out of using a Master Painter?
For the public, Phil says there are huge advantages of hiring a member of MPNZA. “Members are industry-vetted and peer-reviewed,” he explains. “Most importantly, the work they do is guaranteed. On a residential, owner-occupied repaint job, Master Painters guarantees the painting work on that home for five years for up to $15,000. Customers can also choose to purchase a guarantee of up to $50,000, which can be included in the painter’s quote.”
By using a Master Painter, clients also have peace of mind that their often major investment in their home is backed and protected by a nationally recognised organisation. There is also an option to find a local painter on the website.
Master Painters Apprentice of the Year
In an effort to foster and nurture industry talent, MPNZA partners with Resene every year to facilitate the Master Painters Apprentice of the Year competition. The top four apprentices chosen must compete against each other in a practical painting situation held over the period of a week and are judged by a panel of industry professionals.