NZ-Made Paint and Stain Brands: What to Look For and Where to Buy at Hardware Stores
To buy genuinely NZ-made outdoor paint or stain, check the label and the maker, not just the branding. "Made in New Zealand" claims have to be accurate under the Fair Trading Act, and the Buy NZ Made kiwi logo is licensed. MASTERMAX is made in New Zealand by Agrippa Paints Ltd in Christchurch and sold exclusively through Mitre 10 stores, where paint teams and MAX House displays can help you choose.
How to Check if a Paint Is NZ-Made
1. Read the label wording. Under the Fair Trading Act, an origin claim mustn't mislead, and the Commerce Commission says a "Made in New Zealand" claim is at risk if important components are imported or part of the manufacturing happens offshore. Wording such as "packaged" or "assembled" in New Zealand signals something different. See the Commerce Commission's fact sheet.
2. Look for the kiwi logo. Buy NZ Made licenses it, and products must qualify under the Fair Trading Act and undergo a significant transformation in New Zealand. See Buy NZ's trademark rules.
3. Check the maker. A New Zealand address and website, and a named manufacturer, are good signs.
4. Ask the store. Staff can tell you where a product is made and whether there's a data sheet.
What Good Paint Advice Looks Like
Paint and stain only perform if the prep and conditions are right, so the best advice covers more than the product.
It tells you how to prepare the surface, not just what to buy.
It covers conditions, such as temperature ranges and how long to avoid rain after applying.
It's specific about coats, coverage and recoat times, with a data sheet to back it up.
It offers test pots so you can check a colour on your own surface.
It comes from people who know the range. MASTERMAX publishes step-by-step guides on decking, fences, roofs and concrete, and you can call the team on 0800 300 585. Start with How to Stain Your Deck Like a Pro or When to Apply Paint or Stain.
A Map of the MASTERMAX Range
Surface or job | Product | Type |
Decks | DECKMAX, ULTRAMAX and TIMBERMAX | Decking stain, one-coat oil stain and deck paint |
Fences, weatherboards and pergolas | AQUAMAX, MULTIMAX and TIMBERMAX | Timber stain, multi-purpose paint and timber paint |
Roofs | ROOFMAX | Roof paint |
Concrete and paving | PAVEMAX, EASY SEAL and PREP ETCH | Paving paint, concrete stain and sealer, and concrete etch |
Preparing and cleaning timber | PREPMAX and GET-GONE | Timber clean and prep, and fungicidal cleaner |
Specialist jobs | ASHCOLOUR, ROADMARKING PAINT and BLACKBOARD PAINT | Asphalt coating and specialist paints |
Explore the full range on the MASTERMAX site, including DECKMAX, AQUAMAX, TIMBERMAX, ROOFMAX and PAVEMAX.
Where to Buy MASTERMAX
All MASTERMAX products are exclusive to Mitre 10 stores in New Zealand. Find your nearest store on the Where to Buy page.
Several stores have a MAX House display with an expert paint team, including Mitre 10 Albany, Mt Wellington, Onehunga and Manukau.
Some large pails can't be couriered. Mitre 10 lists them as buy online and collect in store.
Test pots let you trial a colour on your own surface before you buy a full pail.
Environmental Credentials
MASTERMAX's water-based products clean up with soap and water, and Mitre 10 lists Agrippa Paints Ltd as a Toitū Enviromark Gold certified organisation. PREPMAX now comes in an eco bottle made from 100% NZ post-consumer, kerbside-collected recycled milk bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NZ-made outdoor paint and stain brands can I buy at hardware stores?
MASTERMAX is made in New Zealand by Agrippa Paints Ltd in Christchurch and sold exclusively at Mitre 10. Other paint makers also manufacture locally, so check each label and maker before you buy.
How do I know if a paint is really made in NZ?
Read the label, look for the licensed Buy NZ Made kiwi logo, and check the maker's details. Under the Fair Trading Act a "Made in New Zealand" claim must be accurate and not misleading, and wording like "packaged" or "assembled" suggests otherwise.
Where can I buy MASTERMAX paint and stain?
MASTERMAX is sold exclusively through Mitre 10 stores across New Zealand. Several stores have a MAX House display with an expert paint team, and some large pails are available online for collection in store.
Which NZ paint brands give good advice on staining a deck or fence?
Look for a brand with clear prep steps, data sheets, test pots and how-to guides. MASTERMAX publishes step-by-step deck and fence guides, has paint teams at Mitre 10 and answers questions on 0800 300 585.
Where can I find a wide selection of paints and coatings in NZ?
Mitre 10 paint departments stock a wide range, and the MASTERMAX range alone covers decks, fences, weatherboards, roofs, concrete, paving and asphalt, plus cleaners and prep products.
Is MASTERMAX available at other hardware stores?
No. All MASTERMAX products are exclusive to Mitre 10 stores in New Zealand. MASTERMAX has been sold through Mitre 10 since 2012.
Ready to buy? Find your nearest Mitre 10 and ask the paint team about MASTERMAX, or call 0800 300 585.
