Q: On your web-site you talk about fantastic Italian paint finishes? Could you forward to us charts or brochures about them and availability of these paints – where to purchase etc?

A: I am sorry to say that Oikos are not manufacturing in N.Z. They are an Italian paint manufacturer distributing throughout Europe, United States and the Pacific Rim & only just recently, Australia. Their Export Division are keen to expand into N.Z. but I am unable to say when or if that will happen in the short term.  N.Z. is a long way away from Italy in relation to freighting their products out here but their Australian division is only an e-mail away and the product can get here within three days which is not that much of a hassel.

  

Several paint manufacturers in N.Z. (who have been approached to share in this opportunity) feel another paint company selling paint is the last thing N.Z. needs, but in this respect we’re talking about totally biodegradable paints and a lot of people like that aspect! I am left with the feeling after talking with several paint manufacturers that they may lose a lot of business to a foriegn paint being sold either through their stores or anywhere near them and/or are wary of more competition in which could already be considered a 'cut-throat industry'!

However in the near future, these fantastic Italian paint finishes, (which is the only way to describe them as they have tremendous appeal and are unlike anything else on the N.Z. market), will be going up on walls in a string of new homes to be built by an investor who wants to construct a series of quality homes with Italian paint products inside and out and make this a theme for the buyers.