Meet the team – Phillip Willemse, Resene Senior Protective Coatings Specialist

08 Jun 2026

After 80 years of colouring New Zealand, it’s not surprising that Resene is a household name when it comes to paint technology, however, there is so much more to the Resene Group business, which comprises marine (both above and below the waterline); industrial (both heavy and light); exterior plaster claddings and interior renders, as well as smart, reactive coatings. One major link which stamps a business as being Resene is, of course colour; it runs deep in our DNA.

Resene built on the early tentative work on tinter systems and designed and built a novel series of high-strength, high-durability tinters alongside a series of calibrated bases to use them in. What was unique (at the time) was Resene’s concept of integrating all of the various tinter/base systems across their product range, so that identical colours and colour quality could be offered in any Resene product.

In simple terms it meant specifiers could safely select colours from the decorative and industrial ranges, with the full assurance that while the tinters needed for each used different technologies and are mutually exclusive, the colour strength is consistent across the entire offering.

Another of Resene’s strengths is its commitment to providing specifiers and designers with comprehensive support and expertise to help ensure the success of their projects. In the protective coatings sphere in Auckland, that job falls to Phillip Willemse, Resene Senior Protective Coatings Specialist.

“With more than 16 years’ experience in the corrosion protection industry, I specialise in technical sales and support for protective coatings and intumescent paint, as well as specification writing and design consultation. My expertise is backed by relevant certifications from NACE International and AMPP, ensuring that I adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety.” 

Phillip says there are two compelling and important projects that he has recently been involved in that have benefitted from Resene protective coatings.

“For the Te Whau Pathway Project (phase 1) – which, when completed will provide a 15km-long, shared-use walkway and cycleway from the Waitemata Harbour at Te Atatu South through to the Manukau Harbour at Green Bay – I specified Resene Imperite I.F 503 metallic topcoat.

​“The standout feature of this application isn't just about protection, it’s about visual impact. It elevates a functional piece of infrastructure into a genuine local landmark.”

The Te Whau Pathway project will link the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours via a 15km shared-use walkway and cycleway.

“Another significant project I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in is the Orams Marine Village precinct at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. Not surprisingly, given the extreme environment, we specified and supplied a range of specialised protective coatings and intumescent paint systems to keep this structure safe and resilient for decades to come.”

The Orams Marine Village at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour is a marine service centre spanning 30 tenancies. A range of Resene protective coatings and intumescent paint systems were specified during construction.

“As Resene celebrates 80 years of colour and innovation in 2026, it has achieved a number of innovations within the protective coatings range that have resulted in a real paradigm shift within the industry – Zincilate 11, Armourzinc 120, Armourcote 220, 510 and 515, and our Uracryl 400 series.

“The Uracryl 400 series, particularly, is a product that I believe should be on every specifier’s ‘hit list’. A certified anti-graffiti coating, the system is the flagship urethane acrylic combining unsurpassed gloss and colour retention, as well as outstanding abrasion and chemical resistance, all with the convenience of multiple application methods, ensuring the best protection.”

On a personal note, when it comes to adding a little colour into his own life, Phillip says he can’t look past Resene Rulebreaker – maybe a little peek into his psyche, perhaps?

Published: 08 Jun 2026