''It's the first time we've put an entry in and we're so pleased we did.''
The Rework Exterior - Contemporary judging process involved companies submitting photos, then the judges travelling all over New Zealand for a close-up inspection.
Peter McNabb said that as well as their dedicated staff's contribution, the couple were ''sharing the glory'' with Whangarei designer Richard Cranenburgh from On the Edge Design, and Trevor Griffiths from Griffiths & Associates who awarded McNabb Decorating the contract.
Peter McNabb described Cranenburgh as ''a great guy'' whose colour design for the job needed time to come to terms with.
He also speaks highly of the product used on the Oceans contract, and modern advances in paint.
''They don't fade, they're better suited to the environment. The technology is just miles ahead these days.''
As for getting the best finish, every painter knows it depends as much on the preparation of what's underneath as the paint job, he said.