Our Story

IT ALL STARTED WHEN…

Homeprint was founded in Feilding, Manawatu, in 1998 by John Brebner. John is a well known figure in the New Zealand printmaking scene and has taught many students both young and old, the art of printmaking over the years. He and his wife Allison have published over 100 artist books. John has also produced relief prints for Michael Smither and Cliff Whiting. John has invented several printing presses (which we still manufacture and sell today), and collects old presses, including one 200yr old press, and many sets of letterpress wood and lead type. See more about John at homeprint.co.nz

In 2019 John decided to pass on the printmaking supplies side of his business on to Joe McMenamin, a local artist and teacher. After teaching Art in Wellington for 14 years, Joe and his family moved to Feilding, Manawatu. Here he pursued creating art full time and opened the Art Studio & Gallery in the Feilding CBD, where he has been making art and teaching classes. You can check out Joe’s paintings, prints and murals at joemcmenamin.com

Joe grew the art supplies business as NZ Art Supplies, and then in 2021 passed it on to new owner Helen Colleain, where it went on to become known as Aotearoa Art Supplies. Helen had previously been managing NZ Art Supplies for Joe and before that had been an Early Childhood Teacher, where she loved teaching art and creativity to children.
Working alongside Helen at Aotearoa Art Supplies is local artist Sarah Moody. You can see more of Sarah artwork at moodymiss.com

Pop in and visit Helen or Sarah at Aotearoa Art Supplies, 60 Manchester Street, Feilding.