NZ RenoTok’s second project reveal

24 Jun 2025

NZ RenoTok’s season one was a smash hit! Over an exhilarating six-week TikTok Live series, four creator‑led teams took on renovation challenges in the season one hit of NZ RenoTok.

Streaming live to the DIY community, the teams showcased their skills, patience, and great use of Resene paints and products. Fans were enthralled, racking up over 24 million content views across season one, proving that renovation can feel like prime‑time entertainment.

Last week we spoke to one of teams about their journey on the show, and this week we are back speaking to Shiray and Gillies Kaka!

Tell us a little about yourselves and how you came to be on NZ RenoTok!

We got asked to be on NZ RenoTok and we were so happy we said yes! We are both rugby players and before coming on the show we had absolutely no idea about DIY. To be honest even after a renovation show, I’d say we still don't know much! I’m currently pregnant and had so much fun making our house more welcoming for when bubba comes

Tell us about what you did on the show and what your NZ RenoTok journey was like!

We had six areas to complete in our home which were the deck, where we built a bench seat, stained it and styled it; a playhouse, where we made a fish and chip shop for a local childcare centre; our laundry, where we demo'd the space and added storage – we also did a surprise room and renovated our bathroom as well; our pergola, where we built the furniture, painted and styled the space; our kitchen, in this space we were a bit burnt out so mainly painted and styled; and our sunroom which we built furniture for, painted and styled. We decided to do our lounge as well as a surprise piece which is definitely our favourite space!

We learnt so much in this time! I would say our biggest lesson was learning how to communicate and how to not sweat the small stuff. We really thought our communication was great, but during renos found that was not the case. So it was good to practice that before baby comes!

Resene Palm Leaf painted on the kitchen cabinetry pairs beautifully with the warm wood tones throughout the home.

The dreamy white of Resene Alabaster brightens the lounge and sunroom in the duo’s home, while the timber ceiling keeps the space cosy and grounded.

Outside in the pergola, Shiray and Gillies built their own furniture and added hints of Resene Alabaster and Resene Palm Leaf.

On the deck, the duo used a warm red toned wood stain, Resene Woodsman Kwila, pairing well with green Resene Palm Leaf on other parts of their home.

Where did you find the inspiration behind your design choices and colour selection?

A lot of what I wanted I created with ChatGPT, I would write in my inspo and ChatGPT gave me clear photos of what I wanted. I'd then go into Tauranga Resene ColorShop and talk to Megan and Rachel who would help me select the perfect colours! We definitely couldn't have done it without those two helping us.

What are your favourite Resene colours?

Resene Palm Leaf was definitely our favourite.

Keep up to date with what Shiray and Gillies are doing on their Instagram and TikTok.

Published: 24 Jun 2025