Stonemasonry

What Stonemasons do

Stonemasons work with traditional building tools and natural materials like limestone, granite and natural New Zealand stone. They might also work with digital design and computer-driven cutting machinery to create custom shapes.

There are two main types of stonemasonry specialist in New Zealand:

Monumental masonry

Create decorative art forms from stone. The end result has a lot of delicate, emotional significance. Create headstones, natural stone fixtures, statues and monuments.

Construction Stonemasonry

Create architectural and decorative features for different structures. Understand the physical make-up and structural integrity of natural stone as you shape and lay stone products to create entrance ways, fireplace hearths, and exterior/interior walls.

Stonemasonry is one of the oldest trades.

Find out about the Christ Church Cathedral rebuild

Stonemasonry qualifications

BCITO Te Pūkenga manages stonemasonry apprenticeships. In your apprenticeship you will be working towards the New Zealand Certificate in Stonemasonry.

You’ll work under an experienced employer who'll provide on-job coaching and support throughout your apprenticeship. You'll also receive the guidance of a BCITO Te Pūkenga training advisor.

There are no strict entry requirements, although it will help if you have good maths and English skills – you need to be able to understand instructions, and work out measurements, quantities and angles.

Your apprenticeship is the start of a professional career

Stonemasonry isn't just a job – it's a professional career. By doing an apprenticeship and getting qualified, you're setting yourself up for ongoing employment as a well-paid tradesperson. You’ll also open up opportunities to do further study in supervision or site management, go to university, or start a business and train your own apprentices.