The New Zealand Master Monumental Masons Association (NZMMMA) gathered in Melbourne this year for its Annual General Meeting and National Conference.

A key theme throughout the event was the strong and enduring partnership between NZMMMA and BCITO. Many members and industry leaders acknowledged BCITO’s valuable contribution to the sector, particularly its support for apprentices and the positive, collaborative relationships its Training Advisors maintain with businesses across New Zealand.

NZMMMA is made up of a loyal and close-knit group of members, many of whom operate family-owned businesses—some spanning several generations within the monumental masonry trade. Others are newer to the industry, but all share a deep commitment to craftsmanship, progress, and preserving the integrity of the trade.

Despite being a smaller organisation, NZMMMA is using its size to its advantage by launching bold, future-focused initiatives to strengthen the industry. During the conference, BCITO was invited to support several of these initiatives and to help shape a long-term training pathway for the monumental masonry sector.

One of the most significant developments is the Association’s new five-year upskilling plan, which addresses critical skill and knowledge gaps within the trade. The plan includes a calendar of workshops and development events designed to support members in building technical capability and business confidence. As part of this strategy, NZMMMA has partnered with BCITO to sponsor its 2025 Lead Lettering & Stone Carving Workshops, with plans to also introduce Train the Trainer sessions.

These initiatives reflect NZMMMA’s ambition to lead the industry by offering high-quality training for both apprentices and qualified tradespeople, as well as business-focused workshops for employers and owners.

Another exciting project in development is a new digital application, accessible via phone and PC, which will be made available to all members. This platform will allow companies and employees to store and share detailed project information, supporting industry compliance of monumental installations to NZ standards and the long-term documentation and structural data of projects. It will enhance collaboration between monumental masons and the territorial authorities and cemetery managers with whom they work. BCITO has been asked for feedback on how this platform may also support apprentice learning.

It’s inspiring to see such a forward-thinking association taking a leadership role in driving positive change for its members, apprentices, and the wider industry. BCITO is proud to be a trusted training partner to NZMMMA and honoured to be part of such impactful industry conversations.