New Zealand Certificate in Stonemasonry (Level 4) (Construction Stonemasonry)

Learn how to design and construct stone features, work with various types of stone and schist, and be introduced to many traditional and modern stonework styles. When you graduate, you’ll be able to work unsupervised as a qualified Stonemason.

About the programme

There is a strong demand nationally and internationally for people who can veneer houses in stone and build stone features, and we can help you become a specialist in this field. 

During this hands-on programme, you'll gain a wide range of stonemasonry skills through extensive practical learning and work experience. Learn how to design and construct stone features, work with various types of stone and be introduced to many traditional and modern stonework styles. 

This programme runs for 61 weeks over two years. You'll study on campus during the first year. During the second year, there may be the chance to earn as you learn through a work placement opportunity, if this is the right fit for you. 

When you graduate, you'll be able to work unsupervised as a Stonemason.

Further career options may include site management, sub-contracting, business ownership, landscape architecture, sales and stone procurement, or sculpture. 

 

Courses

Covering a wide range of skills, this programme will furnish you with a high level of competence in designing and constructing stone features. Focused on the use of Central Otago schist, you will also learn about suitable application of other types of stone and are introduced to many traditional and modern stonework styles. Extensive practical work and work experience is included in the qualification to develop your applied knowledge and experience.

Indicative content – Year One

Construction Stonemasonry Career Insights and Orientation (Level 4, 15 credits)

Learn to identify professional working practices within the construction stonemasonry industry.

  • Outline the roles, responsibilities and professional work practices of the construction stonemasonry industry. 
  • Identify factors in the selection and use of stone materials in New Zealand.
  • Recognise the health, safety and legislative considerations that apply to the New Zealand stonemasonry industry.
  • Identify the basic requirements of being self-employed in the New Zealand stonemasonry industry.

Dry Stone Techniques (Level 4, 15 credits)

Develop the fundamental skills required to construct a basic dry stone project.

  • Identify basic dry stone construction methods within construction stonemasonry.
  • Select stone appropriate for basic dry stone construction stonemasonry.
  • Apply basic dry stone construction methods. 

Stone Flooring and Paving (Level 4, 15 credits)

Develop the basic skills required to set out and lay a basic paving project to specifications.

  • Establish site and material needs for stone flooring/paving.
  • Prepare and set out for stone flooring/paving.
  • Select, lay and finish stone flooring/paving.

Landscape Techniques (Level 4, 15 credits)

Develop the fundamental skills required to construct a basic landscaping project to meet specifications.

  • Plan a basic landscaping project to meet all specifications and requirements.
  • Set out and prepare a site for landscaping to project specification.
  • Construct basic landscaping stonework to project specification.

Legislation (Level 4, 15 credits)

Learn how to identify and practically apply legislation relevant to construction stonemasonry.

  • Identify and locate legislation relevant to construction stonemasonry.
  • Apply legislation relevant to construction stonemasonry.

Drawings and Specifications (Level 4, 15 credits)

Develop the skills required to interpret and apply working drawings and specifications for a stonemasonry project.

  • Identify key components of working drawings and specifications for construction stonemasonry.
  • Read and interpret working drawings and specifications for construction stonemasonry.
  • Apply working drawings and specifications to construction stonemasonry.

Veneer Techniques (Level 4, 15 credits)

Develop the fundamental skills required to construct a basic stone veneer project to meet specifications.

  • Describe the attributes and elements of stone veneer.
  • Establish site and material needs for a basic veneer wall.
  • Construct a basic veneer wall to a specification. 

Repair and Refurbishment (Level 4, 10 credits)

Learn how to apply the appropriate methods of repair and refurbishment within a stonemasonry project.

  • Identify and assess repair and refurbishment options for construction stonemasonry.
  • Apply methods to repair and refurbish stonework.
Indicative content – Year Two

Applied Veneer Stonemasonry Construction (Level 4, 30 credits)

Learn how to construct veneer stonemasonry to meet project specifications in a commercially viable manner.

  • Plan veneer stonemasonry work to project specification.  
  • Coordinate veneer stonemasonry construction to project specification.
  • Construct veneer stonemasonry to project specification.

Applied Landscape Stonemasonry (Level 4, 15 credits)

Gain the skills required to construct landscaping stonemasonry to meet project outcomes.

  • Plan landscape stonemasonry and architectural features to meet project outcomes.
  • Coordinate landscape and architectural features to meet project outcomes.
  • Construct landscape and architectural features to meet project outcomes.

Applied Stone Flooring/Paving (Level 4, 15 credits)

Discover how to construct a stone flooring and paving project to meet project outcomes.

  • Plan stone flooring/paving to meet project outcomes.
  • Establish site for stone flooring/paving to meet project outcomes.
  • Construct a stone flooring/paving project to meet project outcomes. 

Capstone Portfolio (Level 4, 45 credits)

Gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to work as a commercially competent construction stonemason.

  • Select and use materials in a variety of construction stonemasonry contexts.
  • Plan and carry out construction stonemasonry across the veneer, landscaping, and flooring/paving contexts. 
  • Self-manage on-going learning and work unsupervised in a professional, sustainable, and commercially viable manner.

Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:

  • Understand and apply a broad practical, working knowledge of the fundamentals required in the stonemasonry trade.
  • Plan and carry out all aspects of construction stonemasonry work including consents, creation, installation, and repair and refurbishment of different stonemasonry elements.
  • Operate to the required safety, technical, quality, and productivity standards expected in a commercial stonemasonry environment.
  • Self-manage on-going learning and supervise the learning of others with a responsibility to maintain the professional standards of the stonemasonry industry. 

We are part of Te Pūkenga

When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

Disclaimer

While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.