Study stonemasonry, and learn to build with Central Otago schist. Take inspiration from Central’s rugged mountains and pristine natural surroundings – let the landscape be your classroom!
Central is the perfect campus for those serious about a career in stonemasonry. There is a strong demand nationally, and internationally, for people who can veneer houses in stone and build stone features – we can help you become a specialist in this field.
Gain a wide range of stonemasonry skills, while gaining extensive practical and work experience. You’ll learn how to design and construct stone features, work with various types of stone and be introduced to many traditional and modern stonework styles. Our Certificate in Stonemasonry is the only full-time programme of its kind in New Zealand – come and learn with the best.
If you are interested in learning one aspect to create a home project watch out for our Dry Stone Walling short course.
Keen for a different career path in construction? Check our our carpentry programme.
New Zealand Certificate in Stonemasonry (Level 4) (Construction Stonemasonry)
- Central Otago
- Two years
- Level 4
- Starts February
- Apply until start date
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. Through extensive practical training and work experience, this programme will give you the practical skills and knowledge required to work unsupervised as a stonemason.
Dry stone walling short course
- Central Otago
- Two days, 9.00am-3.00pm
- Starts to be confirmed for 2020
- Apply anytime
Drystone construction is as much an art as a science. Building a stone wall is a wonderfully creative and fulfilling experience and during this two day course you will build a free-standing wall.
One News covers Brewing programme
Otago Polytechnic’s ground-breaking Brewing programme was the focus of a One News piece this week.
OP midwives in the news
As part of our 'Make it Yours' enrolment campaign, we're getting great media coverage about our great programmes.
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“Almost all my employees are Otago Polytechnic graduates. I feel like I know what I’m getting when I hire them.”
MARCUS WAINWRIGHT
Director,
Wainwright and Co Stonemasons
Quick Links
Find out more about Central Otago:
www.centralotagonz.com
www.queenstownnz.co.nz
www.lakewanaka.co.nz
Carving careers in Stonemasonry
Michael Dacombe has been involved with stone in some way shape or form across three different continents, and on arrival in Central Otago he knew it was exactly what he needed to be doing to carve himself a career in the region.
Born in Invercargill, Michael started his schooling in the Chatham Islands, finishing in Auckland. He was involved in both the landscaping and building industries abroad, where he worked as a bricklayer alongside stonemasons in both the UK and the USA.
Upon returning to New Zealand, Michael decided that Stonemasonry had much to offer so signed up to study at Central campus. After graduating he worked for a local stonemasonry company before setting up his own stone business. He worked on a variety of projects around the region, and with the building boom spent many a day creating stone veneers on new builds. Now as lecturer on New Zealand’s only full-time stonemasonry course he can see the opportunities from all angles, “There are so many job opportunities in stonemasonry, whether it be working for yourself or someone else. With the building boom in NZ, there is a real skills shortage for qualified stonemasons, and to top it off it’s a great career to travel with.”
Corner Erris and Ray Streets
PO Box 16, Cromwell
New Zealand 9342
