NZ Master Monumental Masons' Association

24/07/2026

Not long until our 2026 conference in New Plymouth at the end of next week.

The conference will feature a full business day with in-depth sessions from two keynote speakers. Leigh Olsen from Tradie HR will share her extensive expertise on common people management challenges, while Donna Plavljanic from Relaonships Australia will
present on building team resilience to manage vicarious trauma. These sessions are designed to provide members with practical tools to help navigate challenging times in business.

We also have key stakeholders from the industry attending to give updates. In addition there will be some informative sessions on what’s happening in both the Association and the industry as a whole.

Taranaki is pulling out all the stops, offering fantastic dining and social experiences throughout the weekend. It's a great opportunity for our members to relax and network with others from throughout New Zealand.

Thanks to Central Districts Local Association members, for their help in pulling together an itinerary ensuring we enjoy this spectacular region to the fullest.

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At the end of July, Taranaki will host the NZ Master Monumental Masons' Association 81st AGM.

Stone masons from across New Zealand will be making the trip to come together, share knowledge, and discuss opportunities to continue improving our craft and industry standards.

Once the official business wraps up, our visitors will also have the chance to experience a small taste of what Taranaki has to offer.

For our team, being part of the Association isn't just a badge – it represents a commitment to higher standards, ongoing training, and accountability across every part of what we do. Much like funeral directors who belong to FDANZ, it gives families confidence knowing they're working with professionals who follow strict ethical guidelines, stand behind their workmanship and are continually upskilling to deliver the best possible outcomes.

We're proud to be part of the Association, and proud to be hosting this year's AGM.

15/07/2026

Recently we have been made aware of people in Porirua and Kāpiti engaging with a family to arrange a headstone for their late mother in one of Porirua’s cemeteries. Unfortunately this has resulted in the family being left substantially out of pocket with no headstone or memorial to show for it, with police potentially involved now.

The cemeteries team at Council have an office on site at Whenua Tapu Cemetery if you ever need to discuss headstone arrangements and get advice, and you can also email [email protected].

Our main advice is to always ensure that who you are engaging is part of a registered monumental mason company and is a registered member of the NZ Master Monumental Masons Association. This association gives workmanship guarantees and disputes resolution pathways as well.

If you suspect a friend or family member is dealing with a suspicious headstone provider, please discuss this with them and report to police.

Headstones are not just a product to be purchased but a meaningful investment for families to honour their loved ones, and Council’s cemeteries team can provide guidance if you need it.

09/11/2025

The reason why our Otago/Southland Local Association members couldn't do their scheduled community project during Cemeteries Week. Major clean-up work required at St John's Cemetery first following the recent devastation from the storm.

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31/10/2025

NZMMMA Central Districts members show their support of NZ Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective Cemeteries Week.

Monumental masons from throughout the district got together to share the mahi at Mangatainoka Cemetery in Pahiatua - using their knowledge and skills to repair and restore some of these beautiful historic headstones. Great community spirit.

Many thanks to Friends of Mangatainoka Pahiatua Cemetery for their support.

27/10/2025

NZMMMA members of the Central Districts Local Association are gearing up to support NZ Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective Cemeteries Week.

Up to 15 monumental masons will be working on-site at Mangatainoka cemetery in Pahiatua. Five historic headstone projects are being worked on with work ranging from base re-levels to lead inscriptions restored.

Life Member and NZMMMA President, Kim Stops will be on hand to spend some time with Friends of the Cemetery to give expert tips on grave recording, non-intrusive grave care and a Q&A.

The team expect to be on-site on Friday, 31st October with a reserve day the following Friday if rained out.

24/10/2025

Les Jones and his team at Aorangi & Harding Memorials in Timaru are getting behind NZ Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective Cemeteries Week with the creation of a new memorial honouring unmarked graves in Timaru Cemetery.

The Association is supporting Les and other NZMMMA members in their important community projects happening during Cemeteries Week by supplying financial assistance towards materials.

Our members are passionate about the preservation of our historic cemeteries and capturing the untold stories within them.

Fundraising is under way for a memorial to those who rest at Timaru’s cemetery without recognition, and now the public is being called on to help choose a suitable rock.

23/10/2025

NZMMMA members are excited about their involvement in upcoming community projects to support NZ Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective Cemeteries Week.

We have a variety of projects across New Zealand from re-levelling and restoring headstones to new memorials to commemorate pauper graves. Stay tuned over the coming week as we share more details.

Cemeteries Week is coming – October 31 to November 9

This is your chance to shine a light on your local cemetery – whether it’s a tour, clean-up, storytelling walk, or quiet reflection space.

Let’s come together to celebrate the stories, heritage, and care that keep these spaces alive in our communities.

Plan your event, share your story, and tag

09/10/2025

Another successful training workshop on lead lettering and v-cut held in Dunedin last week. Feedback has been excellent with many enjoying picking up new skills and refining existing techniques, with the added bonus of networking and forming friendships with their industry peers.

Thanks to our wonderful tutors for sharing their knowledge and expertise - NZMMMA Life Members Craig Morton, Dunedin Monumental Masons Ltd and Jamie Rhodes, Rhodes Monumental Masonry and Marcus Wainwright from Wainwright & Hickey. A big thank you to Dunedin Monumental Masons for hosting.

Thanks again to BCITO and Construction Industry Training Organisation for their support in helping make these workshops happen.

29/09/2025

Countdown is on until our next Lead & V-Cut lettering workshop in Dunedin on Friday.
It is great to see good interest in this South Island workshop which is now fully subscribed.

Tutors NZMMMA life members Craig Morton and Jamie Rhodes will be sharing their knowledge and skills, together with Marcus Wainwright from Wainwright & Hickey.

Thanks to Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation for their support of these workshops that help keep these important skills alive in the industry.

28/08/2025

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Anderson, in his 90th year.

Anderson Memorials was one of the founding members of the Association. Richard played an active role over the many years he was involved including as President. Richard was a Life Member of the Association and a passionate industry advocate.

Our sincere condolences go to Tony, Deborah and family on their loss.