Students Restore Historic Stone Walls On Otago Peninsula

Media Release - Otago Polytechnic
For immediate release, Tuesday March 26th

Students Restore Historic Stone Walls On Otago Peninsula

Some historic Basalt field walls on Otago Peninsula near Dunedin will last another 100 years thanks to the work of students of New Zealand’s only full time stonemasonry course – Otago Polytechnic’s Certificate in Stonemasonry. The dry stone walls, originally created by carefully fitting stone lying around in fields, date back to the 1880’s.

Master Stonemason and Lecturer Steve Holmes supervised six students on-site last week as part of their course.

“This was an opportunity for students to test the traditional skills we teach. Sections of the walls had collapsed and the property owner invited us to repair them. We stayed onsite in the way the original stonemason’s would have.”

Mr Holmes says Basalt is very different to work with than Schist that’s more common in modern stone work. “You can’t split and shape Basalt as you can Schist. So we develop the skill of expertly fitting each stone by eye. There’s great value in having the skills to maintain these culturally important and functional walls which are found in many parts of the world.”

Originally from England’s Lakes District, Mr Holmes has a background in construction but discovered his passion for stonemasonry while working alongside master stonemasons on stone barn conversions, renovating and remodelling stone houses, and landscaping with stone.

Offered by Otago Polytechnic, the Cromwell-based one-year programme covers an extensive range of practical skills and work experience, producing specialist stonemasonry professionals with a high level of competence and the ability to work independently.

“For someone interested in stonework, Central Otago is an obvious place to be,” says Mr Holmes. “The region is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historic stone buildings dating back 150 years to the gold mining era. There’s a fascinating legacy here of the different regional styles that early European settlers brought with them from the other side of the world.”

Students can enrol now for the mid-year intake by contacting Otago Polytechnic on 0800 765 9276.

Visit Certificate in Stonemasonry (Level 4) for more information or to enrol.

Image: Lecturer Steve Holmes (centre) supervises as Oscar Moon (left) and Ruth McKendry work on a stonewall.

ENDS

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