Kairuru marble

Kairuru Marble is a coarse-grained, highly crystalline stone which can be polished to a high lustre.

Kairuru Marble was used to build Parliament Buildings from 1915 - 1922. A method known as 'plugs and feathers' was used. After drilling to the run of the marble grain, plugs and feathers were used to wedge the rock free from the marble face. No blasting was involved.

Marble blocks were transported via a tramline to Marahau. Here the marble blocks were loaded onto scows (flat-bottomed boats) and taken to Wellington for cutting.

Parliament House

The Parliamentary complex in Wellington was "intended to give the people of New Zealand a public building to be proud of, built of splendid materials obtained in the Dominion." Coromandel granite was used for the base and Kairuru marble was used from the first floor up.

The Executive Wing of Parliament, commonly known
as the Beehive was the second phase of the Parliamentary complex and built in the 1970s. To enhance the stark concrete, Kairuru marble has been used for decoration internally as well as on the lower external walls.

Kairuru Quarry Today

These days Kairuru marble is mainly used for sculpturing. The historic quarry site can be visited through either a short walk from the house or by 4WD vehicle. Here some of the old machinery used can still be seen.

Examples of Kairuru Marble Sculptures

Quarried marble blocks available for sale .
Please contact us e-mail: or phone 03 528 8091