About MRC Masonry

Our Team

MRC Masonry is a small and passionate team of skilled tradespeople dedicated to quality workmanship and exceptional service. Our senior staff are highly experienced in their trade and bring a wide range of skill in masonry architecture to deliver expert results across all projects. As the next generation of brick layers and masons, our labourers and apprentices are trained, supervised and mentored by senior staff who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills.

The team is led by company director, Mat, who takes a hands-on approach to his role. Working on the tools alongside his crew, he fosters a strong team culture built on respect, reliability, staff wellbeing and a “family first” approach to work-life balance.

When you work with MRC Masonry, you choose a team that values expert craftsmanship, reliable service and attention to detail in each of their projects.

Meet Mat

In 2004, Mat Climo picked up a trowel and began labouring for a local bricklayer to see if he liked it. More than 20 years later, Mat has worn through numerous trowels in his journey to becoming one of Canterbury’s most respected and sought-after brick, block, and stone specialists.

His passion for his craft has seen him contribute to projects that include innumerable homes for Cantabrians, earthquake repairs, and heritage restorations such as the Municipal Chambers on Worcester Street, a Queen Anne style brick building which is Heritage 1 listed. Mat prides himself on his expertise in masonry, professional team, excellent communication, and an artist’s attention to detail.

Managing director and founder

FAQs

How much does it cost to clad a house in brick or stone in Canterbury?

Like many aspects of construction, it varies depending on the brick or stone you choose, complexity, building size, mortar colour and the height of the house, as well as additional decorative features you’d like to include. There is a wide variety of brick and stone available to suit most budgets and styles, some is manufactured or quarried in New Zealand, while other products are imported.

Things to consider:

Work is generally quoted on a per-meter or by hourly rate.
Multi-storey houses require scaffolding for access, and the costs increase for work completed over certain heights.
You can provide your own brick or stone, and we can quote for labour-only to clad a house. MRC Masonry can also quote to supply materials from one of our trusted wholesalers.

How much does it cost to build a retaining wall or block foundation in Canterbury?

Many block structures are complex and require building consent and planning from an engineer. When it comes to laying your blocks, you can expect to pay more for block laying than you would for bricklaying work, as blocks are complex to work with, require meticulous planning and are physically demanding to lay.

How far in advance should I book my bricklayer or mason?

Stone masons and bricklayers are in high demand in Canterbury, we recommend you schedule with your bricklayer as early as possible, as many are booked out several months in advance. It’s very unlikely you’ll be able to secure a bricklayer or mason at short notice.

What’s the delivery time for bricks and stone?

MRC Masonry can supply stone for your masonry project. New Zealand quarried stone is cut to order and currently takes around 20 weeks to deliver. Most brick styles, either imported or New Zealand made require wholesale orders and delivery lead time can vary.

What are the benefits of brick or stone over other cladding systems?

Brick and stone are tried-and-true cladding systems, they provide strength and thermal performance, is low maintenance and offers timeless visual appeal; it doesn’t rot, warp or decay. After many years, some mortar needs to be re-pointed and some stone, like Oamaru stone requires occasional re-sealing, which keeps your cladding looking like new.

Does MRC Masonry work on private builds?

If you are managing your own residential build, MRC Masonry can help. Give us a bell if you’d like to chat about your options or get advice.

Can I get a quote from MRC Masonry for brick, block or stonework?

Absolutely, we can quote for any brick, block or stonework. If you need complex repairs or restoration, we’re happy to work with you, but in some cases, we charge a quoting fee. This allows us to thoroughly assess the scope of the work and provide accurate advice, clear planning and a comprehensive quote before you start your project.

If you have any other questions about brick, block or stonework, we welcome you to reach out and ask.

What our clients say

“Matt and the team from MRC Masonry were world class with their block, stone and schist work at our new build. They did a fantastic job, carefully nailing all the detail to a very high standard. They were also a delight to have on the site - polite and respectful at all times. I highly recommend the MRC team”
Andy EllisHomeowner

“I’ve worked alongside Matt and his team both as a Project Manager for one of New Zealand’s largest builders and on a personal level whilst building my own family home.

Year on year, they continue to set the standard for quality brick and block laying in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.

Their professionalism, communication, and attention to detail are unmatched, with every project completed to an exceptionally high standard.

I look forward to teaming up on future projects with Matt and the MRC team for many years to come.”
Bede CavanaghProject Management

“I’ve been dealing with Matt on such a varied scope of jobs now and nothing is ever too hard for him or his team. From brick letterboxes and brick features to literally ‘tonnes’ of shist.

There is yet to be a project in which they haven’t delivered.

The team at MRC Masonry are always great to have on site to not only get the job done but have a great time and provide the banter while doing it.

Matt is always thinking ahead with clear communication on product, potential issues, or anything else to ensure the project runs smoothly. As a project manager, it is these kinds of contractors that we love to deal with.

One highlight was working with them on our Harts Creek Lane project where they put in months of work to our Shist cladding and it truly has become a standout feature of the home seen from every area of the house, inside and out truly showing their craftsmanship.

Any job big or small, if you want it done well Matty is your guy!”
Alex Hannah

Ready to build
something enduring?

Contact us today to discuss your project requirements or request a detailed
quotation for your next residential or commercial build.