Maintenance tips for granite and marble headstones in New Zealand conditions
Headstones and memorials are built to last, but New Zealand’s unique climate can be surprisingly tough on stone. In Auckland and across the North Island, a mix of heavy rainfall, high humidity, and strong sun can speed up the growth of moss and lichen, cause staining, and gradually wearing down inscriptions.
With a little care and regular attention, you can help preserve your loved one’s memorial for generations to come. Here are some practical tips tailored to granite and marble – the two most common materials used in New Zealand cemeteries.
How New Zealand weather affects memorials
Rain and humidity: Encourage moss, mould, and lichen growth, particularly on shaded stones or those near trees.
Sunlight and heat: Can fade painted inscriptions, cause fine cracks in marble, and make granite surfaces lose their polished shine over time.
Salt air (coastal areas): Corrosive to bronze plaques and can leave white salt deposits on stone.
Frost and cold: Less common in Auckland, but in colder regions, moisture in stone pores can expand when frozen, leading to small surface cracks.
Do’s and don’ts for headstone maintenance
Do:
Clean gently, once or twice a year. Use soft brushes and water to remove surface dirt before moss takes hold. You can book a regular cleaning schedule with Aster Memorials for hassle-free maintenance – pretty much like having someone mow your lawns on a regular basis.
Use specialist stone cleaners. Biodegradable, non-acidic products designed for granite and marble are safest.
Check inscriptions. If lettering is fading or lifting, arrange re-painting or lead-work before it deteriorates further. This is something Aster Memorials also offers.
Rinse thoroughly. Always flush away any cleaning solution with plenty of clean water.
Seek professional help for stubborn stains. Black lichen, rust, or deep weathering should be handled with professional-grade tools.
Don’t:
Avoid bleach or household cleaners. They can permanently etch or discolour marble, and weaken granite polish.
Never use wire brushes or scouring pads. These scratch the surface and allow water to penetrate, causing further damage.
Don’t water-blast. High-pressure hoses may strip polish, loosen lead lettering, and even crack the stone.
Don’t over-clean. Too-frequent scrubbing wears stone down. A light clean once or twice yearly is usually enough.
Cleaning frequency
Granite memorials: Very durable. A gentle clean once a year is usually sufficient, though highly shaded or damp sites may need attention every 6–12 months.
Marble memorials: Softer and more porous. Best cleaned every 6 months to prevent moss and lichen from staining deeply.
Bronze plaques: Wipe down yearly and polish if desired; re-coating may be needed every few years in coastal conditions.
Long-term preservation tips
Trim overhanging trees where allowed. This reduces shade and falling leaves, which trap moisture.
Improve drainage. Standing water around the base of a headstone accelerates staining.
Photograph inscriptions. Over time, lettering can fade, so keeping a record preserves the details even if stone restoration is needed later.
Schedule professional cleaning. Every few years, a deeper clean and check-up by a memorial specialist ensures the stone remains stable and beautiful.
Looking after a headstone isn’t just about appearances. It’s about honouring a life and making sure your loved one’s memorial remains a place of dignity for family and future generations. With the right care — and by avoiding the common mistakes — granite and marble memorials in New Zealand can last well beyond a lifetime.
If you’d like advice specific to your memorial or to arrange a professional clean, contact Aster Memorials by emailing hello@astermemorials.co.nz.