Co-author, Louise Foord speaks to the IOQNZ members at the launch of Profiles in Stone book

The launch of Profiles in StoneStories from New Zealand Quarrymen has been the culmination of nearly three years work behind the scenes. Louise Foord and co-author Neil Clayton interviewed the folks whose stories are told in the book. There’s a chapter on the inspectors too, who many regarded as close friends. And stories from the wives of quarrymen gone too early – Ken Ludlam, Tom Linnell and Dennis Cochrane – proudly told by Joan, Mavis and Aileen.

At the launch were:

  • Russell Vickers, quarryman Stratford and former IOQNZ president
  • Don Bellingham from Kaitaia, the northernmost quarry in NZ;
  • Joan Ludlam widow of former IOQNZ Chairman / guru of sand and gravel extraction, Ken Ludlam (Waikanae / Otaki)
  • President Gavin Hartley
  • Aileen Cochrane widow of former Northland Branch Secretary and Wilsonville Lime quarryman, Dennis Cochrane
  • Robert Webster, a lime expert following in his father Bruce Webster’s shoes
  • George Cunningham, former IOQNZ Chairman, eloquent quarryman who served on both IOQNZ and AQA Councils
  • Bryan Bartley co-inventor of the Barmac crusher and the first IOQ International President
  • Wally Yelavich, Life member of the AQA, retired quarryman Te Henga Quarry, near Bethells Beach, Auckland

A handful of people whose stories feature in Profiles in Stone


The book is free to current IOQNZ members but additional copies can be purchased via the website Shopping menu.