Meet the Legend: Daniel Wright, Owner of Dragonstone

"For me, working with stone is more than just a trade - it’s a passion. I’ve always loved the physical aspect of the work, the satisfaction of creating something with my hands, and the connection between construction and artistry. Stone masonry is a craft that demands both strength and a sharp eye for detail. Every day involves lifting heavy materials, sorting through piles of rock, breaking them down, and shaping them to fit seamlessly into place."

"In many ways, it’s like solving a giant, three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. At first, the process can feel slow - there’s a lot of measuring, planning, and trial and error. But over time, experience sharpens your instincts. You start to see patterns in the stone, and the process becomes more fluid. The work never really gets easier, but you get faster, more efficient, and more in tune with the materials. And that’s what makes it so rewarding - standing back at the end of the day and seeing something tangible that you’ve built, knowing it will stand the test of time."

"Queenstown is an incredible place to work. The natural beauty of the landscape makes for an inspiring backdrop, and the high-end builds we work on often allow for creative input. Some projects give you the opportunity to leave a bit of yourself in the work - whether it’s through the way the stones are placed or the way a wall takes shape. I love collaborating with clients, understanding their vision, and then using my skills to bring that vision to life. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming raw, rugged stone into a functional and artistic structure that complements its surroundings."

"What truly inspires me about stone masonry is the combination of artistry and hard work. It’s about more than just stacking stones—it’s about shaping, refining, and crafting something unique and lasting. It’s a physically demanding job, but that’s part of what makes it fulfilling."

"That’s where the connection between Hard Yakka and stone masonry really comes in. Just like in our trade, Hard Yakka is built on toughness, durability, and resilience. The work we do is demanding, and we need gear that can keep up - clothing that’s durable, comfortable, and designed to move with us. Hard Yakka understands that real work requires real gear, and that’s why it’s such a great fit for what we do."

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